How to use the WHOIS lookup
- Type a domain name into the field, such as example.com. Leave out http://, https:// and any path.
- Press "Look up domain".
- Read the registration record: creation date, last update, expiry date and nameservers.
- Check the status line to see whether the domain is active, pending transfer or otherwise flagged.
What a WHOIS record tells you
WHOIS is the public directory of domain registrations. Every domain is recorded by a registrar, and most of that record is published for anyone to query. The lookup returns the dates that matter for managing a name — when it was first registered, when the record was last changed, and when it is due to expire — plus the nameservers that currently answer for it.
The status field is the most important one to watch. A domain in a normal state will show an active status, while values such as "pending delete" or "redemption period" mean the name is in the process of expiring or has already lapsed. Knowing how to read this line can tell you whether a name you want is available soon or whether a domain is locked against transfer.
Why check a domain before you buy or transfer it
If you are considering buying a second-hand domain, a quick WHOIS check shows you its age — older names can carry more history, both good and bad. It also reveals the registrar holding the name and the nameservers in use, which is useful when you are planning a transfer and need to know where the name will move from. Before you start a transfer, confirm the domain is not locked, since a lock will block the move until the current owner removes it.
What WHOIS cannot show
Privacy protection now hides the registrant's name, email and address on many domains, so an empty or redacted contact section is normal rather than a problem. The lookup also shows the record as it is cached at query time, which can lag a recent change by a short while. For the technical side of a domain — its live DNS answers — use our DNS Lookup tool instead.