Domain names dominate our day-to-day life on the Internet, but where is a domain registered? Everyone must register their domain name with an accredited domain registrar online.
In this article, we’ll explain the importance of WHOIS information and ICANN databases when registering a domain name and these.
- Use WHOIS or ICANN databases to find where a domain is registered, who owns it, and more
- Domain hosting sites tell you if a domain is available for registration
- ICANN and WHOIS databases are easy to access and use
How to Find Out Where a Domain Is Registered
Notice that a domain name you want is taken when you search for it online? ICANN and WHOIS databases can help you find out how you can make it yours. Here’s how to find out who owns a domain name:
- Use an online WHOIS or ICANN database to search for the domain name.
- This will provide you with information about the registered owner and contact details of the registrar who holds the domain name registration.
- Contact this registrar if you wish to register your domain, transfer an existing one, or make changes to its DNS settings and more.
How to Check If a Domain Is Registered at All
Maybe your initial searches on Google are inconclusive and you can’t be sure whether the domain you want is available for registration. Don’t fret – domain name registrars are easy to use and can help you check in a few quick steps:
- Go to the web page of a domain name registrar, like GoDaddy or NameCheap, and type in the desired domain names
- If the domain appears as available, it means that it has not been registered yet and is buyable at this moment.
- If the domain is unavailable or pricey, it means someone else has already purchased it, and you will have to look for another one or buy out its current owner if you want to get access to it.
How to Find Out Who Owns the Domain Name
As mentioned previously, WHOIS and ICANN databases are full of important information, like who owns a domain name. Here’s how to get that information yourself:
- Go to a WHOIS database website and type in the domain name you want to check into the search box.
- The results will show you who registered the domain name when it was registered, and when it expires. It may also provide other contact information like an email address or phone number associated with that domain name registration.
- If there is no information available in WHOIS, then go to the ICANN database website and search for the domain name.
- The results will provide you with a list of accredited registrars in which the domain is registered.
Are Domain Name Owners Public?
Yes, the information of domain name registrars and owners is generally public. All the contact information associated with a domain is stored in the WHOIS database and ICANN databases.
This allows anyone to view the contact details of the current registrar of any registered domain without having to pay for it or seek permission from the domain name owner.
How to Find Other Domain Registration Details
WHOIS and ICANN databases also provide the important details of domain registrars and owner contact information for all assigned names and domain names. This information is necessary to contact the domain registrar or owner in case of a dispute or issue with the domain registrar listed.
You can also search to learn about the various expiration dates and registration dates of the domain names, giving you a good idea of when the domain names might be put on the market again if it’s unlikely to be renewed.
How to Use WHOIS Database & Other Domain IP Lookup Tools
The first step in using the WHOIS service is to enter the domain name into a WHOIS domain lookup tool like DomainTools or ICANN’s Lookup Tool.
Once you have entered your query into either of these whois data tools, you will be presented with all relevant information about the domain’s registration, including its registrant info (name, address, email address, phone number), the registration date, and when it expires.
While providing domain registration information, WHOIS also provides IP addresses associated with a domain name. This is useful for tracking down malicious websites or finding out which domain registrar a particular website is using.
To access this information, simply enter the domain name into either DomainTools or ICANN’s Lookup Tool and then select “IP Addresses†from the list of options on the right-hand side of your screen.
WHOIS Domain Database
A WHOIS domain database includes the registrant’s contact details, registration date, and expiration date. The following steps will help you use a WHOIS domain database:
- Access a reliable WHOIS lookup tool like DomainTools or ICANN’s Lookup Tool.
- Enter your desired domain into the search bar and hit “enter†to start searching for it in the database.
- Once you get results about your desired domain name, select “Details†from the list of options on the right-hand side of your screen.
- The information provided should include the domain registrant’s contact details, registration date, and expiration date.
ICANN’s Registration Data Lookup Tool
ICANN’s Registration Data Lookup Tool (RDS) is a database that stores all the registration information related to a domain name. It includes the registrant’s contact details, registration date, and expiration date.
Additionally, it also provides IP addresses associated with each domain name listed registrar. To use this tool, follow these steps:
- Access ICANN’s RDS lookup tool by visiting their website or searching for it online.
- Enter your desired domain into the search bar to start searching for its registration data in the database.
- Once you get results about your desired domain name, select “Details†from the list of options on the right-hand side of your screen.
- The information provided should include the domain registrant’s contact details, registration date, and expiration date. Additionally, it will also provide IP addresses associated with each domain name.
Final Word: Find Your Domain Registration Details
Discovering where is a domain registered is not as difficult as it may seem. You can use the public WHOIS database, domain lookup, and ICANN domain lookup databases to find out who owns a domain when it was registered and other important information about the owner.
Knowing this information, you’ll make better decisions when dealing with domains.
Next Steps: What Now?
- See if your preferred domain name is available to register on GoDaddy or NameCheap
- If not, learn more about your domain’s registration status through WHOIS and ICANN Confirmation
- Register your chosen domain name if free, or contact the owner
- Create a website for your new domain with theBest Website Builders