The Role of Registrars and Registries in Managing Domain Names
Behind every domain name lies a sophisticated system of organizations that handle its registration, maintenance, and ownership records. If you’re starting out in domaining or building websites, it’s important to understand the difference between a domain registrar and a domain registry. These two entities — though related — play distinct roles in the global infrastructure that keeps the internet running smoothly. In this guide, we’ll explain who they are, what they do, and how they impact your domain ownership and
What Is a Domain Registry?
A domain registry is the authoritative organization that manages the database of domain names for a specific Top-Level Domain (TLD), such as .com, .net, .org, .info, .xyz, and others. The registry keeps track of:
- Which domain names are available or registered
- The authoritative DNS settings for each domain
- Expiration and renewal records
- Compliance with ICANN regulations (if applicable)
Examples of Registries:
- Verisign: Registry for .com and .net
- PIR (Public Interest Registry): Registry for .org
- Donuts: Registry for many new gTLDs (e.g., .guru, .agency)
- Nominet: Registry for .uk domains
Registries operate at the root of the domain name system (DNS). They are not consumer-facing — meaning you don’t register domains directly through them.
What Is a Domain Registrar?
A domain registrar is a company accredited by a registry and ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) to sell and manage domain names on behalf of customers. This is where most people register, renew, and manage their domains.
Registrars act as intermediaries between the registry (which controls the TLD) and you (the domain owner).
Examples of Popular Registrars:
Registrar vs Registry: Key Differences
| Feature | Registry | Registrar |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Maintains central domain database for a TLD | Sells and manages domain registrations for customers |
| Direct Consumer Access | No | Yes |
| Examples | Verisign, PIR, Donuts | Namecheap, GoDaddy, Sav |
| Manages DNS Records? | Maintains root-level DNS data | Allows users to configure DNS for their domains |
| Accredited By | ICANN (or country-level authority) | ICANN + Registry Agreements |
The Role of ICANN
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) oversees the domain name system globally. It coordinates:
- The assignment of domain names and IP addresses
- The accreditation of registrars
- The governance of policies for dispute resolution (e.g., UDRP)
- The launch and regulation of new TLDs
Both registries and registrars must comply with ICANN rules if they operate under generic TLDs (gTLDs).
How the Domain Registration Process Works
- You search for a domain via a registrar (e.g., example.com)
- The registrar checks the registry database (e.g., Verisign for .com) to see if it’s available
- If available, the registrar registers the domain with the registry and updates the WHOIS record
- The domain is assigned to you, and DNS settings are configured via the registrar dashboard
- Ownership is maintained as long as renewals are processed before expiry
Why This Matters for Domainers
As a domain investor, understanding registrars and registries helps you:
- Choose reliable platforms with fair pricing and good support
- Understand where your domain is technically held and managed
- Handle transfers, renewals, and DNS changes confidently
- Navigate UDRP or ICANN-related issues if disputes arise
- Take advantage of registry promotions or new TLD launches
Additionally, different registrars offer varying services like bulk tools, WHOIS privacy, marketplace listings, and domain parking integration — all critical for domaining operations.
Registrar Transfers vs Ownership Transfers
Domainers often confuse the two:
- Registrar Transfer: Moving your domain from one registrar to another (e.g., from GoDaddy to Dynadot)
- Ownership Transfer: Selling your domain to another person (change of registrant and WHOIS info)
Both may involve email verification, authorization codes (EPP), and lock periods. Understanding the distinction prevents delays and confusion during domain transactions.
Conclusion
At the heart of the internet’s domain infrastructure are registrars and registries. While registries maintain the TLD databases and control technical operations, registrars act as the user-friendly access points for domain acquisition and management. As a domainer, web developer, or entrepreneur, knowing how these entities work — and how to leverage them — empowers you to make smarter, safer, and more profitable domain decisions.
Pro Tip: Don’t just go with the biggest registrar. Compare features, support quality, renewal pricing, and user interface before committing — especially if you plan to manage dozens or hundreds of domain names.