WHOIS Lookup

What is a WHOIS lookup?

WHOIS is a query/response protocol for looking up domain registration records. It reveals who registered a domain (or their privacy proxy), which registrar was used, when it was registered and when it expires, and which nameservers it uses.

Why is the registrant information hidden?

GDPR and similar privacy laws led most registrars to offer WHOIS privacy protection (also called domain privacy or proxy registration). Instead of showing the registrant's personal details, the registrar's proxy information is displayed. This is now the default for most new registrations.

What is the difference between a registrar and a registry?

A registry manages a TLD (e.g. Verisign manages .com). A registrar is accredited to sell domain registrations (e.g. GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains). You register domains with a registrar; the registry maintains the authoritative database. RDAP data comes from the registry.

Can I find who owns a domain through WHOIS?

Often no — WHOIS privacy is nearly universal today. However, you can still see the registrar and registration dates. For business-related domains, the organization name may appear even with privacy protection. Some TLD registries disclose more data than others.