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WHOIS (FAQ)

Where can I find information on a registered domain name?

Information on domain names registered in the .pl domain registry, run by NASK, may be found:

Where do the data, published in the WHOIS database, come from?

The data come from the .pl domain Registry, run by NASK.

Is there an API (REST, SOAP) available for the WHOIS service?

We do not offer to the public the facility to integrate with the WHOIS service, providing an extended range of data (such as in the WHOIS database at https://www.dns.pl/whois). The possibility of integration is reserved for entities that have joined the NASK Partner Programme.

Does the WHOIS database contain information on names registered in domains other than .pl?

No. Information available in our WHOIS pertains only to names registered in .pl (including fuctional and regional domains administred by NASK) and .gov.pl. domains.

What is the meaning of notifications in the WHOIS database?
  • No information on domain name in the Registry NASK database
    - domain name does not exist in the Registry NASK database.

  • Domain name is awaiting registration
    - domain name filed for registration as a result of realisation of option or a legally valid verdict of a court,
    - it may remain in that state for 14 days.

  • Domain name's billing period has finished
    - paid billing period has ended,
    - domain name may remain in that state for up to 30 days.

  • Domain name is to be released after termination
    - Agreement on Domain Name Maintenance has been terminated,
    - domain name may remain in that state for 5 days.

  • Domain name is undergoing proceeding [REGISTERED with clientHold/serverHold status]
    - domain name maintenance has been suspended until all doubts about the cooperation with a registrant are dispelled, e.g. in case of payment overdues at registrar, failure to update the subscriber's data (despite being called), using the domain name for purposes threatening the security of the network.

What should I do if registrant’s data in the WHOIS database are not up-to-date?

To update registrant’s data, please contact a registrar of a domain name.

Is WHOIS querying limited?

Yes. The WHOIS database is protected against systematic querying in order to obtain data which, in turn, may leave room for abuse.

The number of responses to WHOIS queries is limited per a particular IP address in a specific unit of time.

The administrators of the .pl domain Registry may block the traffic from any IP address if a suspicious action has been observed (e.g. attempts of massive querying).

What are the limits of WHOIS querying?

The number of queries, sent to the WHOIS database from a single IP address, amounts to 100 per day though WWW and on port 43. When the limit has been exceeded, the requests are not responded and it is necessary to wait until credits for querying are restored. Credit for each successive query is granted every ca. 15 minutes.

I have not queried WHOIS database 100 times, and still receive notifications on exceeding the limit. Why?

The issue, mentioned above, may arise in the following situations:

  • A proxy server is set in your browser, thus your queries are coming to us from a proxy server IP address, not from you. Limit of queries is then divided among all the users of a particular proxy server. To avoid that issue, please turn off a proxy server option in your browser. In case of a transparent proxy, ask your administrator for assistance.
  • Your company or housing estate network applies NAT (Network Address Translation). This service enables, among others, concealing many computers under one IP address. In that case, please ask your administrator to assist in solving the problem.
Is the number of queries, sent to a search engine, limited?

Yes. The limit is constrained to 60 queries per hour. When the limit has been exceeded, the requests are not responded and it is necessary to wait until the counter is reset which, in turn, occurs every minute.

Are there other restrictions of access to the WHOIS database and a search engine?

Yes, there are intended response delays in case the database is queried intensively. If consecutive queries are not separated with time gaps of minimum 10 seconds, a response will be provided with a delay, added by the system.

Why are the data of domain name registrants published in the WHOIS database?

Data are published in order to respect the rights of Internet users, owners of trademarks, copyrights and other legally protected interests. In accordance with the provisions of the data protection law, the data of registrants, who are natural persons, are not published.

Can I obtain the data of a .pl domain registrant which are restricted in the WHOIS database?

Yes. In particular cases NASK may disclose such data, if a legal interest, justifying such a necessity, has been provided. The rules on disclosure of those data are specified in our Privacy Policy. A request for personal data disclosure shall be submitted in writing. You may apply a ready-to-use form (PDF).