About Domain Ownership (WHOIS)

WHOIS is used for querying databases storing the data of the registered users of a domain name, an IP address block, or an autonomous system.

While registering a Domain name, the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) requires the registeree's information (may be individuals, businesses or organisations) and up-to-date personal contact information from the registrars. This information is collected and displayed in the ICANN WHOIS Database, including the name, address, email, phone number, and associated IP addresses, like an address book for the public.

Just type the domain name in question into the search bar above, and Viewing the WHOIS record for any domain name is as simple as. This tool will allow you to search the WHOIS for most top-level domains to show the registrant information and the nameservers and associated IP addresses.

2. Is domain ownership information publicly available?

Yes, domain ownership information is typically public and can be accessed through a WHOIS search. However, some domain registrars offer WHOIS privacy protection services to keep the owner's personal information confidential.

3. What information does a WHOIS search reveal about a domain?

A WHOIS search can reveal:

Domain owner's name and contact details (unless privacy protection is enabled)

Domain registration date and expiration date

Domain registrar's information

Name servers (DNS) associated with the domain

Status of the domain (e.g., active, expired, or suspended)

4. How can I perform a WHOIS search?

You can perform a WHOIS search by visiting a WHOIS lookup website or using a WHOIS lookup tool provided by domain registrars. Simply enter the domain name you want to query, and the tool will retrieve the information for you.

5. Can I change the owner of a domain after it's registered?

Yes, it is possible to change the owner (registrant) of a domain. This process is known as a domain transfer or registrant update and typically involves updating the contact information in the domain's registration records.

6. Is domain ownership transfer instant?

Domain ownership transfers can take time, usually a few days to complete. The duration depends on the domain registrar's policies, the domain's extension (TLD), and whether the current owner approves the transfer.

7. What is WHOIS privacy protection, and should I use it?

WHOIS privacy protection (or WHOIS privacy, WHOIS masking) is a service that hides your personal contact information from public WHOIS searches. It can help protect your privacy and reduce spam. It's a good option for individuals who want to keep their information private.

8. How can I protect my domain from unauthorized transfers?

To protect your domain from unauthorized transfers, enable domain lock or transfer protection through your domain registrar. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring additional steps to initiate a transfer.

9. Are there restrictions on who can own a domain name?

Generally, domain ownership is open to individuals and entities worldwide. However, some country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) have specific eligibility requirements, and certain domains may have restrictions or requirements imposed by the registry.

10. Can I find out the history of a domain using WHOIS?

While WHOIS records provide information about a domain's registration history, they do not typically contain detailed historical data about changes in ownership or website content. Specialized domain history services and tools may provide more extensive historical data.

Remember that domain ownership rules and WHOIS data access may vary based on domain extensions (e.g., .com, .net, .org) and local regulations. Always review the specific policies of the domain registrar and the domain extension you are interested in.