---
title: "What Is RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol)? | Grit Brokerage"
description: "RDAP is the internet standard for looking up domain registration data, such as registrar, status, and key dates. It was created to replace the older..."
url: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/rdap
publisher: Grit Brokerage
contact: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact
offer: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/inquiry
---

Registration and DNS

# Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP)

RDAP is the internet standard for looking up domain registration data, such as registrar, status, and key dates. It was created to replace the older WHOIS protocol with structured, secure, and more controlled access.

## Why it matters

Since 28 January 2025, ICANN no longer requires gTLD registries and registrars to provide WHOIS, except for .com, .name, and .post. RDAP is now the main lookup path. For buyers, it shows the registrar, creation date, expiry date, and status codes of a domain. Most owner details are redacted for privacy, so do not expect to find a name and email. Common mistake: treating a blank owner field as proof the domain is abandoned. Use a broker or the registrar's contact relay to reach the owner.

Source: [icann.org](https://www.icann.org/en/contracted-parties/registry-operators/resources/registration-data-access-protocol)

[Read nextHow to Find Out Who Owns a Domain Name (WHOIS, RDAP, and Privacy)](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/find-domain-owner)

## Where we use this term

-   [How to Buy a Domain Name That Someone Already Owns](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/how-to-buy-a-domain-that-is-taken)

## Buying or selling a domain?

Call, text or email. Responsiveness is our trademark, and a broker answers, not a form robot.

[Talk to a broker](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact) [Call (442) 500-GRIT](tel:+1-442-500-4748)