Free WHOIS Lookup Tool
Free WHOIS lookup tool — check domain registration dates, registrar info, expiration, nameservers, and DNSSEC status for any domain.
What Is WHOIS?
WHOIS is a query-and-response protocol used to look up registration information about domain names. It reveals the registrar, registration and expiration dates, nameservers, and domain status codes.
The traditional WHOIS protocol (port 43) is being replaced by RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol), which provides structured JSON responses and better access controls. Both serve the same purpose: making domain registration data publicly accessible.
Understanding Domain Status Codes
Domain status codes indicate a domain's current state. Common statuses include "clientTransferProhibited" (transfer locked), "clientDeleteProhibited" (deletion locked), and "ok" or "active" (normal operation).
"Client" prefixed statuses are set by the registrar, while "server" prefixes are set by the registry. Statuses like "redemptionPeriod" or "pendingDelete" indicate a domain is being released.
WHOIS Privacy and Domain Lifecycle
Since GDPR took effect in 2018, many registrars redact personal information from WHOIS results. Contact details are typically hidden behind privacy services. This is standard practice and does not indicate anything unusual.
Every domain follows a lifecycle: registration, active use, renewal, and potentially expiration. After expiration, a domain enters a grace period (~30 days), then a redemption period (~30 days at higher cost), and finally becomes available for public registration.
Run a Free WHOIS Lookup
Enter any domain above to view its registration data via RDAP — the modern successor to legacy WHOIS. Results include registrar, registration and expiration dates, nameservers, domain status codes, and DNSSEC information.
Want to investigate further? Use the NS Lookup to verify the domain's nameservers match its WHOIS data, or try the RDAP Lookup for the complete raw registration record with all available contact and event details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WHOIS and how is it different from RDAP?
WHOIS is a legacy protocol (port 43) for querying domain registration data. RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) is its modern replacement, providing structured JSON responses, standardized access controls, and better internationalization support. RDAP is now the preferred method used by registries and registrars. This tool uses RDAP to retrieve registration data.
What information can I find with a WHOIS lookup?
A WHOIS lookup reveals public registration information including: the domain registrar, registration and expiration dates, last update date, nameservers, domain status codes (like clientTransferProhibited), and DNSSEC status. Use this WHOIS lookup tool to check any domain. Depending on privacy settings, it may also show registrant contact information.
Can I hide my personal information in WHOIS/RDAP records?
Yes. Most registrars offer WHOIS privacy protection services that replace your personal contact information with proxy details. Additionally, since GDPR took effect in 2018, registrars automatically redact personal data for European registrants. Many registrars now offer free privacy protection for all customers regardless of location.
Why is RDAP replacing WHOIS?
RDAP replaces WHOIS because the original protocol had significant limitations: unstructured text responses that varied between registrars, no standardized access controls, no support for internationalized domain names, and no built-in authentication. RDAP addresses all of these issues with structured JSON, standardized queries, and secure access mechanisms.
What's the difference between registrant, admin, and technical contacts?
The registrant is the legal owner of the domain. The admin contact has authority to make administrative decisions about the domain. The technical contact manages the domain's DNS and technical infrastructure. In practice, small organizations often use the same person for all three roles, while large organizations may assign different departments to each role.