A Quick Guide To Finding the Owner of a Domain Name

Key takeaways:

• How to easily find out who owns a domain name.  
• How to use the WHOIS to find the domain owner’s contact information. 
• What to do in case you can’t identify the owner. 

Finding out who owns a domain name can be straightforward in some cases, but more challenging in others. It often requires a bit of research and detective work to find the information you need. And, when doing detective work, you need to ask questions based on what you have—or ones that will lead you to the right information.  

So, if you’re here to learn how to find a domain owner, it’s safe to say that you’re either:  

• buying and selling a domain, 
• finding a way to resolve a domain-related dispute, or 
• simply curious about who owns a website. 

Regardless of your reason, there are various ways to find out the identity of a domain owner. 

How to find a domain owner 

Assuming you want a domain name that’s already registered, these steps will help you find the owner of that domain. But, before going to the steps, it’s necessary to remember these when looking for a domain name owner: 

• Privacy is a shield. Not all owners choose to leave their names publicly visible. Some may opt for privacy protection measures, making your detective work a bit more challenging.  
• Registrars have a huge role to play. Domain registration typically happens through domain name registrars, like Network Solutions. They hold the records for as long as the domain is registered through them.  
• Time is important. Domain names can be registered for up to 10 years at a time. So, if you’re eyeing a domain that’s been registered for a decade, you might have to wait until it expires to get it—if the current owner refuses to give up. 

Now, we’re all set to get started! 

Optional Step. Visit the website 

Visit the website associated with the domain name. Often, websites provide contact information or an “About Us” page where the domain owner’s identity is available. Although it’s good to note that this method, while not always definitive, can provide valuable clues. 

If the website offers no direct contact information, use public archives such as The Wayback Machine. This tool allows you to view historical snapshots of the website, which may contain contact details or other useful information. 

Step 1. Research using a WHOIS 

The WHOIS database is a repository of domain ownership information. It stores domain name details such as its registrant’s name, address, and contact information. To perform a WHOIS lookup, simply type the domain name into its search bar and wait for the information to show. 

Note: Domain owners can keep their information private with Domain Privacy to avoid getting spam calls and emails.  

When encountering this roadblock, there are still ways to utilize the information in WhoIs to find out who owns the domain name. How? Use the email address showing in the private registration, oftentimes, forwards to the domain owner, depending on their email settings. 

Additionally, WHOIS reveals the registrar—the company that helped register the domain name, the date it was first registered, when it expires, and its status. This helps you assess when the domain becomes available. 

Inactive domains or domains close to their expiration date have a higher likelihood of becoming available. For such cases, a domain backorder to secure the domain once it is available.  

Note: Domain backorder still follows the first come, first served practice. So, placing a backorder won’t guarantee its registration under your name.  

Step 2: Contact the domain registrar 

If Step 1 fails, directly contact the registrar of the domain name. As mentioned earlier, WHOIS provides information about the domain registrar. You can find their contact information on their website or through a simple Google search.  

If privacy is enabled, you can use information included in the directory listing or look up the registrar’s contact information on their website. While registrars may not divulge all the information because of privacy restrictions, they still have obligations to address activities associated with the domain. 

Buying a registered domain name 

Buying a domain name that’s already registered requires a few more steps than a regular registration. 

Before contacting the owner, gauge its online reputation. An established domain can inflate the domain price, potentially skyrocketing the price from a couple dollars to tens or hundreds of thousands. Here’s what you have to consider before making the decision. 

• Research ahead of time. Before reaching out to the owner, get a sense of the domain’s worth. Length, keywords, and history all play a part. Domain appraisal services or experienced brokers can offer valuable insights, too. 
• Make the first move. Reach out with courtesy. Express your interest and gauge their openness to selling. Avoid mentioning prices at this stage. 
• Show empathy. Remember, this domain might hold sentimental value or strategic importance to the owner. Be respectful of their perspective and keep an open mind during negotiations. 
• Find a sweet spot. Start with a fair offer based on your research. Be prepared for counterproposals and stay flexible. Highlight the mutual benefits a sale could bring. 
• Ensure a safe transaction. Secure the transaction with an escrow service. They’ll hold the funds until both parties fulfill the end of the bargain, giving everyone peace of mind. 
• Formalize the deal. When it’s official, put the terms, transfer process, and any conditions in writing. A legal contract protects both sides, so consider involving a lawyer if needed. 
• Complete the domain transfer. Once payment is made, initiate the domain transfer and change of domain ownership through the registrar. Double-check every step to ensure a smooth handover. 

Exploring domain alternatives 

If acquiring your dream domain proves challenging, you’ll have to check alternatives. The vast ocean of the internet holds countless possibilities; a little creativity and research can lead you to the perfect alternative. 

• Domain name variations. Consider exploring slight variations of your desired domain name, such as adding or removing hyphens, using different word combinations, or employing alternative spellings. 
• New domain extensions. Explore newer domain extensions, such as .co,  .tech, .io, or .app, which can offer a fresh and distinctive identity for your brand and have a greater likelihood of being available. 
• Branded keywords. Incorporate relevant keywords into your domain name to enhance brand recall and stay top of mind. 
• Creative branding. Embrace creativity in your branding strategy to differentiate your business, even if your domain name isn’t your ideal choice. With new tools such as our AI Domain Name Generator, finding the perfect domain just got a lot easier. 

Securing your ideal domain is stepping the right foot forward to a successful online venture. What happens after buying your domain? The next step is where you plan the website and its content, design, and user experience—all of these play important roles in establishing a strong brand and attracting visitors. 

Network Solutions: Your partner for online success 

As the world’s first domain provider, we’ve witnessed the internet’s evolution from its early stages to the boundless realm that it is today. With decades of experience and expertise, our resources and tools will help empower you in your online journey. 

From assesing a domain’s value before making an offer. Our certified domain valuation service provides invaluable insights. And when you’re ready to claim your chosen name, our seamless domain registration process ensures a smooth transition. We’ll help you navigate through it seamlessly. 

Partner with Network Solutions now and embark on your digital journey with confidence. 

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