How Do I Do a Domain Name Lookup?

If you would like to see if a domain is already registered, you can do a quick and simple domain name lookup. You can also check the status of a domain name you know to be registered. However, you must use two separate databases to perform these functions.

To see if a domain name is available, you must perform your domain name lookup through the master domain name database. You can access it by visiting any registrar. Type in the domain name you would like, press enter, and the registrar will automatically peruse the entire database for you. If the domain name is already registered the registrar will ask you to try another domain name. If not, you may purchase the domain for yourself.

If you know a domain name is registered, you can access the WhoIs database to find out who owns it. In addition to this, the database will tell you when the domain is expected to expire. With this information, you may contact the owner and offer to purchase the domain name from him.