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There is no centralized whois database. Your best bet is to ask a carrier to check on a number for you. You might run across websites that provide such search but those usually search in an existing database of the numbers that they currently have (e.g. they are a RESPORG for them) so numbers that aren't linked to that carrier or aren't active at all will not show up.
If you pay your carrier for the number and there is no special agreement such as you leasing a number from the carrier and as long as the carrier can provide you with a bill with your name and the number listed for it, it becomes a Customer Service Record (CSR) and you're free to do with that number whatever you want such as porting it to another carrier.
It all sounds magical and simple but in reality it almost never is. If you're about to get one of those numbers make sure you're getting them directly from the RESPORG such as Global Crossing, Paetek, ATT, etc. and not a reseller who can disappear and take your number with him.
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