WHOIS Lookup

Look up domain and IP network registration data using RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol), the modern successor to classic WHOIS port-43 queries. Enter a domain name or public IP to see registrar, registration and expiry dates, domain status flags, and delegated nameservers when published by the registry. RDAP responses are structured JSON from public bootstrap servers — contact details may be redacted under GDPR or registry privacy policies. For legitimate research, due diligence, and network administration — not for harvesting personal data or harassment.

How to Use the WHOIS Lookup

Enter a domain name or public IP address to fetch RDAP registration metadata including registrar, lifecycle dates, status, and nameservers.

  1. Open WHOIS Lookup.
  2. Enter a domain (example.com) or public IP address in the Domain or IP field.
  3. Click Run check to query the public RDAP bootstrap service.
  4. Review Registrar, Created, Expires, and Age summary tiles.
  5. Read Status badges for transfer locks, holds, or other registry flags.
  6. Inspect the Nameservers list to see current DNS delegation.
  7. Copy the JSON result if you need to attach metadata to a ticket or abuse report.

How RDAP lookups work

Your browser requests rdap.org/domain/{name} or rdap.org/ip/{address}. The bootstrap redirects to the authoritative RDAP server for that TLD or RIR. Parsed JSON is displayed as registrar, dates, status, and nameservers.

Worked example

  • Due diligence before buying a domain — confirm expiry date and that status is not serverHold.
  • Verify nameservers match your DNS provider after a transfer.
  • IP network lookup — identify the RIR allocation block for an address seen in server logs.

Common mistakes

  • Expecting full registrant name/email on privacy-protected domains.
  • Confusing updated date with original registration — check Created for age.
  • Looking up private IPs (192.168.x.x) — RDAP only covers public routable resources.

Limitations and privacy

Data accuracy depends on registry updates and may lag live DNS. Redaction policies vary by TLD. This tool is informational — not legal advice on trademark or ownership disputes.

FAQ

What is RDAP and how is it different from WHOIS?

RDAP is a standardized HTTPS JSON protocol for registration data. It replaces legacy WHOIS for many TLDs and returns structured fields instead of unstructured text.

Can I look up an IP address?

Yes. Enter a public IPv4 or IPv6 address to retrieve RDAP network allocation data such as range, name, type, and country when published.

Why are registrant contact details missing?

Many registries redact personal data for privacy (GDPR, ICANN policies, or registrar WHOIS privacy). You may still see registrar, dates, status, and nameservers.

What do domain status codes mean?

Status values like clientTransferProhibited or serverHold indicate registry locks or restrictions. Exact meanings depend on the registry — treat them as flags to investigate further.

Which RDAP server is queried?

Lookups use the public RDAP bootstrap at rdap.org, which redirects to the correct registry operator for the domain or IP resource.

Why does a domain return 404 / not found?

The name may be unregistered, recently deleted, a typo, or an unsupported TLD for the bootstrap path. Double-check spelling and TLD.

Is registration date always the original creation date?

RDAP registration events usually reflect the current registration period. Some transferred or re-registered domains may show a more recent date than historical WHOIS archives.

Does this prove who owns a website?

No. WHOIS/RDAP shows registry metadata, not legal ownership proof. Privacy services and corporate registrants often hide individual identities.

Is my lookup visible to the domain owner?

RDAP queries go from your browser to public registry services. They are not routed through the domain owner, though registries may log access per their policies.

Can I use this to investigate phishing domains?

Yes for legitimate abuse reporting — note registrar, nameservers, and dates, then report through the registrar's abuse contact. Do not use results to harass individuals.