WHOIS for a domain

Reading a WHOIS result, field by field

WHOIS is the public directory of domain names. For every registered domain, the registry that runs the extension (Verisign for .com, PIR for .org…) keeps a technical record. NetCheck first asks IANA which registry is responsible, then queries it directly: you get the official record, not a cached copy.

The “View raw response” link shows the exact text returned by the registry. It is useful for fields some extensions add: abuse contact, DNSSEC, reseller.

Understanding status codes

• clientTransferProhibited: transfers to another registrar are locked. It is the default at most registrars, and good protection against domain theft. You must lift it from your account before a transfer.
• clientDeleteProhibited and clientUpdateProhibited: deletion or changes are blocked, on the same principle.
• serverTransferProhibited: the lock is set by the registry itself, for instance during the 60 days after a registration or transfer.
• clientHold or serverHold: the domain is suspended and no longer resolves. Common causes: unpaid invoice, unverified contact address, dispute.
• redemptionPeriod: the domain expired and was deleted, but the previous owner can still recover it, often for a hefty fee.
• pendingDelete: deletion is imminent and recovery is no longer possible. The domain becomes available again a few days later.
• ok or active: no particular restriction.

What happens when a domain expires

For generic extensions such as .com, the cycle is set by ICANN. After the expiry date comes a grace period whose length depends on the registrar, often 30 to 45 days: the domain may stop working, but can still be renewed at the normal price. It then spends 30 days in the redemption period, where recovery is still possible but expensive. Finally, 5 days of pendingDelete come before the name is released to the public. Country-code extensions (.uk, .de…) follow their own rules: check your registry.

The right habit: turn on auto-renewal and check the expiry date of your important domains now and then. A lost domain means a lost website, lost email addresses and lost search rankings, sometimes snapped up at once by domain resellers.

Four practical uses

• Before buying a second-hand domain: the creation date shows its age, and a past suspension status can reveal a dubious history.
• To spot a scam: a site posing as a bank or a big brand whose domain was created a few days ago should raise suspicion.
• To prepare a transfer: check that the clientTransferProhibited lock has been lifted and that the domain is not within its first 60 days.
• After changing name servers: the matching field confirms the registry has taken the change into account, even before DNS propagation.

WHOIS and RDAP

WHOIS is an old, free-text protocol whose format varies from one registry to the next. Its successor, RDAP, returns structured data and handles access to protected information better. Since 2025, ICANN no longer requires generic-extension registries to keep the legacy WHOIS service running, and some now answer only over RDAP. If a lookup fails for a specific extension, that is often why.

Frequently asked questions

Why isn't the owner's name shown?

Since the GDPR, registries and registrars hide the details of private individuals, and often those of companies too. Dates, registrar, statuses and name servers remain public. To reach an owner, use their registrar's contact form or the abuse contact listed in the raw response.

How do I know whether a domain is available?

If the registry answers that no record exists, the domain is probably free. Always confirm with a registrar before relying on it: some names are reserved or being deleted.

Is the expiry date shown reliable?

It comes from the registry, so it is the reference. But some registries push the date forward as soon as it passes, while waiting to see whether the registrar renews: a domain can look renewed while it is actually in its grace period. The status never lies.

Can I change registrar at any time?

Yes, except during the 60 days after a registration or a previous transfer, and provided the transfer lock is lifted. For generic extensions, a transfer usually adds one year to the expiry date.