# Checking a domain's WHOIS and nameservers

> Look up who registered a domain, when it expires, its status and which nameservers it uses, with free online tools.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/checking-a-domains-whois-and-nameservers/

A domain's **WHOIS** (or RDAP) record is its public registration record. It shows the registrar, the registration and expiry dates, the domain's status and its nameservers. Personal contact details are usually hidden for privacy.

## Look up a domain

- **`.com`, `.net`, `.org` and other international domains:** use [ICANN Lookup](https://lookup.icann.org).
- **`.ng` domains (`.com.ng`, `.org.ng` and so on):** use the WHOIS search on [NiRA's website](https://nira.org.ng).

Enter the domain name and search.

## What to look for

| Field | What it tells you |
| --- | --- |
| **Registrar** | Which company the domain is registered with. If it's Ruachost, you can manage it in our client area. |
| **Expiry date** | When it must be renewed. See [Renewing an expired domain](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/renewing-an-expired-domain/). |
| **Status** | `ok` or `active` means normal. `clientTransferProhibited` means [registrar lock](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/locking-and-unlocking-your-domain/) is on, which is normal. `clientHold` or `serverHold` means the domain is suspended; see [ServerHold and ClientHold explained](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/domain-suspended-serverhold-and-clienthold/). `redemptionPeriod` or `pendingDelete` means it has expired. |
| **Name servers** | Where the domain points. For Ruachost hosting, they should be `nsa.ruachost.com` and `nsb.ruachost.com`. |

## Check nameservers from your computer

You can also check the nameservers directly:

- **Windows:** open Command Prompt and run `nslookup -type=ns example.com`
- **macOS or Linux:** open Terminal and run `dig ns example.com +short`

Replace `example.com` with your domain.

## Related articles

- [How to change domain nameservers](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/how-to-change-domain-nameservers/)
- [Managing DNS in cPanel and verifying propagation](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/managing-dns-in-cpanel-and-verifying-propagation/)