WHOIS is the public lookup service for domain registration data: who registered a domain, through which registrar, when it expires and which nameservers it uses. It is being replaced by RDAP, a modern version with the same purpose.
What a lookup shows
- Registrar and its abuse contact.
- Creation, update and expiry dates.
- Domain status codes, such as
clientTransferProhibited(registrar lock is on). - Nameservers.
- Registrant contact details, if not redacted or hidden.
Try it with the MdmHost WHOIS checker.
Privacy after GDPR
Since 2018 most registrars redact personal data of individuals for generic TLDs, showing only the organisation, country and a contact form or anonymised email. Many country-code registries hide personal data entirely. Company names are often still visible.
What privacy protection adds
Privacy or proxy services replace your details with those of a forwarding service, so spammers and scrapers see nothing about you, while messages and legal notices are still forwarded. It is useful where redaction is not automatic. Some TLDs do not allow privacy services.
Why accurate data still matters
- Registrars must verify the registrant email; an unverified domain can be suspended.
- Transfer and ownership approvals go to that address.
- In a dispute, the registrant of record is the legal owner. False details can cost you the domain.
Common questions
Can I hide my name completely? For most generic TLDs your personal data is already redacted, and a privacy service hides the rest. Some country registries publish less by default, while a few require visible owner details for legal reasons.
Does privacy affect SEO or email? No. Search engines do not use WHOIS data for ranking, and privacy does not change how your website or mailboxes work.