RDAP and Blockchain Domains (Handshake, ENS)
The rise of decentralized technologies has given birth to a new class of domain names — blockchain-based or Web3 domains. Unlike traditional domains managed by centralized registries and ICANN oversight, blockchain domains operate on distributed ledger systems, promising censorship resistance, user ownership, and new models of internet identity. Popular systems like Handshake (HNS) and the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) are at the forefront of this movement. But where does RDAP fit in this new landscape? Can a protocol designed for the traditional DNS ecosystem adapt to decentralized alternatives?
Does RDAP Support Alternative DNS Systems?
By design, RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) was created to modernize the traditional WHOIS system for the ICANN-governed Domain Name System. It is structured around hierarchical registries, authenticated queries, and JSON-based outputs for domain registration data. RDAP operates via HTTPS endpoints provided by domain registrars and registries. Given this centralized framework, RDAP does not natively support alternative DNS systems like Handshake or ENS out-of-the-box.
Here are a few key limitations when applying RDAP to blockchain domains:
- No central authority: Blockchain domain systems often lack a registrar or registry in the traditional sense, making it difficult to define ownership endpoints.
- No unified metadata schema: While RDAP uses a standardized JSON structure, blockchain systems define ownership and metadata differently — typically via smart contracts or blockchain explorers.
- Lack of HTTP endpoints: RDAP queries require web-accessible APIs. In blockchain systems, ownership data is often embedded directly into the blockchain, not exposed via REST APIs.
Despite these limitations, there is growing interest in bridging the gap between RDAP and decentralized domain data. As adoption increases, solutions are being proposed that wrap blockchain data into RDAP-compatible structures or use middleware APIs to present on-chain information in a familiar RDAP-like format.
How Our Service Works with Web3 Domains
While RDAP is not directly compatible with blockchain domains, our service has implemented support for Web3 domains through custom integrations and blockchain indexing. This allows users to search, monitor, and analyze decentralized domains just like they would with traditional DNS.
Supported Blockchain Domain Systems
| Domain System | Example TLDs | Support Level | Integration Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handshake (HNS) | .forever, .moon, .liberty | Partial | On-chain data indexed and accessible via API |
| Ethereum Name Service (ENS) | .eth | Full | Smart contract querying + Ethereum node integration |
| Unstoppable Domains | .crypto, .nft, .zil | Beta | Hybrid API + blockchain explorer backend |
For each supported system, we map domain ownership and metadata into a structured format that closely resembles RDAP. This allows users to perform programmatic lookups, monitor domain creation, and receive alerts on changes in ownership or content resolution.
Using Our API to Query Web3 Domains
Here’s how you can interact with blockchain domains through our API. The endpoint structure is similar to RDAP but adapted for Web3 logic:
GET https://api.yourservice.com/v1/web3domain?name=example.ethSample JSON response for an ENS domain:
{
"domain": "example.eth",
"owner": "0x8bDd8a...43A3",
"resolver": "0x00000000000C2E074eC69A0dFb2997BA6C7d2e1e",
"records": {
"ipfs": "ipfs://QmXYZ123...",
"email": "[email protected]"
},
"lastUpdated": "2025-04-10T14:30:00Z",
"source": "Ethereum Mainnet"
}We also provide monitoring tools to track the registration of new blockchain domains by specific wallet addresses or keywords. This enables developers, researchers, and brands to stay informed about Web3 activity relevant to their projects.
Bridging Traditional and Decentralized Domain Systems
While RDAP and blockchain domains come from different paradigms, the need for interoperability is growing. Domain investigators, cybersecurity analysts, and developers increasingly require a unified view of all domains — whether managed by ICANN or secured on the blockchain. Our service aims to bridge that gap by offering normalized data across DNS and Web3 spaces.
By expanding RDAP-like tools and data models into blockchain environments, we enable users to bring familiar processes — like ownership lookups and domain monitoring — into the decentralized web. This hybrid approach ensures continuity, transparency, and automation in a rapidly evolving domain ecosystem.