May 17, 2024

Domain Name History – How to Check and How to Stay Safe

written by

Joe Uddeme

Joe Uddeme

Domain Name History – How to Check and How to Stay Safe

Domain Buying Guides

Name Experts provides premium
domain service to:

MAX
MAX
MAX
Hope Channel
MAX
MAX

Ever been tempted by an available domain name that seems too good to be true? Maybe it’s exactly that – with a hidden history that adversely affects its true value. In this post, domain name expert Joe Uddeme flags up the things to look out for when buying a domain name.

 

Researching domain history is important for businesses and website owners, especially when you wish to buy a premium domain. It’s like wanting to purchase a property and checking the record of its past owners, renovations, and sales history before signing the contract.

If you don’t do your due diligence, you might find your dream property was a crime scene six months ago. The same can (kinda) be true of a domain name.

You’ve arrived at the right place if you’re interested in digging deep into the history of any domain. This article will give you the relevant knowledge and tools to navigate a domain’s history – and help ensure there are no skeletons in your URL’s closet.

Key takeaways

  • Domain history is important – ignore it at your peril
  • A hidden past can help you negotiate a lower price (if you still want it)
  • Discover all the top tips and tools that will help you unearth a domain name’s past

 

Why Would Someone Want To Know A Domain’s History

Domain name history is important in several cases, mainly when someone wants to acquire a domain. For example, you come across a domain you want to buy but don’t know the owner. Investigating the domain registration history can help you find the owner so you can begin inquiring about purchasing the domain.

These are typical cases that warrant a domain history lookup:

Finding A Domain Name’s Owner

You might find a domain that looks valuable for your business, but the existing website has no official information to contact the owner. In that case, researching the domain name history can help you find the owner’s email address, phone number, physical address, or other contact information.

Conducting Research Before Buying A Domain

Due diligence is critical if you’re buying any domain. Checking the domain name ownership history lets you know its reputation with search engines, which can affect your website’s discoverability and brand appeal. This due diligence lets you know if the domain was previously used for any malicious activity, and you can immediately back out if so.

Or, if it has certain questionable connotations you can live with and you feel your name/brand is strong enough to survive the domain’s hidden past, you can use its history to negotiate a lower price.

Competitive Research

Checking a competitor’s domain name history can reveal valuable information. Who registered the domain? How long has the website existed? How much was the domain acquired for? Has the domain ever been sold? These questions give great insight into your competitors, letting you know how to stand out and win customers.

 

Checking A Domain’s History

The WHOIS database is the first place to check a domain name’s history. This public database contains the information collected when someone registers a domain name. You can use it to find relevant information about a domain name’s owner and operational history.

WHOIS Lookup

You can query information from the WHOIS database using any WHOIS lookup tool. This database is publicly available, so many websites allow users to type in a domain name and see every information related to that domain in the WHOIS database. Examples of such tools include WHOIS.com, Who.IS, and WHOIS.DomainTools.com.

Type a domain into any of these tools, and you’ll see relevant information about it, including:

When the domain was first purchased

A WHOIS lookup always shows a domain’s initial registration date. This information gives you a clue of how long the website has existed. To illustrate, let’s perform a WHOIS lookup for NameExperts.com. We typed this domain into the Who.IS lookup tool and got the following information:

Screengrab of WHOIS entry for NameExperts.com website

Take note of the registration date in the above picture. You can infer that NameExperts.com was registered in 2000 and has existed for over two decades.

When the domain was most recently updated

The same screenshot from our WHOIS lookup shows when NameExperts.com was recently updated, i.e., the last domain renewal date.

Second shot of NameExperts entry on WHOIS

You can observe that this domain was last updated on the 11th of April, 2024.

Nameserver information

A nameserver is the server that translates a domain name into an IP address. A WHOIS lookup shows the nameservers of any domain name.

Third screengrab of NameExperts.com entry on WHOIS site

Our WHOIS lookup shows that NameExperts.com uses Cloudflare nameservers.

