What Is ICANN Lookup? Domain Glossary

Why it matters

ICANN Lookup is a good first stop for facts about a domain. A buyer can see when a name was created, when it expires, which registrar holds it and its status codes. A seller can check that their own record looks right before listing. It also helps spot lock statuses that could block a transfer. The tool relies on RDAP, the newer lookup protocol. A common mistake is expecting to find the owner's name and email. Most of that is hidden. For owner contact, use a broker or the contact method on the site.

Source: lookup.icann.org

Where we use this term

Related terms

WHOIS: The older public lookup system for domain registration data, such as the registrar, dates and contacts. Many fields are now hidden for privacy, and ICANN now points users to RDAP-based lookup tools.
Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP): RDAP is the internet standard for looking up domain registration data, such as registrar, status, and key dates. It was created to replace the older WHOIS protocol with structured, secure, and more controlled access.
Registrant: A registrant is the person or organization listed as the holder of a domain name registration. The registrant holds the right to use the name and is responsible for renewals and accurate contact details.
EPP status codes (EPP): EPP status codes are labels set on a domain by its registrar or registry. They show whether the domain can be transferred, changed, renewed, or deleted, and they are visible in lookups.
Expiration date: The expiration date is the day a domain registration ends unless the owner renews it. Registrations run from one to ten years, and the registrar can show the date in account tools and public lookups.

All 205 terms

Why it matters

Where we use this term

Buying or selling a domain?