Guides
Domain Registries Explained: Registry vs Registrar
2026-06-26 · OSIR Team
Summary: A domain registry is the organization that operates a top-level domain (TLD) such as .org, .com, or .ai and maintains the single authoritative database of every name registered under it. A registrar is the ICANN-accredited company that sells domains from those registries to the public and manages them on your behalf. You buy from a registrar; the registrar writes to the registry. This guide explains what a registry does, the registry-registrar-registrant chain, who runs the major registries, and why any of it matters when you register a domain.
What is a domain registry?
A domain registry is the wholesale operator and system of record for a TLD. For every top-level domain there is exactly one registry responsible for it. The registry:
- Maintains the master database of all registered domains under its TLD.
- Operates the authoritative DNS for the zone (so
.orglookups resolve worldwide). - Sets the wholesale price and the policies for that TLD (eligibility, premiums, dispute rules).
- Connects to accredited registrars over a protocol called EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol).
Define: TLD (top-level domain) is the part after the final dot -
.com,.org,.dev,.al. Each TLD has one registry operating it.
There is no public way to "buy directly from the registry" for most TLDs - registries sell wholesale to registrars, and registrars sell retail to you. That separation is by design (ICANN enforces it for generic TLDs to keep the market competitive).
Registry vs registrar vs registrant: the chain
These three terms get mixed up constantly. Here is the whole chain in one table:
| Role | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Registry | Operates the TLD and holds the master database | Public Interest Registry runs .org |
| Registrar | ICANN-accredited seller that registers names for customers | OSIR registering yourname.org |
| Reseller | Resells a registrar's service under its own brand | A web host bundling domains |
| Registrant | The person or company that owns the domain | You |
The flow is simple: you (registrant) → registrar → registry. When you register yourname.org, your registrar sends an EPP command to Public Interest Registry, which records you as the registrant in the .org database.
Who runs the major domain registries?
There are over 1,500 TLDs in the root zone, but a handful of registries operate the names most people use. Here are the big ones:
| Registry | Notable TLDs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Verisign | .com, .net |
Operates .com, the largest TLD with 150M+ registrations. Wholesale .com price is set under its ICANN/NTIA agreement. |
| Public Interest Registry (PIR) | .org, .ngo, .foundation |
A nonprofit operator; .org is the home of nonprofits and open communities. |
| Identity Digital | .info, .live, .email, 200+ more |
The largest new-gTLD operator by portfolio size (formed from Donuts + Afilias). |
| Google Registry | .dev, .app, .page |
Runs developer-friendly TLDs; .dev and .app are HTTPS-only by default. |
| CentralNic / Team Internet | .xyz, .online, .site, .store |
High-volume new gTLDs popular for startups and short names. |
| ccTLD operators | .al, .ai, .io, .de |
Each country code is run by a national operator (e.g. AKEP for .al); rules vary by country. |
For a deeper look at a specific operator's catalog, see our posts on Google Registry and GoDaddy Registry extensions and on .name and country-code domains.
Generic TLDs vs country-code TLDs
Registries fall into two broad families, and the distinction affects price and rules:
- gTLDs (generic):
.com,.org,.dev,.xyz. Operated under contract with ICANN, open globally, and subject to the ICANN registry fee (currently $0.20 per domain-year). - ccTLDs (country-code):
.al,.ai,.de. Operated by each country's own authority, with their own rules - and no ICANN gTLD fee, since they are not ICANN gTLD contracts.
Define: ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) coordinates the global domain system, accredits registrars, and contracts with gTLD registries.
Why the registry matters to you
You never talk to the registry directly, but its decisions reach your wallet and your site:
- Price. The registry sets the wholesale price; registrars add their margin and any fees on top. A
.comand a niche new gTLD can differ by 10x at the wholesale level. - Policy. Premium pricing, eligibility, and renewal rules are the registry's call. Some ccTLDs require local presence; some gTLDs reserve premium names.
- Stability and security. A well-run registry means reliable DNS, DNSSEC support, and registry-lock options for your most important names.
Because pricing is registry-driven, the honest way to see what a TLD costs is the live catalog: check any extension on our extensions directory or the pricing page, which show the current price including applicable fees.
Domain registry FAQ
What is the difference between a registry and a registrar?
A registry operates a TLD and holds the master database for it (Public Interest Registry runs .org). A registrar is an ICANN-accredited company that sells domains from registries to the public and manages them for you. You buy from a registrar; the registrar records your ownership at the registry.
Who is the registry for .org?
.org is operated by Public Interest Registry (PIR), a nonprofit. It maintains the .org database and authoritative DNS, while accredited registrars handle retail sales.
Who runs .com and .net?
Both .com and .net are operated by Verisign. .com is the largest TLD in the world, with over 150 million registrations.
Can I buy a domain directly from the registry?
For almost all TLDs, no. Registries sell wholesale to ICANN-accredited registrars, and you register through a registrar. This separation keeps the retail market competitive.
How many domain registries are there?
There are over 1,500 TLDs in the root zone, each with a single operating registry. A small number of operators (Verisign, Identity Digital, CentralNic/Team Internet, and others) run a large share of them.
Register with a modern registrar
Understanding registries makes one thing clear: the registrar you choose is your interface to all of them. OSIR is an AI-native, ICANN-accredited registrar that connects to every major registry - with transparent, registry-driven pricing and full API and MCP automation. Find your name on the extensions directory and register it today.
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