Domain expiration dates

A WHOIS lookup tells you when a domain name is set to expire. If you’re interested in buying a domain name, it’s advisable to make your offer near its expiration date, when the buyer will be more likely to sell it.

Our WHOIS domain history lookup shows the expiration date for NameExperts.com (April 11, 2025, as of writing).

DomainTools: A More Expansive Search Tool

DomainTools is a more expansive tool to check the history of a website. It provides detailed records about a domain name, including its hosting history, screenshot history, and other domains that share the same IP address or nameserver.

However, DomainTools is not free. It costs $99 per month or $995 annually for unlimited searches, which is pricey. Alternatively, users can pay a $49 one-time fee to download a single domain name’s history report. Free users only get a preview when they search for a domain name’s history.

Screengrab of Domain Tools website

Google Search

A simple Google search can reveal a lot about a domain. If you query a specific domain on Google, you can see reviews or mentions of the website and judge how customers perceive it. If you notice overwhelmingly negative reviews, it’s a signal not to buy the domain because of potential harm to your reputation.

You can also check popular review sites like TrustPilot.com and TrustRadius.com to see reviews about a domain.

 

How To Find the Owner of the Domain

WHOIS Lookup

A WHOIS lookup usually gives information about the domain name’s owner. The WHOIS database contains the contact information for every domain, including phone number, email address, and physical address.

To illustrate, let’s run a domain history lookup for “Dynadot.com” on Who.IS. We got the following information:

WHOIS website screen shot

You can see the name, address, phone number, fax number, and email address of the company that owns this domain. Let’s say you’re interested in acquiring a domain – a WHOIS lookup gives you the owner’s contact details, and you can call or email them about your offer.

However, many domain owners use a privacy protection service that replaces their WHOIS contact information with that of an external company. For example, a WHOIS lookup for “Apple.com” gives the below information, wherein every contact detail is redacted for privacy:

Redacted information implies the owner doesn’t want to reveal their contact information to the public. However, don’t fret. You can enlist a domain broker to investigate further and find the owner’s contact information.

Use a Domain Broker

Domain name brokers are professionals who specialize in arranging domain deals. They handle all aspects of a domain acquisition, from identifying the owner to negotiating a fair market value and formally closing the acquisition.

You can enlist a domain broker like NameExperts to find a domain name’s owner even when their information is blocked from the WHOIS database. To find the owner’s information, brokers can check corporate records, incorporation databases, regulatory filings, and other sources. After getting the information, they can contact the owner on your behalf to negotiate a possible sale.

 

See How a Domain Has Been Used

The Internet Archive (Wayback Machine) is one of the best tools for researching the history of a website. This tool gives website history snapshots of any domain you search for, letting you see how the domain has been used in the past.

It’s like being a time traveler but on the internet. After searching for a domain, you’ll see a calendar showing the years the domain has been active, and you can see how the website looked on specific days, months, and years.

For example, we searched for NameExperts.com and found snapshots from 2004 to 2005 and 2013 to 2024.

Screengrab of Wayback Machine entry for NameExperts.com

We picked a random date in 2019 to see how NameExperts.com looked at that point, and we got the image below. Notice how our website looked significantly different from its current design.

Historical screenshot from the archives showing a screengrab of Name Experts homepage

The Wayback Machine provides valuable information about a domain. It shows you if the domain was once used for spammy or malicious activities, and you can back out of acquiring the domain if so.

 

How To Determine If A Domain Is Safe and Secure

Norton Safeweb is a free tool for checking a domain’s safety. It shows whether the domain was or is connected to malware or security issues. Type in any domain, and Safeweb provides a simple report showing whether it’s safe or not. If a domain is marked unsafe, it’s a signal to think twice about acquiring it.

Here’s a sample Safeweb report for NameExperts.com:

Screengrab of Norton Safeweb website

Domain History Challenges

Checking a domain name history isn’t always rosy. You might run into these common issues:

Outdated Information

When checking for a domain name ownership history, you might find outdated information that’s of no use. This usually happens when a domain has not been active for a long time, making it difficult to research its history and find information about the owner.

