deftools.io Domain & Network

WHOIS Checker

Check domain registration, expiry, registrar, nameservers, and availability via RDAP

About this tool

Every registered domain has a public WHOIS / RDAP record showing who registered it, when it was created, when it expires, who the registrar is, and which nameservers and DNSSEC status it carries. This tool queries that record live via RDAP (the modern, JSON-based successor to the legacy WHOIS protocol) — no command line or whois CLI needed.

Paste a domain like example.com (full URLs are auto-cleaned: https://www. and paths are stripped). The tool tells you immediately whether the domain is registered (green check = available) and lists the registrar, creation date, last-updated date, expiry date, status codes, nameservers, and DNSSEC signing status. Each value has a copy button.

Use it to monitor your own domain renewals, research a domain before buying, check competitor infrastructure, or verify DNSSEC setup. Recent checks are saved locally in your browser for quick re-lookup.

FAQ

What is the difference between WHOIS and RDAP?

RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) is the modern replacement for WHOIS. It returns structured JSON instead of free-form text, supports internationalization, and is mandated by ICANN for all gTLDs. This tool uses RDAP because the responses are reliable and machine-readable; the information shown is the same registration data WHOIS has always exposed.

The tool says "Available" — can I definitely register it?

A 404 from RDAP strongly suggests the domain is unregistered, but it is not a guarantee. Some TLDs do not provide RDAP data, and a domain can be registered but temporarily lacking an RDAP record. Always confirm availability and price with an ICANN-accredited registrar before assuming a domain is free.

Why are some fields missing or showing "—"?

Different registries expose different data. Country-code TLDs (.de, .uk, .fr, …) often hide the registrant for privacy (GDPR). Some registrars redact personal details. The creation, expiry, and registrar fields are usually present for gTLDs (.com, .org, .net) but may be absent for ccTLDs.

Can I check when a domain expires so I can backorder it?

Yes. The Expires field shows the registration expiry date. If a domain you want is already taken, note its expiry — if the owner fails to renew, it enters a grace period, then a redemption period, then becomes available for re-registration. Backordering services watch this timeline for you.

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