RDAP Lookup
Get structured registration data for any domain using RDAP.
What this tool does
This tool retrieves structured registration data for a domain using RDAP. It returns status values, lifecycle events, and entity information when published by the registry. Use it to analyze ownership metadata, verify lifecycle dates, or support compliance and investigative workflows.
Inputs explained
- Domain name: The domain you want to query, such as example.com.
How it works / Method
The tool uses the IANA RDAP bootstrap registry to locate the correct RDAP server for the domain's TLD, then issues an HTTPS request and displays the JSON response. RDAP data is standardized, but fields can be redacted or omitted based on policy. Results are read-only and reflect the registry response at the time of the query.
Status:
Example
Input: Domain: example.com. Expected output: JSON showing status values (such as active), events like registration and expiration, and any published entities. The copy button lets you save the JSON for audits or troubleshooting.
Use cases
- Verify registration status and lifecycle dates.
- Support compliance reviews and domain investigations.
- Identify registrar and registry details for outreach.
- Compare ownership or status signals across domains.
- Gather evidence for abuse or security triage.
Limitations & notes
- RDAP data may be redacted due to privacy or policy requirements.
- Some TLDs or registries provide limited or no RDAP fields.
- Rate limits can restrict frequent automated queries.
- Internationalized domains may require punycode formatting.
Accuracy & Disclaimer
RDAP results reflect registry data at query time. For legal or contractual decisions, verify details with the registry or registrar of record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RDAP and how is it different from WHOIS?
RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) provides registration data in a structured JSON format over HTTPS. Unlike legacy WHOIS, RDAP is standardized for internationalized data, supports secure access patterns, and is easier to parse by machines. It returns fields like events, status, and entities in consistent structures. WHOIS often returns free-form text that varies by registry, which makes automation and comparison more difficult.
Why are some RDAP fields redacted or missing?
Many registries apply privacy and policy rules that limit which data is published publicly. RDAP supports redaction so contact details or events can be hidden when required by law or policy. Some registries provide only minimal data without authenticated access. If a field is missing, it does not necessarily mean it does not exist; it may be intentionally withheld. In some cases, abuse contacts are available only through authenticated queries.
What do RDAP status values mean?
Status values describe registry-level states of a domain, such as transfer locks, client holds, or pending delete. These values help explain why a domain cannot be transferred or why it might not resolve. The exact meaning depends on registry policy, but RDAP uses standardized status labels so tools can interpret them consistently. If a status seems unexpected, check with the registrar or registry.
What are RDAP events like registration and expiration?
RDAP events are timestamped lifecycle milestones for a domain, such as registration, last update, and expiration. These dates allow you to calculate domain age and plan renewals. Events can be missing if a registry does not publish them or if access is restricted. When present, they provide the most structured view of a domain's lifecycle within the registry. Event types and formatting are standardized in RDAP specifications.
Does RDAP cover IP addresses and ASNs?
Yes. RDAP is also used by Regional Internet Registries to publish registration data for IP addresses and autonomous system numbers. This tool focuses on domain lookups, but the protocol itself is broader. For IP and ASN data, use the appropriate RIR RDAP endpoints or their lookup tools. The IANA RDAP bootstrap registry maps resource types to their authoritative servers. RIR policies determine which fields are publicly visible.
Why might an RDAP lookup fail?
Failures can occur when a TLD does not support RDAP, when the RDAP server is temporarily unavailable, or when rate limits are enforced. Typos or unsupported IDN formats can also lead to errors. If a lookup fails, verify the domain spelling, try again later, or check the registry for RDAP availability. Some registries require authentication for full data or restrict frequent automated requests.
Sources & references
- RFC 9082: RDAP query format - Defines standard RDAP queries.
- RFC 9083: RDAP response format - Defines RDAP JSON structures and events.
- IANA RDAP bootstrap registry - Maps TLDs to RDAP servers.
- ICANN RDDS - Registration data directory services overview.
- IANA IPv4 address space registry - Shows allocation of IP ranges used by RIRs.
- ARIN number resource information - Example RIR providing RDAP services for IP and ASN data.