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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.

Our customers rate us

based on 10,760+ reviews

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.

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.

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.

Is WHOIS lookup free?

Yes! Our WHOIS domain owner lookup tool is totally free. There is no cost and you can conduct unlimited searches on however many domains you want. Doing a URL lookup is simple, free and enables you to check domain info whenever you need.

What's the difference between a WHOIS lookup and a URL lookup?

There isn't a difference between a WHOIS lookup and URL lookup — they're simply two names for the same search. You can type in just the domain name (like wix.com) or paste the full URL (like https://www.wix.com), and the tool will pull the same ownership and registration details either way.

Find out WHOIS
behind the name.

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