Privacy Settings

We’ve mentioned how some individuals or businesses turn on privacy protection for their domains and hide their contact information. This issue is becoming more common because many domain registrars now offer privacy protection for free. (Check out our guide on what to do after buying a domain name).

Masked Information

Some domain name owners use third-party services to mask their ownership information. When checking the domain name history, you might see information about third parties who have little control over the domain and refuse to point you to the actual owner.

 

Solution: Use A Domain Name Broker

Don’t fret if you encounter the challenges mentioned above. A domain broker can help you circumvent these issues and find authentic information about a domain’s owner.

The WHOIS database isn’t the end of the domain name lookup. Domain brokers can check other sources, such as corporate registration records, real estate records, press releases, regulatory documents, government databases, tax databases, and more. You’ll be surprised at what a broker can find online or by leveraging their relationships.

Brokers don’t just help you find a domain’s owner. They’re also skilled at appraising a domain name and negotiating acquisition deals, ensuring buyers and sellers are satisfied with the outcome.

Name Experts offers brokerage services to help you buy premium domain names. We offer top-notch service, protecting your anonymity and negotiating the best possible deal. We’ll handle every part of acquiring a domain name; you’ll simply take ownership.

 

About the author

Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

Subscribe for More Domain Buying & Selling Advice

Related posts

Close up of hands at a computer keyboard
The Complete Guide to Buying Short Domain Names

Unlock the branding power of ultra-short domain names with help from industry expert Joe Uddeme. Discover why they matter, how to buy them, and what makes them valuable. When it comes to domain names, less is most definitely more. Most of the time, the shorter the name, the higher the price tag – because short domain names represent prime online real estate. Some of the most expensive domain names ever sold were four letters or less. These concise, memorable web addresses garner immense interest from businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors eager to build recognizable brands and carve out a market edge. Over recent years, most of the world’s shortest, most meaningful domains – especially those made up of just two or three characters – have been registered and are now labeled as “premium domain names.” If you want to buy a domain name that fits this bracket, their scarcity has driven demand and prices sky-high, turning the quest for short domains into a battleground for major brands and agile startups alike. In this post, we’ll look at great short names (and why some are less great), and we’ll delve into how buying one that has been registered for decades (and is even being used) might not be impossible. We’ll also look at the stories behind some of the largest deals – and, trust me, the sums involved will make your eyes water! Key Takeaways Short domains remain highly coveted assets for businesses seeking brand authority and a memorable web presence. Most premium short domains are already registered, but expert brokers can unlock rare buying opportunities through negotiation or connections. The real value of a short domain hinges on global usability, inherent meaning, and extension – some “short” names are more valuable than others. High-profile, big-money sales prove the ROI for companies investing in ultra-short web addresses. If you own a short domain, strategic sale planning and the right partners can help you capture maximum value.
Close up image of a person at a laptop as they investigate a domain name
What is Domain Name Escrow & How Does it Work?

