Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP)
RDAP Overview
Resources for RDAP Implementers
gTLD RDAP Profile
RDAP Pilot Program
FAQs
RDAP Timeline
Information for Users
RDAP Overview
The Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP) enables users to access current registration data and was created as an eventual replacement for the WHOIS protocol. RDAP was developed by the technical community in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
RDAP is a protocol that delivers registration data like WHOIS, but its implementation will change and standardize data access and query response formats. RDAP has several advantages over the WHOIS protocol, including support for internationalization, secure access to data, and the ability to provide differentiated access to registration data.
gTLD RDAP Profile
The ICANN organization worked with a discussion group of generic top-level domain (gTLD)registries and registrars to create a gTLD RDAP profile. The profile, which follows the requirements of the Temporary Specification for gTLD Registration Data, aims to provide technical instructions to gTLD registries and registrars on how to implement an RDAP service in a consistent way.
RDAP Timeline
gTLD registries and registrars are required to implement an RDAP service by 26 August 2019. ICANN org continues to work with gTLD registries and registrars to implement a service-level agreement and registry reporting requirements for RDAP.
Learn more about the RDAP timeline here.
Resources
Related information and additional resources can be found here:
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Resources for RDAP implementers – tools and resources for ICANN contracted parties who will be implementing an RDAP service.
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Information for RDAP Users – guidance for Internet users seeking a greater understanding of the capabilities supported by RDAP.
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FAQs – answers to frequently asked questions concerning RDAP development and implementation.
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RDAP pilot – the RDAP pilot program supported the development of the RDAP profile and tested features of the gTLD RDAP services. This page describes the group's work and learnings from the pilot program.