Registry vs Registrar: Understanding the Domain Ecosystem
The key players in domain name registration and management
The Domain Name Ecosystem
The domain name industry operates through a structured hierarchy of organizations, each with specific roles and responsibilities. Understanding the difference between registries and registrars is essential for anyone working with domain names, whether you're registering your first domain or managing a large portfolio.
What is a Domain Registry?
Definition
A registry (also called a registry operator) is an organization that manages and operates a specific top-level domain (TLD). The registry maintains the authoritative master database of all domain names registered under their TLD and operates the technical infrastructure that makes those domains work.
Key Responsibilities
- Authoritative Database: Maintain master registry of all domains under the TLD
- DNS Infrastructure: Operate nameservers for the TLD zone
- Policy Setting: Establish registration policies and requirements
- WHOIS/RDAP Services: Provide registration data access services
- Technical Operations: Ensure stability, security, and availability of the TLD
- ICANN Compliance: Meet contractual obligations and reporting requirements
Examples of Major Registries
Registry Business Model
Registries generate revenue by charging registrars wholesale fees for each domain registration and renewal. These fees vary significantly by TLD: Verisign's wholesale price for .com is currently just under $10 per year, while premium or specialized TLDs can charge $25+ or much higher. Additionally, ICANN charges a per-transaction fee of approximately $0.18 per domain year, which is separate from the registry wholesale fee.
What is a Domain Registrar?
Definition
A registrar is an ICANN-accredited company authorized to sell domain name registrations directly to end users (individuals and businesses). Registrars interact with registries on behalf of customers to register, renew, transfer, and manage domain names.
Key Responsibilities
- Customer Interface: Provide user-friendly registration and management tools
- Registry Communication: Submit registration requests to registries via EPP protocol
- Customer Support: Assist customers with domain issues and questions
- Billing and Payments: Collect payments from customers and remit wholesale fees to registries
- Data Management: Maintain customer contact information and registration data
- Additional Services: Often offer hosting, email, SSL certificates, and other services
- ICANN Compliance: Follow ICANN policies including transfer policies, RDAP, dispute resolution
Examples of Major Registrars
Registrar Business Model
Registrars make money through markup on domain registrations, renewal fees, and ancillary services. They buy domains at wholesale prices from registries and sell at retail prices to customers. Margins vary but typically range from $2-20 per domain depending on TLD and competitive dynamics.
Registry vs Registrar: Key Differences
| Aspect | Registry | Registrar |
|---|---|---|
| Role | TLD operator and database manager | Retail interface to end users |
| Customer | Registrars | Domain registrants (individuals/businesses) |
| Number per TLD | One registry per TLD | Multiple registrars compete |
| Technical Responsibility | Operate TLD infrastructure and zone files | Submit requests, manage customer nameservers |
| Pricing | Sets wholesale prices | Sets retail prices (with markup) |
| ICANN Relationship | Registry Agreement contract | Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA) |
| Direct User Contact | Minimal (except brand TLDs) | Extensive customer support |
How Registries and Registrars Work Together
The Registration Process
Step 1: Customer Searches for Domain
Customer uses registrar's website to search for available domain names
Step 2: Registrar Checks Availability
Registrar queries registry via EPP protocol to verify domain is available
Step 3: Customer Places Order
Customer provides contact information, payment, and registration details
Step 4: Registrar Submits Request
Registrar sends registration command to registry through secure EPP connection
Step 5: Registry Creates Record
Registry adds domain to master database and publishes to DNS zone
Step 6: Domain Becomes Active
Domain propagates globally, customer can configure DNS records via registrar
EPP: The Communication Protocol
The Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) is the standard protocol used for communication between registrars and registries. EPP enables:
- Real-time domain registration and updates
- Secure, authenticated transactions
- Domain transfers between registrars
- Contact and nameserver updates
- Domain status management (locks, holds, etc.)
Special Cases and Exceptions
Vertically Integrated Companies
Some companies operate as both registry and registrar:
- Google: Operates registries (.google, .app, .dev) and registrar (Google Domains)
- Tucows: Operates registries (various TLDs) and registrars (Hover, OpenSRS, Enom)
- GoDaddy: Operates both registries and the world's largest registrar
ICANN has rules preventing registries from unfairly favoring their own registrar operations to ensure competitive fairness.
Brand TLDs (Specification 13)
For brand TLDs operating under Spec 13, the traditional registrar model may not apply. Brands can:
- Register domains directly without using registrars
- Control the entire namespace exclusively
- Set internal policies without external registrar involvement
Resellers
Some companies operate as domain resellers:
- Partner with accredited registrars to sell domains
- Not directly accredited by ICANN
- Add their own markup and branding
- Examples: web hosting companies offering domain registration
Why This Structure Matters
Competition and Choice
The registry-registrar model creates a competitive marketplace:
- Multiple registrars compete on price, features, and service
- Customers can transfer domains between registrars easily
- Innovation happens at registrar level (better tools, bundled services)
- Registry focuses on technical stability while registrars focus on customer experience
Stability and Security
Separation of concerns provides stability:
- Registry failure doesn't mean registrar failure (domains continue working)
- Registrar failure doesn't impact TLD infrastructure
- Clear lines of responsibility for technical and customer service issues
- ICANN oversight of both registries and registrars ensures compliance
Key Takeaways
- •Registries operate TLDs and maintain the authoritative domain database
- •Registrars sell domains to end users and provide customer-facing services
- •One registry per TLD, but multiple registrars compete for customers
- •Registries and registrars communicate via EPP protocol for domain transactions
- •This two-tier model promotes competition, choice, and operational stability