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WHOIS lookup

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Get the details behind any URL address —who owns it, availability and registration info—all with our free WHOIS domain lookup tool.

Everything you can do with a WHOIS search

Check domain availability

Before getting too attached to a domain name, make sure it's actually available. Type the name or URL you want into the WHOIS search bar and check if it's free to register.

Check domain owner details

Use our domain owner lookup to identify a domain's owner, check technical details like the nameserver records and IP address, and find contact information when available.

See when a domain expires

Just because a domain’s taken doesn’t mean it’s off the table. Keep an eye on its expiry date—owners sometimes let them go and you could be next in line to snatch it up.

WHOIS domain lookup:
What it is and how it works

Whenever someone registers a domain, they have to submit info to ICANN—think of it as signing your name in the internet’s public guestbook. This info can be accessed using our free WHOIS lookup tool to find out who owns the domain you’re searching.
 

You can also see their contact info, when the domain was registered and when it expires. Plus, with data sourced from ICANN-compliant registry records, you know you’re getting info straight from the source.

As the internet shifts to RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol)—a newer, more structured way to access domain registration information with stronger GDPR privacy protections—Wix’s WHOIS tool supports both RDAP and WHOIS, so you're covered either way.

The results of a WHOIS lookup showing the domain owners' contact info and the domain's expiry date.

Domain taken? Here’s what you can do

  1. Check the WHOIS record. See if the domain name you want is actually taken or if it’s just “on hold”.

  2. Find the domain owner. If the owners’ contact info is public, you could reach out and make them an offer.

  3. Tweak your domain. Add a word, switch up the spelling or try a different domain ending (like .net, .co or .store).

  4. ​Choose a new domain name. Use a domain name generator to brainstorm fresh, available domains.

Why choose Wix to get your domain

Simple domain setup

Use the search bar to explore 400+ domain extensions, then choose the name you love and make it yours in just a few clicks.

Custom website and email

Build your site, register your domain and set up a professional email—all in one place that's designed to grow with your brand.

Built-in web hosting

Get reliable multi-cloud hosting with top-tier security, a quick setup and 99.99% uptime so your site always stays online.

Privacy and security

Take advantage of SSL protection and total WHOIS privacy to keep your personal information hidden online.

Total transparency

We believe in transparency. There are no extra ICANN fees and you can easily transfer your domain if you want.

Support around the clock

Whether it’s midday or midnight, our experts are here 24/7 via chat, call, articles and tutorials to help you keep moving forward.

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WHOIS FAQ

What is the difference between DNS lookup and WHOIS lookup?

A DNS lookup vs a WHOIS search boils down to what info you’re after. A DNS lookup shows DNS records—like where a domain points for websites or email—while a WHOIS domain name lookup helps you find domain registrar info and registration data, like who owns the domain and when it was registered. So DNS is about how the domain works and not about who owns the domain.

Can I contact the domain owner using WHOIS?

Yes, but it usually happens through a masked process. Due to global privacy laws like GDPR, most personal email addresses and phone numbers are redacted in modern WHOIS search results. However, the record will still provide a Registrar Abuse Contact Email or a secure, anonymous contact URL. You can use these links to send a message that the domain registrar will safely forward to the registrant without exposing their private identity.

How can I find out who owns a domain name?

To find the domain owner, use a WHOIS search or domain lookup tool. This will show you the domain ownership details, including the registered owner’s name or organization, if that info is public. It’s the easiest way to see who’s behind any domain. You can read more about it here.

How accurate is WHOIS data?

The accuracy depends on how up-to-date the registrar keeps the records. Generally, WHOIS info is current because registrars must update domain records to ensure the information is current. When you’re doing a domain registration lookup, keep in mind that sometimes there can be delays or privacy services that mask the details.

How do I do a domain owner search?

Type the domain name into the WHOIS search bar at the top of this page and hit search. If the owner's info is public, you'll see their name or organization, along with registration and expiry dates, nameservers and contact details where available. It only takes a few seconds.

Find out WHOIS
behind the name.

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