diff --git a/zerver/views/__init__.py b/zerver/views/__init__.py
index e76360a03c..2178ebbd0a 100644
--- a/zerver/views/__init__.py
+++ b/zerver/views/__init__.py
@@ -108,12 +108,9 @@ def accounts_register(request):
         # If someone invited you, you are joining their realm regardless
         # of your e-mail address.
         realm = prereg_user.referred_by.realm
-        if not email_allowed_for_realm(email, realm):
-            return render_to_response("zerver/closed_realm.html", {"closed_domain_name": realm.name})
     elif prereg_user.realm:
         # You have a realm set, even though nobody referred you. This
-        # happens if you sign up through a special URL for an open
-        # realm.
+        # happens if you sign up through a special URL for an open realm.
         realm = prereg_user.realm
     elif realm_creation:
         # For creating a new realm, there is no existing realm or domain
@@ -123,6 +120,9 @@ def accounts_register(request):
     else:
         realm = get_realm(resolve_email_to_domain(email))
 
+    if realm and not email_allowed_for_realm(email, realm):
+        return render_to_response("zerver/closed_realm.html", {"closed_domain_name": realm.name})
+
     if realm and realm.deactivated:
         # The user is trying to register for a deactivated realm. Advise them to
         # contact support.