What is a domain registrar?¶

A registrar is the customer-facing organisation through which a domain is registered, renewed and managed. It may hold account evidence, but it is not automatically the host or operator.

The practical distinction¶

The registrar may hold registration account details, contacts, payment and renewal history, access records, support messages and domain changes. A reseller or hosting company may sit between the customer and accredited registrar. Domains can also transfer, so identify the responsible registrar at the relevant time.