DMARC Checker
DNS lookups send the domain (or DKIM/DMARC host name) to this site's DNS API. Format checks for headers run locally in your browser.
How to use
- Enter the organizational domain that publishes DMARC (typically the domain in the visible From: address).
- Note the lookup host shown: _dmarc.yourdomain.com.
- Click Check DMARC to fetch TXT and parse tags — lookup runs only when you click.
FAQ
Where is DMARC published?
As a TXT record at _dmarc.example.com (the _dmarc label under the policy domain).
What does p=none mean?
Monitoring mode: receivers collect alignment data and may send aggregate reports (rua) but usually do not quarantine or reject based on DMARC alone.
What is the difference between p and sp?
p applies to the organizational domain; sp applies to subdomains when you want a different policy (e.g. stricter on www or mail subdomains).
Do I need rua?
rua is optional but strongly recommended — aggregate XML reports show SPF/DKIM alignment volume over time.
Does DMARC replace SPF or DKIM?
No. DMARC tells receivers what to do when SPF and/or DKIM alignment fails relative to the From: domain.
Introduction
DMARC tells receiving mail systems what to do when messages from your domain fail SPF or DKIM alignment with the visible From: domain. A DMARC checker reads the published policy at _dmarc.yourdomain.com so you know whether you are in monitor-only mode or enforcing quarantine/reject.
DNS is queried only when you click Check DMARC — not while you edit the domain field.
What is a DMARC record?
DMARC is a TXT record starting with v=DMARC1. Important tags include:
| Tag | Meaning |
|---|---|
p |
Policy for the org domain: none, quarantine, or reject |
sp |
Policy for subdomains (optional) |
pct |
Percentage of failing mail subject to policy (default 100) |
rua |
Aggregate report mailbox(es) |
ruf |
Forensic (failure) report mailbox(es) — optional |
aspf |
SPF alignment mode (r relaxed, s strict) |
adkim |
DKIM alignment mode (r or s) |
This tool surfaces parsed values and warnings (e.g. p=none in production, missing rua).
Key Features
- Shows exact lookup host
_dmarc.{domain}. - Button-triggered TXT fetch and tag parsing.
- Human-readable policy and report URI fields.
- Raw DMARC string with copy.
- Empty default input; Sample for known domains.
Common Use Cases
- Reading policy before moving from
p=nonetoquarantineorreject. - Verifying
ruaafter registering with a report collector. - Auditing subdomain policy (
sp) vs apex (p). - Security reviews alongside SPF Checker and DKIM Checker.
Best Practices
- Start with
p=noneand valid rua until reports show consistent SPF/DKIM pass rates. - Fix SPF includes and DKIM selectors before enforcement — DMARC fails when alignment fails.
- Use strict alignment (
aspf s/adkim s) only when you understand legitimate third-party send paths. - Subdomain policies matter for
mail.company.comand product microsites — setspintentionally. - DMARC does not fix inbound MX — use MX Lookup for receiver routing.