Registrar
The company the domain is registered with, plus its contact for reporting abuse.
What you’ll see
What a WHOIS lookup tells you
Every registered domain has a public record held by its registry. A lookup reads that record and explains it in plain English.
Key dates
When the domain was first registered, when it was last changed and when it expires.
Nameservers
Where the domain’s DNS is managed, which usually shows where the website and email are hosted.
Status & locks
Whether the domain is active, transfer-locked, on hold or about to expire.
Privacy
Why are the owner’s details hidden?
Most registries and registrars now hide personal contact details, such as the owner’s name, email and phone number. This protects owners from spam and is required by privacy laws such as the GDPR.
The registrar, dates, nameservers and status codes are still public, and they’re usually what you need.
- Want to buy a taken domain? Contact the owner through the registrar’s contact form or email relay.
- Reporting phishing or spam? Use the registrar’s abuse contact shown in the results.
- Checking your own domain? Make sure the expiry date and nameservers are what you expect.
- Moving your domain? Check it isn’t transfer-locked before asking for the EPP code.
Status codes
Common domain statuses, explained
Registries use standard status codes to describe a domain’s state. A domain often has several at once.
clientTransferProhibitedThe registrar lock is on. The domain can’t move to another registrar until the owner unlocks it. This is a normal safety setting.
clientDeleteProhibitedProtects the domain from being deleted by mistake.
clientUpdateProhibitedBlocks changes to the domain’s details, such as contacts or nameservers, until it is unlocked.
serverTransferProhibitedSet by the registry. Often applies for 60 days after a domain is registered or transferred.
clientHold / serverHoldThe domain is suspended and won’t load. Often due to an unpaid renewal or unverified contact details.
redemptionPeriodThe domain has expired. The owner can still restore it, usually for a fee, before it is released.
pendingDeleteThe domain is about to be released and may soon be available to register.
ok / activeNo restrictions. The domain is working normally.
FAQ
WHOIS questions, answered
What is a WHOIS lookup?
WHOIS is the public record of a registered domain. A lookup shows which registrar the domain is registered with, when it was registered and when it expires, its nameservers and its status codes.
What is RDAP, and how is it different from WHOIS?
RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) is the modern replacement for WHOIS. It returns the same kind of information in a structured, secure format. This tool uses RDAP where the registry offers it and classic WHOIS for the rest.
Why can’t I see the owner’s name or email?
Most registries and registrars now hide personal contact details to protect privacy, in line with laws such as the GDPR. To reach an owner, use the contact form or email relay offered by the domain’s registrar.
The domain is registered but has no website. Can I buy it?
A domain can be registered without being used. You can contact the owner through the registrar, or watch the expiry date: if the owner does not renew, the domain goes through a grace and redemption period before it is released.
How do I transfer my domain to HostRomeo?
Look up your domain to check it is not transfer-locked, unlock it at your current registrar, get the transfer (EPP) code, then start the transfer at HostRomeo checkout. Our domain transfer guide explains each step.
Is this WHOIS lookup free?
Yes. You can look up any domain for free. To keep the service fair for everyone, there is a limit on how many lookups one visitor can make in a short time.
Found the name you want?
Register a new domain or bring your existing one to HostRomeo.
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