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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.
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.
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.
Domain taken? Here’s what you can do
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Check the WHOIS record. See if the domain name you want is actually taken or if it’s just “on hold”.
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Find the domain owner. If the owners’ contact info is public, you could reach out and make them an offer.
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Tweak your domain. Add a word, switch up the spelling or try a different domain ending (like .net, .co or .store).
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Choose a new domain name. Use a domain name generator to brainstorm fresh, available domains.
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.
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WHOIS FAQ
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.
Is it legal to use a WHOIS lookup tool?
Absolutely. Using a WHOIS lookup is allowed and legal worldwide. The service operates under strict ICANN compliance and follows privacy laws like GDPR, so the info you get from a WHOIS check is compliant, legal and safe to use.
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.
What information does a WHOIS lookup show?
When you run a WHOIS lookup, you’ll see details like the registrar who manages the domain including the domain owner’s name, the registration and expiration dates, nameservers and sometimes contact information for the owner or registrant. It’s everything you need to know about a domain’s status and history.
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.