Finding the perfect domain name involves checking availability and understanding who owns an existing one. Trustname offers a comprehensive WHOIS Lookup service and robust privacy protection to help you make informed decisions and secure your online identity.
Key Takeaways
- Check Availability – Use the search bar to find out if your desired domain name is available across different TLDs.
- Use the WHOIS Lookup tool – This tool provides details on a registered domain, including the owner's contact information and registration dates.
- ProteYour CT Privacy – Whois Privacy service shields your personal contact details from the public databases, reducing spam and enhancing security.
- Explore Alternatives – If your first choice is taken, consider different TLDs or slight variations of your domain name.
- Be Aware of Legalities – Avoid legal disputes by checking for trademarks and understanding policies, such as the UDRP, before registering a domain.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key Takeaways
- Checking Domain Name Availability
- WHOIS Lookup – Understanding Domain Ownership
- WHOIS Privacy – Protecting Your Information
- Trustname’s Two-Tier Domain Privacy
- Our Multi-Jurisdictional Approach
- Considering Other TLDs When Your Desired Domain is Taken
- Legal Considerations
- FAQs
When you’re ready to register a domain name, one of the first steps is to check its availability. At Trustname, we provide tools to help you find the perfect domain and gain insights into already registered ones through our WHOIS Lookup service.
Checking Domain Name Availability
- Search for Your Desired Domain Name - Type in your domain name into the search bar on Trustname.com. Our system will quickly check its availability across various TLDs (Top-Level Domains).
- Explore Alternative TLDs - If your desired .com domain is already registered, consider options like .net, .co, .online, or specific industry-related TLDs that suit your brand or business better. Exploring different TLDs can help you find a memorable and fitting domain name that aligns with your goals..
WHOIS Lookup – Understanding Domain Ownership
When a domain name you want is registered, you can use our Whois Lookup tool to find the domain’s current owner.
Here’s how
- Perform a WHOIS Lookup
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Simply enter the domain name into the WHOIS Lookup tool available on Trustname.com to generate a report showing details such as the registrant’s name, contact information, registration date, and the domain's expiration date. - Understand the Information Provided
- Registrant Details– This section shows the name and contact information of the current domain owner.
- Registration Dates–You can view the domain's registration date and expiration date.
- Registrar Information– Details about the registrar managing the domain are also provided.
WHOIS Privacy – Protecting Your Information
When you register a domain name, your contact details are typically listed in the public WHOIS database. Trustname offers a one-of-a-kind Two-Tier WHOIS Privacy service to help you keep your personal information private.
- How WHOIS Privacy Works –
By opting for WHOIS Privacy, your personal information will be shielded from public view. Instead, generic contact information provided by Trustname.com will be displayed. This service helps protect you from spam, identity theft, and unsolicited contacts. - Benefits of WHOIS Privacy
- Enhanced Security – Protects your identity and reduces the risk of being targeted by cybercriminals.
- Reduced Spam – By masking your email and contact details, you’ll minimize the amount of spam and unwanted communication you receive.
- Maintaining Anonymity – If you prefer to keep your domain ownership private, WHOIS Privacy is an ideal solution.
Consider enabling WHOIS Privacy for personal websites or domains that aren't associated with a public-facing business.
- How to Enable WHOIS Privacy
- During the domain registration process at TrustName.com, you’ll have the option to add WHOIS Privacy to your purchase. You can also add this service to an existing domain via your account dashboard.
Trustname’s Two-Tier Domain Privacy
- Trustname’s Tier 1 WHOIS data protection
On Tier 1, we register your domain in the name of Perfect Privacy LLC, a security company based in St. Kitts and Nevis; However, you retain complete control of the domain and can change the registrant details to yours at any time. - Trustname’s Tier 2 WHOIS data protection
But we don’t stop at Tier 1. On Tier 2, we add an extra layer of privacy by hiding the registration information (that of Perfect Privacy LLC or yours if you changed them) behind another WHOIS privacy layer from WHOIS Privacy Protection Service LLC, based in the United States - this is what you get from most registrars, sometimes for a fee, still it is free for life on Trustname.
Basically, you get a proxy of a proxy!
Our Multi-Jurisdictional Approach
Our unique two-tier, multi-jurisdictional WHOIS data protection service requires the entity trying to access any domain’s information to provide three court orders from multiple jurisdictions, simultaneously
One from the United States, where WHOIS Privacy Protection Service LLC is registered. Another court order will be required from St. Kitts and Nevis, where Perfect Privacy LLC is registered. And a final one from Estonia, where the Trustname domain registrar is located.
Considering Other TLDs When Your Desired Domain is Taken
If your preferred .com domain is unavailable, Trustname offers several strategies to help you find the next best option:
- Try Different Extensions
- Industry-Specific TLDs – Consider TLDs that align with your industry, such as .tech, .shop, or .blog.
- Location-Based TLDs – If your business is tied to a specific region, you may want to explore TLDs like .nyc, .london, or .tokyo.
- Modify Your Domain Name
- You can also tweak the domain name itself by adding relevant keywords or considering slight variations that retain the essence of your brand.
- Consider Premium Domains
- If a domain is highly desirable, it might be available as a Premium Domain. These domains are often shorter, more brandable, and may be available for purchase at a higher price but offer greater benefits in terms of memorability and brand recognition.
Legal Considerations
When looking for a domain name to register, it's essential to be aware of potential legal issues:
- Trademark Infringement
[Component][Callout] Wrapper - Warning Insert title here [Component][Callout] Title/Title with Icon -> Avoid using trademarked names or phrases in your domain. Even unintentional use can lead to legal disputes.
- Cybersquatting –
This refers to registering, trafficking in, or using a domain name in bad faith. Registering a domain similar to a famous brand with the intent to profit from it is illegal. - Domain Disputes –
If someone believes you've registered a domain unfairly, they may file a dispute under ICANN's Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). Familiarize yourself with this policy to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Some country-code TLDs (like .us or .eu) have residency or business presence requirements. Ensure you meet these criteria before registering such domains.
FAQs
The WHOIS Lookup tool provides details about the domain registrant, registration and expiration dates, and the registrar managing the domain.
WHOIS Privacy protects your personal contact information by masking it in the public WHOIS database, reducing spam and enhancing your security.
If your preferred .com domain is unavailable, consider alternative TLDs such as .net, .co, or industry-specific extensions. You can also modify the domain name or explore premium domain options.
Yes, you can add WHOIS Privacy to your domain at any time through your Trustname account dashboard.
If a dispute is filed under ICANN's UDRP, you'll need to respond and potentially participate in a resolution process. The domain could be transferred to the complainant if they prove their case.