WHOIS Lookup

WHOIS is a protocol used to query databases that store registered domain name information. A WHOIS lookup reveals the domain's registrar, creation date, expiry date, name servers, and sometimes registrant contact details (subject to GDPR/privacy restrictions). This tool uses the RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) standard — the modern replacement for legacy WHOIS — via the rdap.org public API.

Tip: Press Ctrl+Enter to lookup

What this tool does

Enter a domain name and this tool queries the RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) system to return the domain's registration details: registrar, creation date, last updated date, expiry date, name servers, and status codes. It also exposes the raw RDAP JSON response if you need the full detail. RDAP is the modern replacement for the older plain-text WHOIS protocol — it returns structured data, handles internationalized domains, and is now required by ICANN for all accredited registrars.

How to use it

  • Type a domain name in the field — just the domain, no https:// needed. The tool strips those automatically.
  • Press Lookup or hit Enter.
  • Check the Expires field to see when the domain renews. If it's soon, and it's a domain you care about, make sure auto-renew is on.
  • The Domain Status section lists EPP status codes like clientTransferProhibited (transfer locked) or serverHold (suspended). These are worth checking if a domain is behaving oddly.
  • Expand Raw RDAP Response if you need fields not shown in the summary — some registrars include additional data in the raw JSON.

What the domain status codes mean

  • clientTransferProhibited — the registrant has locked the domain against transfers. Most registered domains should have this.
  • clientDeleteProhibited — the domain cannot be deleted by the registrar. Common on actively managed domains.
  • serverHold — the registry has suspended the domain, usually for non-payment or abuse. The domain won't resolve.
  • pendingDelete — the domain has been released and is in a redemption grace period before becoming available again.
  • ok / active — normal, no restrictions applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between RDAP and WHOIS?

WHOIS is a legacy protocol from the 1980s that returns unstructured plain text — different registrars format it differently, so parsing it is a mess. RDAP (RFC 7480, introduced around 2015) returns structured JSON with consistent field names. ICANN now requires all registrars to support RDAP. This tool uses RDAP, which means the data is cleaner and more reliable than old-style WHOIS responses.

Why is the registrant's contact information redacted?

Since GDPR enforcement started in 2018, registrars in the EU (and most globally, for consistency) redact personal contact information from public records for individual registrants. You'll see a placeholder like "REDACTED FOR PRIVACY" where the name and email would be. Businesses sometimes leave their details visible. If you need unredacted data for a legitimate reason (abuse complaint, legal), you can go through the registrar's formal request process.

Can I use this to check if a domain is available to buy?

Yes — if the lookup returns a "not found" result or the domain shows a far-future creation date, it may be available to register. But domain availability changes by the second, and some registries don't publish RDAP data for unregistered domains. For a definitive availability check, use a domain registrar's search directly. WHOIS/RDAP is most useful for domains that are already registered.

How quickly does WHOIS data update after a change?

Registration events (new registration, transfer, renewal) usually appear in RDAP within minutes to a few hours. Name server changes show in RDAP quickly, but DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours globally. If you just renewed a domain and it still shows the old expiry date, wait an hour and check again.

Want the full explanation? Read the guide: How to Check If a Domain Is About to Expire (Before It's a Problem) →