WHOIS is a protocol and public database that stores registration information for domain names and IP addresses. First described in RFC 812 in 1982, it remains the primary tool for identifying domain owners.
What a WHOIS Record Contains
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Name | The domain name | example.com |
| Registrar | Domain registrar | ZevsHost, GoDaddy |
| Registration Date | Initial registration date | 2010-05-14 |
| Expiry Date | Expiration date | 2027-05-14 |
| Name Servers | Domain NS servers | ns1.zevshost.net |
| Registrant | Domain owner | Hidden with Privacy Protection |
💡 SEO Tip: Always check WHOIS before buying a used domain. Domain age affects Google's trust — a domain registered in 2010 carries more authority than a brand-new one.
Running a WHOIS Query
whois example.comWHOIS and GDPR
Since GDPR took effect in 2018, EU registrars must hide personal owner data. Most WHOIS records today show anonymized information or registrar contact details instead of personal data.