Registrar vs. Register vs. Registry: What’s the Difference? 

Key takeaways:

• Registries, registrars, and registrants each have a distinct role in domain management.
• The domain registration process flows from the registrant to the registrar to the registry.
• Choosing an ICANN-accredited registrar ensures better support and security.
• Following domain management best practices keeps your domain secure, active, and under your control. 

Managing a domain name involves more than just buying it and pointing it to a website. Behind the scenes, three key roles keep the Domain Name System working smoothly: the registry, the registrar, and the registrant. Understanding each role and their relationship is important for anyone managing a domain or website.  

In this article, we’ll break down domain name registrar, registry, and registrant, highlight their differences, and discuss how they work together to ensure that the web remains organized, accessible, and functional.  

What is a domain registry, registrar, and registrant?  

Here’s a quick overview of each term to show who does what when it comes to managing domain names. 

Entity	Role description	Responsibilities	Example
Registry	Manages and controls the database of domain names.	Maintains domain name records for specific TLDs (like .com, .org)	ICANN, VeriSign (for .com, .net), Public interest registry (PIR) for .org.
Registrar	Acts on behalf of registrants to sell and manage domain names.	– Registers domain names with registries    – Provides DNS services    – Manages domain renewals -Offers customer support.	Network Solutions, Vodien, Freeparking
Registrant	Owns the domain name.	-Buys and owns domain names, controls its use  -May transfer or sell the domain within a particular period.	Business owners, Individuals

Domain registry 

The domain registry oversees managing domain names for specific top-level domains (TLDs), like .com or .org. They keep an eye on all the domain names registered under them. 

When you register a domain through domain name registrars, it’s the registry that stores the domain in its database and hooks it up to the global DNS — a translator that turns your domain name into an IP address.  

Domain registrar 

Registrars protect user privacy and handle everything related to domain names, from registering and renewing to transferring them. They also offer services like DNS management, privacy protection, email setup, and domain locking.  

These services give domain owners (registrants) complete control over their domains while ensuring their online presence stays safe and functional.  

They are accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to sell domain names to the public. ICANN is an internet corporation that ensures registrars follow global standards for the domain name registration process. They oversee how domain names and IP addresses are assigned around the world and set rules to prevent cybersquatting and domain speculation, which makes registering domains safe from fraud or ownership issues. 

Domain registrant 

When you register a domain name, you become the “registrant.” The registrant is the person or organization that buys and owns a domain name. 

When a registrant buys a domain through a registrar, they gain the right to use the domain for a specified period, usually a year. Throughout this period, the registrant has full control over updating contact information, transferring the domain to another registrar, or even selling it if they choose.  

How registry, registrar, and registrant work together 

To better understand the key differences between the three better, let’s use this analogy: the registry is the publisher, the registrar is the bookstore, and the registrant is the buyer.  

Following this logic, the registry is like the publisher. It keeps a complete list of all domain names under a specific extension, like .com or .org. It makes sure every name is unique and properly recorded, but it doesn’t sell domains directly to the public. 

On the other hand, the registrar is like the bookstore. It’s where people go to search for, buy, and manage their domain names. Registrars work with registries to offer domain names and help with things like payments, renewals, and settings. 

The registrant is the buyer. When you buy a domain through a registrar, you get the right to use it for a certain period. You can use it to build a website, save it for later, or transfer it to someone else.  

The domain registration process: Registry, registrar, and registrant roles  

When you buy a domain name, the process can sometimes vary depending on the registrar and the type of domain you’re registering. But here’s how the general process works:  

Step 1. Search for your domain 

Goto a domain registrar’s website and check if your desired domain name is available. During this step, you’ll also choose the right domain extensions, such as .com, .org, or others, based on your website’s purpose.  

Step 2. Purchase the domain 

If the domain is available, purchase it. This step officially begins the registration process, and you are now a registrant of the domain.  

Step 3. Registrar submits registration to the registry 

After you purchase the domain, the registrar submits your registration details to the registry that manages the domain extension of your choosing. The registry then updates its database to reflect the new domain registration. This process ensures that your domain is officially recorded and linked to you as the registrant.  

Step 4. Domain is registered 

The registry processes the registration and confirms your domain is officially recorded. Once this is done, the domain is assigned to you, the registrant. At this point, you have control over the domain for the duration of your registration, typically one year.  

Step 5. Manage your domain 

As the registrant, you can now manage your domain by renewing it, transferring it, or modifying your domain settings (such as DNS records). Your registrar provides the platform for these tasks.  

Here’s a simple flowchart to visualize the process: 

[Registrant] — (Buys domain) –> [Registrar] — (Registers domain) –> [Registry]  

Domain registrar vs. resellers 

Aside from registrars, you can also buy domains from resellers. While both offer similar products, there are a few key differences in how they operate and support your domain. Knowing these differences can help you choose the right option for your needs. 

As mentioned previously, a domain registrar is an authorized organization that manages domain name reservations. They’re in charge of registering domain names, so you have full control. This means you can manage your DNS, renew your domain, and get help whenever you need it.  

On the other hand, domain resellers sell domain names on the registrar’s behalf but don’t have direct access to the registry. If your domain needs changes, you’ll need to contact the reseller instead of the registrar.  

Resellers often include domain names with other services like website hosting or email, which can make it a cheaper and more convenient option for getting started online.  

When choosing between a registrar and a reseller, consider what matters most to you. If you want control and fast support, a registrar is a better choice. If you’re looking for a deal on hosting and domain names, a reseller might be the way to go.  

Best practices for domain registrants  

Owning a domain comes with responsibilities. To keep your domain safe, active, and under your control, here are best practices every registrant should follow. 

