How do I look up a domain's WHOIS record?
Enter a domain name into the field above and click 'Look up'. The tool queries the domain's authoritative WHOIS server directly and returns registration details within a few seconds.
What is WHOIS?
WHOIS is a public protocol used to look up who a domain is registered to, which registrar manages it, and key dates such as when it was created and when it's due to expire. It's run by the registries and registrars responsible for each top-level domain, not by any single central authority.
What does this tool check?
It reports the registrar, creation and expiry dates, domain age, days until expiry, name servers, domain status codes, DNSSEC status and, where available, registrant organisation and country.
How does this tool work?
It first asks IANA's bootstrap WHOIS server which registry is responsible for the domain's top-level domain, then queries that registry directly. Where a registry only holds a 'thin' record, it follows the referral to the registrar's own WHOIS server for the full ('thick') record – the same multi-hop process a WHOIS client performs manually.
Why don't I see the registrant's name or address?
Most registrars redact personal registrant details by default to comply with privacy regulations such as GDPR. Organisation and country are sometimes still shown, but individual names, emails and addresses are typically hidden unless the domain is registered to a business that has opted to display its details.
What does 'domain status' mean?
Status codes such as clientTransferProhibited or ok describe restrictions applied to the domain – for example, locks that prevent unauthorised transfers, or a pending deletion after non-renewal. Multiple statuses can apply at once.
What happens when a domain expires?
Most registries allow a grace period after expiry before a domain is suspended and eventually released back for public registration. Exact timeframes vary by registry, but renewing before the expiry date shown here avoids any risk of losing the domain.
Can I query a custom WHOIS server?
Yes. Open the 'Settings' panel to specify a WHOIS server directly, skipping the automatic IANA lookup – useful for private registries or servers that aren't part of the standard referral chain.
Does this tool store the domains I look up?
No. Lookups are performed on demand and results are only shown in your browser – nothing is saved.