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A domain name registrar is the organization you use to register and manage a domain name. For generic top-level domains (gTLDs), an ICANN-accredited registrar checks that a requested name meets the registry’s requirements and submits the registration request to the registry operator. The registrar is the customer-facing service; it is not the TLD’s master database.
How the domain registration roles fit together
Three parties have distinct roles in a typical gTLD registration:
- Registrant: the person or organization that holds the domain registration.
- Registrar: the organization that processes the request and provides the account through which the registrant manages the domain.
- Registry operator: the organization that maintains the authoritative database for a particular top-level domain (TLD).
The registrant applies through a registrar. After checking the request against the relevant requirements, the registrar submits it to the registry operator, which adds the name to that TLD’s registry. See ICANN’s explanation of domain name registration.
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What a registrar does for a domain holder
The registrar handles the customer relationship for the registration. The registrant enters into a contract covering registration and maintenance, then uses the registrar’s account or support channels to manage the domain. ICANN says registrants should be able to get information about registering, managing, transferring, renewing, and restoring a domain. Review the agreement and make sure you know which person or organization is recorded as the registrant, particularly if a developer or another third party registered the name for you. See ICANN’s registrant information.
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Is a registrar the same as a registry?
No. The registrar processes a customer’s request and manages the customer-facing relationship. The registry operator maintains the authoritative database for names in its TLD. A registrar sends a valid registration request to the registry; it does not itself serve as that TLD’s master database.
Are all domain sellers ICANN-accredited registrars?
No. For gTLDs, people can register through an ICANN-accredited registrar or through one of its resellers. A reseller sells registration services through a registrar but is not itself ICANN-accredited; the associated registrar remains responsible for names sold through its resellers. Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) may use a different process, including registration through the relevant ccTLD operator. The exact route depends on the TLD. See ICANN’s guide to registering a domain name.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does registering a domain give you a website or email?
No. Registration associates a domain name with technical information, but it does not automatically provide a working website, web hosting, or email. Those services may be offered by the registrar or obtained separately. See ICANN’s domain name FAQs.
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