What Is The Difference Between A Domain Registry And A Registrar?

A Domain Registry is essential to the stability and operation of the DNS infrastructure and has a unique role in the domain name ecosystem.

Registries oversee the technical infrastructure that supports the domain name system (DNS) and the delegation of IP addresses, while Registrars deal with the public.

Registrars maintain authoritative databases for specific TLDs, overseeing the registration data associated with domain names and their corresponding IP addresses.

However, A Domain Registrar’s key responsibilities include assisting with domain name registration and engaging with the public directly.

By serving as middlemen, Registrars help people and businesses buy and maintain the domain names they want. They offer various services, including public domain name lookup, registration, renewal, and transfer.

Additional Information

Understanding the difference between a Registrar and a Registry can be confusing, especially for those new to domains and hosting.

Domain Registrar

A Domain Registrar is a company accredited by each Registry of the various TLDs and gTLDs, acting as an interface between the public and a Registry. These companies ensure that domain owners comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Registrars may have multiple resellers of domains, who also adhere to the Domain Registry’s rules.

Registrar’s Accreditation

Registrars must be accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), allowing them to register, renew, and transfer domain names, and manage the Domain Name System (DNS) records for those domain names.

Domain Registry

A Domain Registry only engages with Registrars and maintains the master list of domain names, delegating IP addresses, and other associated information. After a Registrar submits domain name information on behalf of a customer, the Registry uploads this domain information to a centralized database.

Domain Pricing & Rules

A Registry sets the pricing and rules for domain names, manages the DNS, and ensures all domain extensions are unique and valid.

Register A Domain Using Our AI Domain Name Generator

Use our AI Domain Name Generator to find your perfect domain name – South Africa’s first AI domain search tool. You can generate SEO-friendly, available domain ideas in real-time and register your chosen ones with ease. 

1. On the Domains.co.za website, click on the Domains tab from the home page, then select AI Domain Name Generator.

2. In the box provided, enter up to 10 keywords related to the domain you want. Type each keyword and press Tab or “,” to separate them. Then, click Generate Results.

Registering a Domain Name & Hosting with Domains.co.za - Domains.co.za AI Domain Name Generator

3. View suggested available domain names based on your keywords.

4. Choose your preferred domain name and click Add to Cart and click on the Checkout button.

Registering a Domain Name & Hosting with Domains.co.za - AI Domain Name Generator Results

5. Create your new account, or login to your existing one.

6. Complete the form and submit.

7. Proceed to our safe and secure payment gateway to complete the purchase.

8. Your registered domain will be yours when the Registration Fee has been paid and all relevant information has been provided.

What Our Customers say...