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Utility #5RDAP & WHOIS
WHOIS Lookup & Domain Registration Checker
Retrieve authoritative domain registration records, sponsoring registrar details, creation and expiration dates, nameservers, and EPP status codes via modern RDAP and WHOIS protocols.
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Domain Registration & RDAP Guide
Understanding WHOIS & RDAP Protocols
WHOIS is a standardized query and response protocol used for querying databases that store the registered users or assignees of an Internet resource. Modern registries are actively migrating to RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol), delivering structured, cryptographically validated RESTful JSON responses over HTTPS.
Registrar vs Registry Entities
The Registry (e.g. Verisign for .com) manages the master authoritative TLD database. Registrars (e.g. Namecheap, Cloudflare, GoDaddy) are accredited entities selling domain leases directly to registrants.
Domain Expiration Lifecycle
Unrenewed domains transition through a 30-day Grace Period, followed by a 30-day Redemption Period (requiring extra restoration fees), and a 5-day Pending Delete cycle before returning to the public pool.
WHOIS Privacy & GDPR Redaction
Following ICANN Temporary Specifications and international privacy regulations (GDPR/CCPA), personal identifying info (name, address, phone) is automatically masked by privacy proxy services.
Domain Registration EPP Status Codes & Lifecycle Guide
Standard Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) status codes defined by ICANN and RFC 5731 indicating domain lock status and lifecycle states.
| EPP Status Code | State / Level | Meaning & Operational Impact | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| ok / active | Normal | Domain is active, resolving in DNS, and can be modified or transferred. | Enable Registrar Lock for enhanced security. |
| clientTransferProhibited | Registrar Lock | Prevents unauthorized transfer attempts to another domain registrar. | Standard security best practice. Unlock only when transferring. |
| serverTransferProhibited | Registry Lock | Highest-tier lock set directly by the TLD Registry (e.g. Verisign). | Used for high-value enterprise domains. Requires registry contact. |
| clientHold / serverHold | Suspended | Domain is suspended. DNS nameservers will not resolve or serve traffic. | Contact registrar immediately (due to billing, verification, or dispute). |
| autoRenewPeriod | Grace Period | Domain expired. Registrant has 30 to 45 days to renew without extra fees. | Renew through registrar before domain enters Redemption. |
| redemptionPeriod | Redemption | Grace period expired. Domain can only be restored with penalty fees. | Pay registrar restoration fee within 30 days before deletion. |
| pendingDelete | Final Deletion | Domain cannot be restored. Queued for public release within 5 days. | Wait for drop catch or register when made publicly available. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions regarding domain registration lookups and RDAP data.
Under ICANN's GDPR compliance requirements and WHOIS Privacy services, personal identifying information is automatically masked to prevent spam, identity theft, and unsolicited marketing.
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