Escrow is important when buying domain names, especially those of high value. Domain name expert Joe Uddeme explains how domain name escrow works – and why you should use a domain escrow 3rd-party when making highly-priced acquisitions.   What is Domain Name Escrow? Domain name escrow is a specialized service designed to protect both buyers and sellers during domain name transactions. In this process, a neutral third-party agent holds the payment and domain information until all conditions of the transaction are met. This setup ensures that the buyer receives the domain name and the seller gets their payment, significantly reducing the risk of fraud and deception. By using domain name escrow services, both parties can enjoy a secure and efficient transfer of domain ownership, providing peace of mind throughout the transaction. A domain name consulting service can help make the process much easier. What Is Escrow? Escrow is an arrangement in which a neutral third party temporarily holds money meant for a purchase until specific conditions are met. The money will only be transferred to the intended recipient when the conditions are met. If the conditions are not fulfilled, the money will go back to the buyer. In domain name and other transactions, the escrow process often involves a lawyer managing legal documents, ensuring compliance with laws, and securely holding the assets and money in a trust account until the terms of the agreement are fulfilled. What Can Escrow Be Used For & Why Escrow is common in transactions where a significant amount of money is involved, e.g., real estate. It is necessary to protect the buyer from losing money in case the seller does not fulfill the terms of the deal. Domain transactions can be pricey, which makes escrow and other services necessary just like with real estate. After all, domain names are online real estate. Escrow protects against: Sellers refusing to deliver a domain despite agreeing to do so. Buyers refusing to pay for a domain despite an agreement to buy it. Payment being made – but the domain not being transferred to the buyer. Secure payment is crucial in domain name transactions, and escrow services ensure that the financial exchange is safe and protected. In short, escrow ensures that both parties in a deal stick to their agreed terms. It is a mediator of the transaction and refuses to complete it until both parties act in good faith. How Does Escrow Work? 1. Agreement on price and deal The buyer and the seller negotiate and agree on how much is to be paid for a domain name or group of domain names. They also negotiate important factors like the date of payment, method of payment, and what currency to use. 2. Buyer places agreement with an escrow company With the deal terms drawn out, the buyer finds an escrow provider and deposits the payment with an escrow agent. Once the payment goes through, the buyer pays escrow company will notify the seller and tell them to transfer ownership of the domain name related to the escrow transaction. 3. Domain Name Is Transferred The seller will transfer the domain name to the buyer. The wire transfer procedure varies depending on the domain registrar, but both parties will work together to ensure a smooth transfer. It is crucial to involve legal counsel in domain transfers to secure the transaction and ensure compliance with legal requirements. 4. Domain Transfer Is Confirmed After the domain is transferred, the buyer will notify the seller and agree with the escrow company that the seller has fulfilled their part of the deal. 5. Payment Given To Seller With the domain transfer confirmed, the escrow company completes the escrow transaction by using a money order and sending the money deposited by the buyer to the seller. What fees are associated with using an escrow service? The escrow usually charges a commission on the value of the deal. Some may also charge a flat fee in addition to a commission. The exact commission may vary depending on the deal volume. Benefits of Using Escrow For Buyers and Sellers The benefits of using escrow for domain names include: Security: The escrow holds the money until all deal terms are fulfilled, so there are little chances of the buyer losing their money without getting the intended domain name. The buyer also feels more secure dealing with a trusted escrow company than with a stranger over the web. Additionally, escrow services safeguard domain transactions by holding funds and domain holder information, minimizing the risk of fraud. Assurance: The buyer is assured that they will get the domain they want, and the seller is assured of payment once the domain transfer is confirmed. Customer support: Escrow services usually offer customer support and can guide the