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Home/Tools/Whois Lookup

Whois Domain Lookup

Look up domain registration details including registrar, creation date, expiry, nameservers, and DNSSEC status. Powered by RDAP.

Understanding Whois & Domain Registration

Whois (pronounced "who is") is a query protocol used to look up information about domain name registrations. When someone registers a domain, their contact information and technical details are stored in a Whois database maintained by the domain registrar and registry.

This tool uses RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol), the modern successor to the legacy Whois protocol. RDAP provides structured JSON data over HTTPS, better internationalization support, and standardized access controls — making it more reliable and secure than traditional Whois.

Best Domain Registrars Compared (2026)

Choosing the right registrar affects pricing, management features, and domain security. Here's how the top providers compare.

Registrar.com PricePrivacyKey FeaturesLink
Cloudflare
Recommended
At cost (~$9.15)FreeNo markup pricing, DNSSEC, CDN integrationVisit
Namecheap
Popular choice
$8.88/yrFreeFree WhoisGuard, DNS hosting, email forwardingVisit
Porkbun
Best value
$9.73/yrFreeFree privacy, SSL, URL forwarding, emailVisit
GoDaddy
Largest registrar
$9.99/yr$10/yr extraHuge TLD selection, website builder, hostingVisit
Google Domains
Now Squarespace
$12/yrFreeGoogle Workspace integration, clean UI, DNSSECVisit

Our recommendation: Cloudflare Registrar offers at-cost pricing with no markup, free Whois privacy, and seamless CDN/DNS integration. For budget-conscious users, Porkbun and Namecheap offer excellent value with free privacy protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Whois lookup?
A Whois lookup queries domain registration databases to find information about who registered a domain, when it was registered, when it expires, which registrar manages it, and what nameservers it uses. This information is maintained by domain registries and registrars.
Can I find out who owns a domain?
It depends. Many domain owners use Whois privacy services that replace their personal information with proxy details. For domains without privacy protection, you can see the registrant's name, organization, and sometimes contact information. GDPR regulations have also limited the exposure of personal data in Whois records for EU registrants.
What is RDAP and how is it different from Whois?
RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) is the modern replacement for the legacy Whois protocol. Unlike Whois (which returns unstructured text over an insecure connection), RDAP provides standardized JSON responses over HTTPS, supports internationalization, and offers better access controls. ICANN requires all registries to support RDAP.
How do I protect my domain registration information?
Most registrars offer Whois privacy (ID protection) — either free or for a small fee — that replaces your personal details with proxy information. Cloudflare, Namecheap, and Porkbun include free Whois privacy. Additionally, enable domain lock (clientTransferProhibited) to prevent unauthorized transfers.
What do domain status codes mean?
EPP status codes indicate a domain's state. "clientTransferProhibited" means the registrar has locked transfers. "active" means the domain is functioning normally. "pendingDelete" means it's about to be released. Status codes starting with "client" are set by the registrar; those starting with "server" are set by the registry.
How can I check when a domain expires?
Use our Whois Lookup tool above and look for the "Expiry Date" field. You can also check your registrar's dashboard. To avoid losing a domain, enable auto-renewal and set calendar reminders for 30-60 days before expiration. Some registrars offer monitoring services with email alerts.

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