How to Check a Domain's Availability

Before you buy, one question: is the name free or already taken? Here's how to find out reliably and in real time, and what to do in each case.

RDAP: the official, modern source

RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) is the official successor to WHOIS. It queries the registry that runs the extension directly and answers in real time:

• The domain exists → it's already taken.
• The domain is not found → it's available.

It's the most reliable method: no dodgy cache, no guesswork. It's the one DomaineScan uses.

WHOIS: the old method (still useful)

WHOIS also gives information about a domain (registrant, dates, registrar). Some extensions don't have an RDAP server yet: in that case WHOIS serves as a fallback. Note: WHOIS data is sometimes hidden (privacy) or cached.

⚠️ A note of honesty: for a few extensions (e.g. .io) without a public RDAP server, availability can be undetermined. A good tool says so clearly rather than wrongly claiming "available".

The domain is taken: what now?

1. Try another extension: if the .com is taken, the .fr, .io or .co may be free.
2. Vary the name: add a prefix/suffix (get-, my-, -app, -hq) or a word.
3. Look at resale: a taken domain may be for sale (marketplaces like Sedo, Afternic).
4. Let the tool suggest: DomaineScan automatically proposes genuinely available alternatives, sorted by price.

The domain is free: the right reflexes

• Compare the price (year 1 + renewal) across registrars before buying.
• Check it's not premium (name price > base price).
• Register it quickly if you care about the name: availability changes constantly.

In short

To check a domain: trust RDAP (real time, official), with WHOIS as a fallback. And if it's taken, don't give up: another extension or a variant is often free — DomaineScan suggests them directly.