Whois and RDAP explained
A whois or RDAP lookup shows the public record for a domain: who it is registered through, key dates and its status. It is the quickest way to see whether a name might soon expire.
What a lookup shows
- Registrar: the company the name is registered through.
- Dates: when it was created, last updated and when it expires.
- Status codes: such as
clientTransferProhibited(locked),redemptionPeriodorpendingDelete. - Name servers: where its website and email are hosted.
Why owner details are hidden
Since GDPR came into force in 2018, most registries and registrars hide the personal details of owners. You can usually contact the owner through a form or a privacy email address offered by the registrar.
Whois and RDAP
RDAP, the Registration Data Access Protocol, is the modern replacement for whois. It returns the same kind of data in a standard format, and ICANN now requires it for generic extensions. Our whois lookup and domain checker read RDAP directly from the registry.
Status codes that matter when hunting
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
autoRenewPeriod | Recently renewed, possibly automatically after expiry. |
redemptionPeriod | Expired and deleted by the registrar; the owner can still restore it. |
pendingDelete | Will be released within about five days. |
serverHold / clientHold | Suspended: it does not resolve, often because it has expired. |
More in the glossary.
More guides
- How to buy an expired domain
- Types of expired domains
- How to choose a good expired domain
- Expired domain red flags
- Expired domain tools compared
- Aged domains explained
- How to find expired domains
- Are expired domains good for SEO?
- How to backorder a domain
- How many expired domains get caught?
- Expired domains with backlinks
- What is pending delete?
- The domain redemption period
- How .uk domains drop
- How to value a domain
- Redirecting an expired domain
- Building a site on an expired domain
- Expired domain or new domain?
- Drop catching explained
- Expired domains for small businesses
- How to check a domain before you buy
- Expiry, redemption and pending delete
- How we score domains
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I see who owns a domain?
Data protection rules mean most registries hide owners' personal details. The registrar usually offers a contact form or privacy email instead.
What is the difference between whois and RDAP?
RDAP is the newer standard that replaces whois. It gives the same kind of data in a consistent, machine-readable format.
How can I see when a domain expires?
Run a whois or RDAP lookup. The expiry date is shown along with the registrar and status.
Last updated 15 October 2026