What WHOIS tells you
Every registered domain has a record of who registered it and when. WHOIS, and its modern successor RDAP, expose the public parts of that record: the registrar that manages it, the key dates, the current status, and the name servers that run its DNS.
Pair this with a DNS lookup to see the domain's live records, or check its SSL certificate.
Frequently asked questions
What is a WHOIS lookup?
It returns registration details for a domain, such as the registrar, when it was registered, when it expires, and its name servers. This tool uses RDAP, the modern replacement for classic WHOIS.
Why can't I see the owner's name?
Most registries now redact personal contact details for privacy, often using a privacy service. You'll usually see the registrar and dates, but not the individual's name.
How do I check when a domain expires?
Enter the domain above and look at the Expires field. It's handy for spotting domains about to lapse or confirming your own renewal dates.