What is a domain registry?¶
A domain registry manages the authoritative record for a top-level domain or domain space. It is distinct from the registrar that deals with the customer and from the provider that hosts the website.
Registry and registrar¶
The registry maintains the central record needed for registered names to exist beneath a particular domain ending. It may identify which names exist and which registrar is responsible for each.
The registrar is normally the customer-facing organisation through which the domain was obtained and managed.
Different evidence holdings¶
A registrar is more likely to hold:
- customer-account details;
- contacts and payment records;
- support history; and
- access or management activity.
A registry may hold:
- authoritative registration dates;
- registrar details;
- domain status information; and
- registry-level changes.
The registry does not normally store website content, operate the online service or know who published material through it.
Use the correct route¶
Different domain endings operate under different structures and rules. The registry may be a commercial company, public body, non-profit organisation or contracted operator.
Identify both the registrar and the registry, but be clear about what each is likely to know. Do not send a website-content request to a registry merely because it manages the domain ending.
Key takeaway
The registry manages the authoritative domain space; the registrar manages the customer registration. Neither should automatically be treated as the website host or operator.