What is WHOIS?
WHOIS is a public database that holds the information collected when a domain is registered or an IP address is assigned. There are many online tools for displaying this information.
Example WHOIS tools:
What are the domain status codes in a WHOIS lookup?
Every domain has at least one status code, but can have more than one. The domain status codes, also known as EPP status codes, can indicate the domain's current stage in its life cycle. EPP stands for “Extensive Provisioning Protocol”. Learn more about these codes from ICANN. Note: The registrar controls the domain status code.
ICANN WhoIs Verification Process
Overview
- ICANN, the organization responsible for managing the domain name system (DNS) worldwide, requires that all domains have up-to-date contact information.
- All ICANN-accredited Registrars must formally remind their customers once a year to review and update the contact information for their domain name.
- An ICANN domain that has not been verified typically has the status of Pending Verification, and after a certain period (usually 15 days), it is changed to a Suspended or ClientHold status. Once verified, the domain will be reactivated and will function as normal.
When do I need to verify my WhoIs information?
Registrars will request WhoIs verification whenever the domain contact information is updated or when a new domain is registered. This helps protect against unauthorized transfers.
You may also receive an email when renewing your domain or even at random times. These random verification emails will only occur once every few years.
How do I verify my contact information?
The good news is that it is very easy to verify your WhoIs information.
- If the information on the email is still up to date, you can verify right away by clicking the link in the email you received.
- If the information is no longer valid, you need to update your domain contact information.
After updating the contact information, you will receive two new emails.
- Email 1 will be a notification email advising you that the contact information for your domain has been updated.
- Email 2 will be a new verification email. As stated above, click the link to verify the domain.
What if I did not receive an email?
There are two main reasons registrants don’t receive their verification email: 1) Their email flagged it as SPAM, and 2) Their domain email contact is no longer valid.
If you haven’t received a verification email and your website or email suddenly stops working, please contact our support team to request a new one be sent out. Alternatively, you can update your domain contact information, which will prompt the two emails that were mentioned above. When you verify the domain, it will be reactivated within the next few hours.
What is a 60-day lock for ICANN domains?
Please be advised that making any registry edits to domain information places it in a 60-day lock period, as required by ICANN, the governing body for generic top-level domain (gTLD) domains. A locked domain will still function normally. It just means you can't transfer it to another registrar for 60 days.