Key highlights
- A registry is like a wholesale database for domain names, managing TLDs like .com or .net.
- Registrars act as retailers, selling domain name registrations to the public on behalf of registries.
- You can’t actually “own” a domain name; you lease it for a period, renewable up to 10 years at a time.
- ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) plays an essential role in regulating domain name registration.
- For privacy, consider private registration to mask your contact details in the public WHOIS directory.
You’ve found the perfect domain name for your website. You’re ready to register it. Then you encounter unfamiliar terms: registry, registrar and registrant. The excitement fades into confusion.
Here’s the simple truth: registries operate like wholesalers and registrars function as retailers. You can’t buy directly from registries like Verisign – just as you can’t walk into a warehouse and buy from manufacturers. You need a registrar to complete your purchase.
This guide explains how ICANN structures the domain ecosystem. You’ll learn why registries manage infrastructure while registrars handle customer service. You’ll discover how this system protects domain owners and simplifies registration.
The big picture: Registry vs. registrar vs. registrant
The domain name system has three main players. Each serves a distinct role. Understanding these roles helps you manage domains effectively.
Key differences at a glance
Here’s a quick comparison of the three entities:
| Entity | Role | Example | What they do | Best real-world application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registry | Wholesale Database Manager | Verisign (.com), Afilias (.org) | Maintains TLD databases and technical infrastructure | Backend operations you never interact with directly |
| Registrar | Retail Service Provider | Bluehost, GoDaddy, Namecheap | Sells domains to customers and manages registrations | Your primary contact for all domain needs |
| Registrant | Domain Owner | You (website owner) | Registers and renews domains for their website | Active domain management and renewal responsibility |
The difference between registrars and resellers adds another layer. Resellers partner with accredited registrars. They don’t have direct registry access. We’ll explore this distinction later.
The domain supply chain: How ICANN connects them
ICANN oversees the entire domain registration system. They accredit registrars and authorize registries. This creates a structured supply chain.
The flow works like this:
- ICANN sets policies and maintains oversight
- Domain registries manage specific TLDs (like .com or .org)
- Accredited registrars sell domains to end users
- Domain registrants use domains for websites and email
Each level has specific responsibilities. Registries can’t sell directly to you. Registrars must follow ICANN’s rules. This separation protects domain owners and ensures system stability.
What is a domain registry?
A domain name registry operates the master database for specific top-level domains (TLDs). They don’t sell domains to individuals. Instead, they provide wholesale services to accredited registrars.
ICANN authorizes registries to manage TLDs. Each registry maintains the authoritative database for their assigned extensions. They ensure domain availability and prevent duplicate registrations.
How domain registries function
The registry handles critical technical functions. These include managing DNS infrastructure and processing registration data from registrars. They also maintain WHOIS records and coordinate with root name servers.
The ICANN registry vs registrar relationship is complementary. Registries focus on backend infrastructure. Registrars handle customer-facing operations. This division creates efficiency and specialization.
Also read: What is DNS (Domain Name System) and How Does it Work?
Real-world examples: Verisign and other major registries
Verisign is the most prominent domain registry. They manage .com and .net domains. Verisign maintains the databases for over 170 million domain names.
Other major registries include:
- Afilias: Manages .org and .info
- PIR (Public Interest Registry): Oversees .org
- Neustar: Operates .biz and .us
- Donuts Inc.: Manages hundreds of new TLDs like .online and .tech
You cannot register domains directly with Verisign or other registries. They only work with ICANN-accredited registrars.
When you search “verisign domain registrars,” you’re looking for registrars authorized to access Verisign’s systems. This is why you need a registrar like Bluehost to purchase your domain. We connect directly to Verisign and other registries on your behalf.
What is a registrar for domain?
Domain registrars, also known as domain name registrars, are the entities that directly interact with individuals or businesses looking to register a domain name. They provide a platform for searching, registering and managing domain names. Some well-known registrars include Bluehost, GoDaddy and Namecheap.
What ICANN requires from accredited registrars
To become a domain registrar, a company must be accredited by ICANN. This accreditation process ensures that the registrar meets strict standards for technical, operational and financial stability. By choosing an ICANN-accredited registrar, you can have confidence in the security and reliability of your domain registration.
Security and technical requirements:
Every accredited registrar must maintain robust security measures. This includes protecting your account information and implementing secure payment processing. Registrars also need reliable systems to communicate with domain registries and process registration requests.
The registry vs registrar system has technical requirements that extend beyond basic security. Registrars must provide accurate domain information to the WHOIS database. They need automated systems to process domain renewals and send expiration notices. These systems help prevent accidental domain losses.
Customer support standards:
Customer support plays a crucial role in accreditation requirements. Your registrar must offer accessible support channels and respond to technical issues promptly. They should provide clear documentation about domain management procedures and pricing.
