Knowledge Base

There are a few reasons why a domain name cannot be registered or it is unavailable. Here are some of the most common reasons a domain name cannot be registered:

 1. It is not yet available for registration. 

2. It is in Sunrise, a phase that is only open to trademark holders with a valid SMD file from the Trademark Clearinghouse. Read more at the TMCH website.

3. It is DPML blocked from registration by a trademark holder. You can verify this by going searching WHOIS and typing in the name with dpml.zone or plus.dpml.zone  appended (example.dpml.zone, or (example.plus.dpml.zone).

4. It is registered by someone else. You can verify this by checking WHOIS.

5. It is reserved and not available for registration. There are several reasons a name might be reserved:

a. ICANN mandated. This list is thousands of names detailed in Specification 5 of the Registry Agreement; a partial list is here.

b. ICANN mandated temporary Name collision mitigation (NXD); an example list is here.

c. Reserved for Identity Digital use. Again detailed in Specification 5 of the Registry Agreement.

Please check these sources and find another great name available with one of our accredited registrars.