Domains · Website glossary

WHOIS

Quick answer · What is WHOIS?

A traditional protocol and lookup system for accessing domain registration information.

IN PRACTICE

WHOIS: an example

A legacy registration lookup may show a registrar, status codes, and registration dates.

KEEP IN MIND

Public output may be redacted or replaced by newer services; absence of a name is not evidence of wrongdoing.

Put the idea to work

Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of WHOIS?

A legacy registration lookup may show a registrar, status codes, and registration dates.

Does a redacted WHOIS result mean something is wrong?

Public output may be redacted or replaced by newer services; absence of a name is not evidence of wrongdoing.

Which concepts should I read alongside WHOIS?

RDAP: The Registration Data Access Protocol provides structured access to internet registration data.
Registrant: The person or organization holding the registration rights for a domain under its registration agreement.