diff --git a/dal/dal/views.py b/dal/dal/views.py
index f5a3bdf..5393444 100644
--- a/dal/dal/views.py
+++ b/dal/dal/views.py
@@ -59,12 +59,12 @@ class Register(View):
         if username == "" or not username:
             return render(request, 'error.html', { 'urlname': urlname, 'service': service, 'error': 'Please supply a username.' } )
         # Check to see if username is already taken
-        if check_user_exists(username):
-            return render(request, 'error.html', { 'urlname': urlname, 'service': service, 'error': 'User already exists.' } )
         # isalnum() may be a bit harsh, but is the most logical choice to make sure it's a username we
         # can use
-        elif not username.isalnum():
+        if not username.isalnum():
             return render(request, 'error.html', { 'urlname': urlname, 'service': service, 'error': 'Username has to be alphanumeric.' } )
+        elif check_user_exists(username):
+            return render(request, 'error.html', { 'urlname': urlname, 'service': service, 'error': 'User already exists.' } )
         password1 = request.POST.get('password1')
         password2 = request.POST.get('password2')
         # check if the supplied passwords match