DomainTools Help
We're working on improving our products every day. Even so, we realize that there may be times when you have problems or questions about our site, our products, or domain names in general. Find the answers to common questions below. For general issues about domain names themselves, we suggest you look in our ever-expanding Learn section for information on a broad range of topics.
Search For Help
Help Topics
Whois History
How do I get to Whois History?
We've renamed our Domain History product to Whois History and given it a new home in the Research section of DomainTools.com.
Top of page ^
Product Information and Cost
What is WHOIS History?
WHOIS History allows DomainTools members access to historical Whois records. Since 1995, DomainTools has been tracking the Whois history of millions of domains. These records are maintained in the DomainTools database and available to DomainTools Standard and Professional Members. Advantages of the Domain History tool include: Trademark and Copyright disputes can be resolved by viewing Whois history to see who owned the domain at the time of the infringement. Domain transfers can be seen in detail to see who the previous owners of that domain were. Phishing and Fraud sites can be shut down by contacting previous owners or viewing contact information before it was privatized.
Top of page ^How much does WHOIS History cost?
WHOIS History is included for Standard and Professional Members. Novice Members do not have access but may purchase A la Carte access to this service. See the Features & Pricing page for details.
Top of page ^How do I use WHOIS History?
To search a domain's historical Whois records using Whois History:
- Log in to your DomainTools Standard or Professional Member accounts.
- Navigate to the Whois History product in the Research section of DomainTools.
- In the search field provided, enter the domain name you wish to search.
- Click Look Up. The Whois History page appears displaying the number of historical records that exist for the domain, as well as a link to each historical records, sorted by year.
Click on any date to view the historical Whois record for that particular date.
Top of page ^Why are some of the results displayed in red?
When the link to a Whois History record is displayed in red font, it means that at that date the domain was privacy protected. When a domain is privacy protected, it generally means that the Registrant used a third-party to register the domain name as to not have their personal information displays in the Whois record.
Top of page ^