Key highlights
- 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.
Introduction
Picture this: You’ve just found the perfect domain name for your website, but suddenly you’re faced with unfamiliar terms – registry, registrar and registrant. Your excitement turns to confusion. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this digital maze.
Your domain name is more than just a web address. It’s your digital identity, your storefront in the vast online marketplace. Just as you wouldn’t buy property without understanding real estate basics, you shouldn’t register a domain without knowing the key players involved.
This domain registry vs registrar guide cuts through the technical jargon to explain exactly how domain registration works. You’ll learn the crucial differences between registries and registrars, understand their roles in maintaining your domain name and discover how to make informed decisions about your online presence.
Let’s demystify the domain name system together and help you take control of your digital future.
Understanding ICANN and domain registries
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is a non-profit organization that oversees the Domain Name System (DNS). They manage the allocation of IP addresses and maintain the domain name registries to ensure the DNS operates smoothly and securely.
The DNS servers are essentially a global directory that translates human-readable domain names (like www.bluehost.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1). This translation allows users to access websites using memorable names instead of complex number sequences. ICANN plays a crucial role in coordinating these translations and keeping the DNS running effectively.
Read more: What is DNS (Domain Name System) and How Does it Work?
To understand how domain registration works, it’s essential to understand the domain registry vs registrar relationship.
- Domain registries: These organizations are approved by ICANN to manage top-level domains (TLDs) like .com, .org or .net. They maintain the master database of all registered domains within their respective TLDs and set the policies for domain registration.
- Domain registrars: ICANN accredited registrars to sell and manage domain registrations on behalf of end-users (registrants). They act as the intermediary between the registrant and the registry, facilitating the domain registration process.
In the next section, we’ll dive deeper into the role of domain registrars and how they interact with registries to make domain registration possible.
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.
To become a domain registrar, a company must be accredited by ICANN, a process known as ICANN accreditation. 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.
When you want to register a domain, you typically follow these steps:
- Search for your desired domain name on the registrar’s website
- Select the available domain and add it to your cart
- Provide your contact and billing information
- Complete the payment process
Once your payment is processed, the registrar communicates with the appropriate registry to ensure the domain is available and officially registers it in your name. The registrar then becomes your primary point of contact for managing your domain, including renewals, transfers and DNS settings.
Also read: The Best Domain Registrars: Choose the Right Domain 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.
As a domain registrant, you have certain rights and responsibilities. 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
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
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?
Navigating the domain registry vs registrar relationship
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.
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.
The transfer process for a registered domain
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.
Requirements for ICANN-accredited registrars
ICANN maintains strict standards for domain registrars. These requirements protect your interests as a domain owner and ensure reliable service delivery.
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 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
It’s worth noting that not all companies selling domain registrations are accredited registrars. Some are resellers that partner with accredited registrars to offer domain services. In the next section, we’ll clarify the differences between registrars and resellers.
Domain registrars vs. domain resellers
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.
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.
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
In addition to domain registration, we also offer web hosting services, which brings us to our next section.
Domain hosting vs. domain registration
The registered domain and web hosting serve different purposes in your online presence. While registration of a domain name involves reserving your unique web address, web hosting refers to the service that stores your website’s files and makes them accessible to visitors.
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 (e.g., 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.
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.
Domain ownership and management
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.
When you register a domain, you are leasing it for a specific period, typically one to ten years. During this time, you have the right to use the domain for your website, email and other online services. However, you must also comply with the terms of service set by your registrar and the domain registry.
To maintain ownership of your domain, you must:
- Renew your domain registration before it expires
- Keep your contact information up-to-date with your registrar
- Respond to any official communications regarding your domain
- Avoid engaging in any illegal or fraudulent activities with your domain
Failing to meet these responsibilities could result in losing your domain or having it suspended by your registry or registrar for domain violations.
Also read: What Happens When a Domain Name Expires? The Surprising Truth
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 simplifies these management tasks. You access all domain settings through an intuitive interface. The system guides you through common configuration changes. Built-in validation helps prevent technical errors that could disrupt your services.
Essential management features include:
- Monitor your domain expiration dates and renew your registration
- Update your contact information and DNS settings
- Set up auto-renewal to prevent accidental expiration
- Transfer your domain to another registrar if needed
Final thoughts
The registry vs registrar relationship plays a vital role in the domain name system. Your understanding of these key players helps you make informed decisions for your online presence. From choosing the right registrar to managing your domain settings, each step matters.
Remember, your domain name serves as your digital identity. Take time to understand the system, select reliable services and maintain proper security measures. Your online success starts with these fundamental choices.
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.
To transfer your domain to a new registrar, you’ll first need to ensure that your domain registration is unlocked and privacy protection is disabled with your current registrar. Next, obtain an authorization code, also known as an EPP code, from your current registrar. Once you have the code, initiate the transfer process with your new registrar and provide them with the authorization code. You’ll then need to approve the transfer request, usually through an email confirmation. Finally, wait for the transfer to be processed, which can take up to 7 days. After the transfer is complete, your domain will be managed by the new registrar.
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.