buyer throughout the process of acquiring a domain name. Choosing the Right Escrow Services Selecting the right 3rd-party escrow provider for domain name transactions is crucial for a smooth and secure process. Start by looking for a reputable and licensed escrow company with a proven track record in handling domain name transactions. Evaluate their fees and payment terms to ensure they fit within your budget. Additionally, consider the quality of their customer service and support, as this can be invaluable if any issues arise during the transaction. A reliable escrow provider should offer a secure and transparent process to deposit funds, with clear contractual obligations and a well-defined escrow agreement. Research the company’s reputation online and read reviews from previous clients to ensure you are working with a trustworthy escrow company. Domain Name Transfer and Intellectual Property Transferring ownership of a domain name involves several steps and can be particularly complex when intellectual property rights are involved. A domain name can be considered intellectual property if it is trademarked, which can impact its value and transferability. Before proceeding with a domain name transfer, it is essential to conduct a clearance search to ensure the domain name does not infringe on any existing trademarks. Utilizing a domain name escrow provider can facilitate this process by ensuring that both parties fulfill their contractual obligations and that the domain name is transferred securely. This helps protect best interests of the buyer and the seller, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant transfer of the domain name. Alternatives To Using Escrow Attorney A licensed attorney can draft a sales contract that is legally binding for buyer and seller. If any party breaks the contract, they can be sued for damages in court. The attorney can also act as an escrow organization and only transfer money from the buyer to the seller if the terms of the contract are fulfilled. An attorney is crucial in selling domain names to ensure all legal aspects are covered, and the transaction is secure. Domain marketplace There are many marketplaces where you can acquire domain names. Here, the marketplace acts as a custodian of the domain and only the seller transfers it to the buyer after payment is confirmed, which is then given to the seller. Best Domain Name Escrow Services Escrow.com Escrow.com is the world’s largest online escrow service, and it has specific features for domain sales. The buyer can initiate the escrow request and provide the seller’s contact information for Escrow.com to get in touch. The buyer transfers the agreed sum to Escrow.com, and it is only when they confirm the domain has been successfully transferred that Escrow.com will disburse the money to the seller. Escrow.com charges 3.25% for deals between $0 and $5,000; 0.89% for deals between $5,001 and $25,000; and $162.5 + 0.25% for deals over $25,001. Sedo Domain Transfer Service Sedo is a popular domain name and website marketplace, especially useful for those looking to buy or sell domain names. Its domain transfer service puts it as a middleman between the buyer and the seller. Sedo receives the payment from the buyer and the domain name from the seller. When both ends are confirmed, Sedo transfers the domain to the buyer and the buyer sends the money to the seller. This service incurs a 3% fee on the domain purchase price, with a minimum of $60. Afternic Afternic is another popular domain name marketplace focused on high-value domains. It offers an escrow service to protect both the buyer and the seller. Afternic holds the agreed amount and only disburses it to the former owner or seller when the buyer has confirmed receipt of the domain. If either party breaks the deal terms, the sale will be canceled and the money given back to the buyer minus the escrow fee. The drawback here is that Afternic doesn’t charge escrow fees separately. It takes a 20% fee, which includes both sales and escrow commissions on all domains listed on its platform. Using an Escrow Service It is necessary to use an escrow service if you are paying a significant amount for a domain name and it helps protect you and the seller. If you need guidance in the domain buying process, including escrow, contact us for help. We have negotiated over $150 million in domain name sales and have over a decade of experience in domain name buying and transfers.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of NameExperts.com, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]
Close up of man's hand pointing at a laptop keyboard, as if checking how to buy/sell a doman name online
Your Expert Guide On How To Buy and Sell Domain Names

