WHOIS domain lookup
Find out who a domain's registrar is, when it was registered, when it expires and what state it's in.
✓ Free, no sign-up
How it works
We use RDAP, the official protocol replacing classic WHOIS, which returns structured data straight from the registry. If an extension doesn't offer RDAP yet, we query its WHOIS server. Since 2018 most registrars hide registrants' personal data for privacy, so it's normal to see it redacted.
How to use it, step by step
- Enter the domain you want to look up.
- We query the official registry via RDAP, the modern replacement for WHOIS.
- You'll see the registrar, creation and expiry dates, statuses and name servers.
- If the owner's details are hidden, we show you how to reach them through the registrar.
What it's useful for
- Find out when a domain you want expires.
- Check the registrar before a transfer.
- Make sure your own domain is locked and renewed.
FAQ
How do I contact a domain owner if their details are hidden?
Many registrars offer a contact form or a forwarding email address for the registrant. You can also use an intermediary such as Escrow.com or a domain broker.
What do statuses like "clientTransferProhibited" mean?
They're EPP codes that indicate restrictions. clientTransferProhibited, for example, is the standard transfer lock a registrar sets to protect the domain. We explain every status in the result.
Why can't I see the owner's name?
Since the 2018 privacy rules, most registrars hide personal data. Contact goes through a registrar form or a protected email.
What's the difference between WHOIS and RDAP?
RDAP is WHOIS's official successor: same data, in a structured and more reliable format. ICANN adopted it as the standard for generic domains.
What does clientTransferProhibited mean?
The domain is locked against transfers. It's normal protection; the owner switches it off when moving registrars.
What happens when a domain expires?
It enters a grace period when the owner can still renew; then a redemption period, and if nobody recovers it, it's released for anyone to register.
Can I see how long it's been registered?
Yes, the creation date shows when the current registration started. To see earlier owners' use, try the history tool.