For every domain that is purchased, a record of the domain (www.myname.com) is created and stored in a large database that is made available to the public for domain lookup. A domain record contains information on who registered the domain and from what company it was registered. The domain owner’s names, address, email address, phone number appears in the domain lookup record. When the domain was registered and when it will expire is also listed along with the domain servers from the hosting company where the domain is hosted.

An important thing to consider when purchasing a domain name is personal security. The domain record will be public information to anyone, anywhere in the world, who does a search for your domain name. When purchasing a domain name always use a post office box address or business address, business telephone number, and business email address. Never use a home address, home phone number, or personal email for domain registration. Another security option is to purchase the privacy feature offered with the domain so no personal information will be displayed in a domain record.

The standard in domain lookup has been WHOIS until recently with the deregulation of the domain industry. Today domain registrars tend to keep their own WHOIS database which tends not to include other registrar’s information from other companies. WHOIS is a free extensive searchable database that allows a domain to be searched by name with the options of 12 different extensions like .com, .org, .biz and more. WHOIS remains the most reliable tool for domain lookup to date.

A domain lookup provides valuable contact information, even when private, that can be used for things like contacting the domain owner for the purpose of business networking or to make an offer to purchase a domain from the current owner.