Essential registrar responsibilities include:
- Maintaining accurate registration records
- Processing domain transfers efficiently
- Implementing security protocols
- Providing timely renewal notifications
Also read: The Best Domain Registrars: Choose the Right Domain Registrar
Why choose Bluehost as your registrar
You’ll want to choose a registrar that makes this process simple and hassle-free. For over 20 years, Bluehost has helped millions of website owners navigate domain registration with confidence.
We are an ICANN-accredited registrar for domain services with a streamlined domain registration process. With Bluehost, you can:
- Easily search for and register available domain names
- Manage your domain settings and DNS records through a user-friendly control panel
- Set up automatic renewals to prevent accidental expiration
- Transfer existing domains from other registrars to consolidate your domain portfolio
Now that you understand the role of registrars, let’s discuss what it means to be a domain registrant.
What is a domain registrant?
When you register a domain name through a registrar, you become the registered name holder and domain registrant. As the registrant, you are the legal owner of the domain name for the duration of the registration period, which typically ranges from one to ten years.
The registrar vs registrant relationship is straightforward.
- The registrar provides the service.
- The registrant purchases and owns the domain.
- The registrar facilitates communication with the registry on behalf of the registrant.
Your rights as a domain registrant
As a domain registrant, you have certain rights. Your rights include:
- Using the domain name for your website, email and other online services
- Transferring the domain to another registrar if you choose
- Selling or transferring ownership of the domain to another party
Your responsibilities as a domain registrant
However, you also have important responsibilities as a domain registrant:
- Providing accurate and up-to-date contact information to your registrar (this is a requirement of ICANN)
- Renewing your domain registration before it expires to prevent loss of ownership
- Complying with ICANN policies and your registrar’s terms of service
- Responding to any official communications regarding your domain, such as transfer requests or dispute resolutions
Failing to meet these responsibilities could result in losing your domain or having it suspended by your registry or registrar for domain violations.
Protecting your privacy with domain privacy
One important aspect of domain registration is privacy. By default, your contact information (name, address, email address, phone number) is publicly available in the WHOIS database, which is maintained by the domain registry. This can lead to unwanted spam, solicitations or even identity theft from malicious actors.
To protect your privacy, Bluehost offers domain privacy protection as an add-on service. When you enable domain privacy:
- Your personal contact information is replaced with generic, proxy information in the public WHOIS database
- The registrar forwards any important communications to you privately
- Your personal information remains protected from public view
Enabling domain privacy can give you peace of mind and reduce the risk of unwanted contact or harassment associated with public WHOIS listings.
Also read: Do I Need Domain Name Privacy Protection + WHOIS Privacy?
How does domain registration actually work?
So far, we’ve explored the roles of domain registries, registrars and registrants in the domain name system. But how do these entities interact with each other to make the system work seamlessly?
The domain registrar vs registry relationship affects your domain management experience. The registry maintains the central database, while your registrar provides access to registration services. This two-tier system ensures security and stability in domain name management.
The complete registration workflow
When you register a domain through a registrar, the process typically follows these steps:
- You choose a domain name and submit your registration request through the registrar’s platform.
- The registrar checks with the appropriate domain registry to ensure the domain is available and not already registered.
- If the domain is available, the registrar submits your registration information and payment to the registry.
- The registry adds your domain to its central database and confirms the registration with the registrar.
- The registrar provides you with the necessary DNS settings to point your domain to your website or other online services.
Throughout the lifecycle of your domain, the registrar acts as your primary point of contact and manages your domain settings, renewals and any necessary communications with the registry.
How long does domain transfer take?
If you decide to transfer your domain to a different registrar, the process involves coordination between your current registrar, the new registrar and the domain registry:
- You request an authorization code (also known as an EPP code) from your current registrar
- You initiate the transfer process with the new registrar and provide them with the authorization code
- The new registrar communicates with the registry to confirm the transfer
- Once approved, the registry updates its database to reflect the new registrar and the transfer is complete
The transfer process typically takes 5-7 days to complete. During this time, the registry verifies the transfer request with both registrars. This verification ensures proper domain ownership and prevents unauthorized transfers. Your domain remains active throughout the process, preventing any service interruption.
What’s the difference between domain registrars and domain resellers?
The difference between registrars and resellers affects your domain management experience. Registrars have direct ICANN accreditation. Resellers operate through partnerships with accredited registrars.
How resellers operate
While registrars are directly accredited by ICANN to manage domain registrations, resellers are not. Resellers partner with accredited registrars to offer domain services to their customers. They essentially act as intermediaries between the customer and the registrar.
When you register through a reseller, your actual domain registrar remains the accredited company. The reseller manages your account interface and customer support. However, the official registrar handles all registry communications and ICANN compliance requirements.
Limitations of using resellers
Resellers often bundle domains with other services like reseller hosting or website builders. This bundling can provide cost savings but may limit your domain management options. You might face additional steps when transferring domains or updating registry information through a reseller.