Keep your contact information accurate  

Your contact information is the lifeline to your domain. If the registrar can’t reach you—whether due to an expired email address or incorrect phone number—you could lose control of your domain.  

This can happen if you miss renewal notices or are unable to verify your identity.  So, always ensure your contact details are up to date with your registrar to avoid losing access to your domain.   

Use domain privacy  

When you register a domain, your personal info, like name and address, goes public in the WHOIS database. This exposure can lead to unwanted solicitations or fraud. However, enabling domain privacy allows your registrar to substitute your details with generic info in the WHOIS database.  

This action protects your privacy, keeping scammers at bay and your personal information safe.  

Enable auto-renew  

Setting up auto-renewal means your domain will be renewed automatically, so you don’t have to worry about losing it when it expires. Auto-renewal is a solid safeguard, but adding domain expiration protection takes it a step further.  

This feature does a couple of things: it alerts you if your domain is about to expire because of a payment issue, and it automatically adds an extra year to your registration. Domain expiration protection keeps your site secure while you work on your payment issue.  

Lock your domain  

Domain locking is a must for anyone serious about domain security. When you lock your domain, it prevents unauthorized transfers to another registrar. If someone attempts to hijack your domain, they will not be able to move it elsewhere without your explicit permission.   

This is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your domain protected from theft or accidental changes. Make it a habit to lock your domain once it’s registered.  

Get SSL certificates  

SSL certificate helps keep your website secure by encrypting the data exchanged between your site and visitors. It protects sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and personal data.  

Aside from protecting sensitive information, SSL certificates also boost your credibility. Without it, visitors will see a security warning in their browser, which could drive them away.  

Activate DNSSEC  

Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) safeguards your DNS query responses, making sure they’re genuine and not altered. By switching on DNSSEC, you get an extra layer of protection. This ensures visitors land on the right site, not a fake one that’s out to steal their info.  

Watch out for phishing  

Cybercriminals often use phishing to steal your domain credentials. To protect yourself, set up alerts with your registrar for any suspicious activity. This way, you can quickly spot phishing attempts or unauthorized logins before your security gets compromised. 

Best practices for choosing domain registrars 

Picking the right domain name is one thing, but choosing the right registrar is just as important. Here are some best practices to help you find one that’s fits your business needs. 

Compare pricing and services  

When choosing a registrar, pricing isn’t everything. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s important to evaluate what’s included in the price. Make sure you’re getting the services you need—such as DNS management, business email setup, and domain privacy protection.   

Keep in mind that some registrars may offer tempting discounts upfront but end up charging high renewal fees. Compare the overall value to ensure you’re getting the features you need at a fair price.  

Check customer reviews and support  

Customer support can make or break your experience with a registrar. You should choose a company that’s easy to reach, responsive, and helpful when issues arise. Read through customer reviews, particularly focusing on how quickly and effectively they resolve problems.   

Poor customer service can lead to long delays, especially in urgent situations, so choose a registrar with a strong reputation for support that goes above and beyond.  

Ensure the registrar is ICANN-accredited 

Check if your chosen registrar is ICANN-accredited by visiting their official list of accredited registrars. This accreditation guarantees they meet industry standards and follow strict guidelines to ensure your domain is handled securely and properly.  

Without ICANN accreditation, you risk working with a less reliable registrar that might not adhere to the global standards you expect.  

Look into renewal policies and fees  

The initial price may be attractive but also consider renewal fees. Some registrars lure you in with a low starting cost, only to raise prices significantly after your first year. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the long-term costs.   

Also, check for hidden fees related to transfers or updates. A registrar with transparent pricing, including renewal rates, helps you avoid surprise expenses down the line.  

Prioritize security features  

Your domain is valuable. So, choose a registrar that ensures security and has a domain locking to stop unauthorized transfers. Also, consider two-factor authentication (2FA) for added protection. These features prevent cyberattacks and keep you in control.  

Back up your website regularly  

Losing your website data can be disastrous, especially if your site is compromised. Regularly back up your website to ensure you have a copy of your content in case of an attack or server failure. A recent backup lets you restore your site quickly and minimize downtime. 

Secure your site  

Keeping your website secure is essential to protect against cyber threats that are constantly evolving. Start by setting up a firewall to block harmful traffic and use tools like SiteLock to scan for malware and vulnerabilities. Ensure your accounts are protected with strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security.  

These steps help ensure your site stays safe and protected from potential attacks. 

Domain disputes and resolution  

Domain disputes can arise for various reasons, with cybersquatting and trademark conflicts being the most common.   

Cybersquatting happens when someone buys a domain name with the goal of selling it later for a higher price, often by using popular brand names or trademarks. Trademark conflicts occur when a domain name uses a registered trademark, causing confusion among consumers.  

To resolve these issues, organizations like WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) and USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) handle domain name disputes, often through the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). The UDRP is a set of guidelines used by registrars to resolve disputes efficiently.  

The UDRP is a quick and affordable way to settle domain disputes without going to court. Trademark owners can file complaints with trusted providers, and if the panel agrees with them, they can transfer or cancel the domain. It’s a simple process that helps protect intellectual property and stop misuse.  

Simplify your domain management  

Understanding how registries, registrars, and registrants work is necessary for managing your domain effectively. Stick to best practices for things like security, updates, and handling disputes to keep everything under control and your website safe. Choose the right registrar, keep your info up to date, and use security features to protect your site.  

These easy steps are all made simple with Network Solutions. With excellent support, great bundles, and solid security, we make managing your domain a breeze.  

Frequently asked questions