Registries vs. Registrars: The Ultimate Comparison

In the domain name ecosystem, two key entities operate behind the scenes to enable the registration and management of internet domains: registries and registrars. While their roles are interdependent, they function at different layers of the domain infrastructure, each with distinct responsibilities, regulatory oversight, and technical implementations. Understanding the difference between registries and registrars is essential for anyone involved in domain investment, website development, brand protection, or digital infrastructure management. Their relationship forms the backbone of the Domain Name System (DNS), and any breakdown in coordination can have significant implications for domain ownership, security, and availability.

At the top of the hierarchy is the registry, which operates and maintains the authoritative database for a specific top-level domain (TLD). This includes legacy TLDs like .com, .net, and .org, as well as hundreds of newer generic TLDs (gTLDs) such as .xyz, .tech, .club, and .app, and country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) like .uk, .de, and .ca. A registry is responsible for managing the master zone file for its TLD—this file contains all the domain names registered under that TLD and their corresponding name servers. The registry is essentially the source of truth for a given TLD, ensuring DNS resolution for the domains it governs and propagating updates to the global root servers maintained by organizations like ICANN and IANA.

Registries also set the rules and policies for their respective TLDs. This includes defining the pricing structure for domain registrations, setting renewal grace periods, managing premium domain tiers, and enforcing registration eligibility requirements. For example, the .us registry requires registrants to have a presence in the United States, while .bank imposes strict verification protocols due to its sensitive industry focus. Each registry can define its own terms for what constitutes a valid domain name under its extension, which can affect IDN (Internationalized Domain Name) support, character limitations, and the handling of reserved names.

On the commercial side, registries sell domain names wholesale to registrars, who then resell them to end users. Verisign, for example, operates the .com and .net registries and is responsible for their global infrastructure and policy enforcement. However, Verisign does not deal directly with the public. Instead, it accredits registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains to offer .com registrations to individuals and businesses. This wholesale-retail relationship defines much of the commercial dynamics of the domain industry, including pricing competition, promotions, and value-added services.

Registrars act as intermediaries between registries and end users. They provide the interface through which customers can search for, register, renew, and manage domain names. A registrar typically offers a web-based control panel or API, allowing customers to configure name servers, DNS records, WHOIS privacy settings, domain forwarding, and transfer locks. Registrars also handle customer support, payment processing, fraud prevention, and compliance with registry requirements and ICANN regulations. They maintain a registrar database that is synced with the registry through the Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP), the standard used for real-time domain operations such as creating, updating, transferring, and deleting domains.

The registrar’s role is not merely technical but also regulatory. To operate as an ICANN-accredited registrar, a company must meet specific financial, operational, and data retention requirements. They must participate in the Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA), which sets forth rules regarding WHOIS data handling, abuse mitigation, dispute resolution, and customer protections. Registrars are obligated to provide accurate domain ownership data and to implement WHOIS privacy options, DNSSEC signing, and support for Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) processes when applicable.

In some cases, a company may act as both a registry and a registrar, a model known as vertical integration. This is more common with new gTLDs where the same entity that applied for the TLD under ICANN’s new gTLD program also operates a retail registrar platform. While vertical integration can streamline operations and offer pricing advantages, it also raises concerns about anti-competitive behavior and preferential access. As a result, ICANN regulates such relationships to ensure fair access for competing registrars.

Technical coordination between registries and registrars is critical for the health of the DNS. Any delay, miscommunication, or system failure can disrupt domain resolution or delay the propagation of critical updates. For instance, when a registrant changes their name servers through a registrar, that request is relayed to the registry, which then updates the authoritative TLD zone file. If the registry experiences downtime or the registrar’s EPP interface is misconfigured, changes may not propagate, leading to website downtime or email disruptions.

Domain transfers between registrars also rely on this interconnection. A registrant who wishes to transfer their domain must obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from the losing registrar, which is then submitted to the gaining registrar. The registry serves as the intermediary, validating the request and enforcing transfer lock status, domain age eligibility, and contact verification requirements. Registrars must comply with ICANN policies regarding transfer disputes, domain hijacking mitigation, and customer notification protocols.

Registries and registrars are also key players in domain security. Registries provide support for DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions), which adds cryptographic authentication to DNS records, protecting users from cache poisoning and man-in-the-middle attacks. Registrars, in turn, must support DNSSEC key management and encourage adoption among their customers. Similarly, both registries and registrars play roles in responding to abuse complaints, such as phishing, malware, and spam hosted on registered domains. Registrars are usually the first point of contact and can suspend or delete domains if they violate terms of service or applicable laws. Registries may take action in more severe cases, including emergency take-downs or seizure of domains under court orders.

In summary, the roles of registries and registrars are distinct but interwoven in the fabric of the domain name system. Registries manage the core infrastructure and policies for each TLD, ensuring authoritative DNS data and system integrity. Registrars provide the public-facing services that enable individuals and businesses to acquire and manage domain names. Together, they form a layered, resilient ecosystem that powers global internet navigation and digital identity. For anyone participating in the domain industry—whether as a buyer, seller, developer, or investor—understanding this division of responsibilities is fundamental to making informed decisions and navigating the domain landscape effectively.

In the domain name ecosystem, two key entities operate behind the scenes to enable the registration and management of internet domains: registries and registrars. While their roles are interdependent, they function at different layers of the domain infrastructure, each with distinct responsibilities, regulatory oversight, and technical implementations. Understanding the difference between registries and registrars is…