Benefits of direct registrar services
Bluehost provides direct registrar services without intermediaries. This direct relationship gives you streamlined access to domain management tools. You receive immediate registry updates and maintain full control over your domain settings.
Key benefits of using a direct registrar include:
- Direct registry communication
- Faster technical support
- Simplified domain transfers
- Complete management control
What’s the difference between domain hosting and domain registration?
The registered domain and web hosting serve different purposes in your online presence. Registration of a domain name involves reserving your unique web address. In contrast, web hosting refers to the service that stores your website’s files and makes them accessible to visitors.
Understanding the difference
In the registry vs registrar ecosystem, think of your domain name as your street address and hosting as your physical building. You need both elements to create a functional website. The domain points visitors to your location, while hosting stores and serves your content.
Many people confuse domain registration and web hosting or assume they are the same thing. However, they are separate services that work together to make your website functional. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Domain registration: You register your domain name (for example, www.[yourwebsite].com) through a registrar. This gives you the right to use that specific web address.
- Web hosting: You sign up for a web hosting service, which provides the server space and resources needed to store your website’s files and make them accessible online.
Benefits of bundling services
While you can register your domain with one company and host your website with another, there are benefits to keeping these services together.
For example, when you register your domain with your hosting provider, many technical configurations happen automatically. This integration reduces setup time and minimizes potential connection issues.
Bluehost offers seamless integration of domain registration and web hosting. By bundling these services, you can:
- Simplify your website management by keeping everything under one account
- Easily connect your domain to your hosting service without additional configuration
- Take advantage of Bluehost’s optimized hosting environment and customer support
When you register a domain and sign up for web hosting with Bluehost, you can have your website up and running quickly and efficiently. Bundle your domain and hosting for seamless setup.
How do you manage domain ownership effectively?
In the registry vs registrar system, domain ownership requires active management of your registration details and technical settings. Your registrar provides tools to control domain configurations through a management dashboard. This interface lets you update contact information, manage DNS records and adjust privacy settings.
Also read: What Happens When a Domain Name Expires? The Surprising Truth
Simplifying domain management with Bluehost
Running a website is challenging enough without worrying about domain management headaches. That’s why choosing the right platform makes all the difference. As millions of website owners have discovered, Bluehost takes the complexity out of domain management.
The Bluehost domain control panel provides an intuitive interface for all your domain needs. You access settings through a clean dashboard that guides you through configuration changes. Built-in validation helps prevent technical errors that could disrupt your services.
The dashboard allows you to:
- Monitor domain expiration dates at a glance
- Update DNS settings with step-by-step guidance
- Configure auto-renewal with one click
- Initiate transfers with built-in authorization code generation
- Enable privacy protection instantly
Sign up today and access all these features through a single intuitive control panel.
Final thoughts
Understanding the registry vs registrar distinction empowers better domain decisions. Registries like Verisign manage technical infrastructure. Registrars like Bluehost connect you to that infrastructure. This separation creates a stable and secure domain ecosystem.
The ICANN registry vs registrar framework protects domain owners. It ensures professional management at every level. It prevents monopolies and encourages competition.
Ready to start your domain journey? Take the first step today and search for your perfect domain name with Bluehost. With our user-friendly interface, comprehensive domain management tools and expert support, you’ll have everything you need to establish and grow your online presence.
Don’t wait – your ideal domain name is waiting for you. Start your search now and let Bluehost be your trusted partner in all domain-related services.
FAQs
A domain registry, such as VeriSign, maintains the master database for all domain names registered under a specific top-level domain (TLD), such as .com or .org. They set the rules and policies for the domain name registration process within their TLD. On the other hand, a domain registrar is an ICANN-accredited company that sells and manages domain name registrations on behalf of registrants. Registrars work with registries to ensure domain names are properly registered and maintained.
No, you cannot register a domain name directly with a registry. Registries manage the domain database but do not sell directly to the public. To register a domain, you must go through an ICANN-accredited registrar like Bluehost. The registrar acts as an intermediary between you and the registry, handling the registration process and managing your domain settings.
Domain registrations are not permanent. When you register a domain, you are essentially leasing it for a specified period, typically one to ten years. To maintain control over your domain, you must renew your registration before it expires. If you fail to renew, your domain may become available for others to register and you could lose your online identity.
If you fail to renew your domain before its expiration date, it will enter a grace period (usually 30 days) during which you can still renew but often at a higher cost. If you don’t renew during the grace period, your domain will enter a redemption period (another 30 days) where you may still be able to recover the domain, but at a significant cost. After the redemption period, your domain will be released and available for anyone to register.
To transfer your domain to a new registrar, first ensure your domain is unlocked and privacy protection is disabled with your current registrar. Obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar. Initiate the transfer with your new registrar and provide the authorization code. Approve the transfer request through email confirmation. The process typically takes 5-7 days to complete.
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