What is WHOIS?
WHOIS is a query-and-response protocol that lets anyone look up registration information for a domain name or IP address — who owns it, when it expires, and which nameservers it uses.
Definition
WHOIS (pronounced "who is") is both a protocol and a database system that stores registration records for domain names and IP addresses. When you perform a WHOIS lookup, you query a registry or registrar database and receive a record for that domain.
What a WHOIS Record Contains
- Registrant — the individual or organisation that registered the domain (often redacted for privacy)
- Registrar — the company through which the domain was registered (e.g. Namecheap, GoDaddy)
- Registration date — when the domain was first registered
- Expiry date — when the registration expires
- Last updated — when the record was last modified
- Nameservers — the DNS servers responsible for the domain
- Status codes — e.g.
clientTransferProhibitedprevents unauthorised transfers
WHOIS vs DNS
These are related but different systems. DNS translates a domain name into an IP address so browsers can connect to a server. WHOIS tells you who owns the domain and administrative details. A DNS lookup tells you where a domain points; a WHOIS lookup tells you who owns it.
Privacy and GDPR
Since GDPR came into effect in 2018, most registrars redact personal contact information from public WHOIS records and replace it with a privacy proxy. Legitimate registrant contact is still accessible to accredited parties for legal purposes.
Run a WHOIS lookup for any domain instantly: Open WHOIS Lookup →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between WHOIS and DNS?
DNS translates a domain name to an IP address. WHOIS returns ownership and registration details. DNS tells you where a domain points; WHOIS tells you who owns it.
Why is registrant information hidden?
Most registrars now enable WHOIS privacy by default following GDPR. A proxy service is listed instead of the actual owner's personal contact details.
Can I find out who owns a domain?
You can try a WHOIS lookup. If the owner has enabled privacy protection, you will see a proxy contact instead. For trademarked domains, ICANN's dispute process can compel disclosure.