In this article, we look at the ins and outs of buying and selling a domain name for your business. Here’s NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme to walk you through the process.   Are you new to the industry and need to know how to buy and sell domain names? You’re most likely looking for the best places you can buy domains, where to sell your domains, how to transfer names to your buyer, how much you can sell your names for, and more. At Name Experts, we help corporations and individuals around the world buy and sell domain name assets. It’s what we’ve been doing for more than 15 years, and we have brokered deals worth more than $150m. So you can trust the information in this post. If you need more help, get in touch. We’ll help you navigate the waters – and even help you choose a great domain name for your business at the best price. Here’s our complete guide to buying and selling domain names – updated for 2025. Key Takeaways Buying domain names – everything you need to know Selling domain names – everything you need to know How a domain name broker can be your ‘secret weapon’ when buying or selling   Buying domain names Buying the right domain name for your brand can be a pretty big undertaking. New TLDs like .online or .law are part of more than 1,500 alternative top level domains that can sometimes confuse your customers. How can you know what the right choice is to help your business grow? Or maybe you’re buying domains to turn around and sell them. Whatever you need a new domain name for, having a broker on your side to help you with how to buy and sell domain names and get the domain purchase over the finish line. Especially when it comes to the negotiation process, you’ll want to have an experienced broker who knows what your purpose is for the domain name so that they can plan the proper strategy. We also encourage you to use an accredited, third-party escrow provider. We use Escrow.com as the preferred method for domain purchase transactions because it identifies all the parties involved to ensure proper transfer and a smooth transaction experience. The broker you choose should be able to work with the escrow provider and help you complete the entire domain purchase process. Escrow Process to Buy a Domain Name Here are the general steps outlined below: Buyer and seller agree to terms Buyer selects a payment method Escrow secures buyer’s payment Escrow will prompt the seller to transfer The transfer will occur either by account transfer or authorization code Seller confirms shipment of merchandise Buyer confirms receipt of a domain name in the account Buyer marks the transaction complete Domain Purchase and choosing the right broker Your domain broker should be open to communicating with you throughout this entire process and make sure the timeline is being met – as well as meeting all other expectations. At Name Experts, we will make sure that we will get you the domain you want or find an appropriate alternative if the one you want truly isn’t available. Most reputable brokers will charge a fee for any successful acquisition and should be upfront with you about that fee. They’ll also help you with successfully transferring domains so that everything is out of your hands when all is said and done.   Selling Domain Names Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned domain investor with dozens of assets or someone who just has one domain name to sell, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional who knows what they are doing. Domain experts make it their mission to maximize your sales potential and work on your behalf. This means letting you know if you’re sitting on a goldmine when it comes to domains or buying assets that are only worth a few pennies – they’ll help you figure out the value of your domain. The first step of the selling process is to establish the right expectation for your domains. Sellers should identify their needs and realistically price their assets in a way that will make people want to buy them. We’ll help you identify your goals and get to the bottom of why you’re really selling. Typically, there are different types of pricing models that we use to sell your domain name, but it all depends on intent. They include retail sellers, market seller, and liquidation seller. At Name Experts, we have experience negotiating and marketing your name assets successfully. We have the knowledge to help you nail down a strategy to make sure the right people are seeing your domain names. If you’re in the market to sell, we will help you with all of our services. Value your Domain Name Your domain name, and really anyone’s domain name, is only worth as much as a buyer is willing to pay. There are different factors to consider, though. For example, single word .com assets sell for a higher price than longer names. At Name Experts, we will evaluate your assets and take comparisons of other names that recently sold in the market. We’ll make sure you have a realistic expectation of what your domain is worth. Marketing Especially if you’re new in this industry, you’ll want someone experienced putting your name in front of the right people. We use a combination of email, phone, and press releases to ensure global exposure. This also includes reaching out to our industry-wide relationships to help you find the perfect buyer. Negotiation Don’t leave money on the table. Let Name Experts negotiate on your behalf and help you maximize your profit. Transfer Service This part of the process makes sure that the buyer lives up to his end of the deal. We handle all transfers through Escrow.com, a licensed and audited escrow service ideal for domain names.  We’ll make sure that your domain name ends up at the right registrar.   Let Name Experts Help You At the end of the day, you need someone you can trust to help you navigate these waters. A professional domain brokerage service can make all the difference. They will outline both the buying and selling process for you and make sure both sides understand the goal of the transaction. They’ll also help you take the guesswork out of the process, as well as represent your interests. As experienced brokers with an industry-wide reputation, let us help you with all the phases of how to buy and sell domain names. When you work with an experienced professional like us, you’ll see that they will also have all the relevant contracts and paperwork to help you secure the name that you want or sell it for a fair price. We’ll make sure that every step of the way is completely transparent and we always keep your best interest in mind. We don’t want to compromise your identity or your confidentiality, and we work hard to earn the trust of our clients with consistent performance and open communication. When you’re ready to get started or just want more information on the buying or selling process, reach out to us today! We’d love to prove to you why we’re the experts.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact him at: [email protected]

Why Work with Name Experts

Name Experts offers personalized domain brokerage services, assisting clients in buying or selling premium domain names with expert appraisal, negotiation, and complete transaction management while ensuring confidentiality.

Free Consultation

Some of our most
successful stealth acquisition and sales

Aid.com

Fit.com

Mine.com

GLD.com

Jeff.com

Fora.com

Nori.com

Secure.com

Guitar.com

F*ck.com

Radian.com

MetaData.com

Prize.com

Link.com

Loop.com

Programs.com

Claim.com

Quince.com

Hook.com

QXO.com

NQ.com

Rest.com

Humani.com

Max.com

Need help buying or selling premium domains?