What Is A Domain Registry?

Date First Published: 11th April 2022

Topic: Computer Networking

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Topic: Internet Organisations

Difficulty Level: 5/10

Learn more about what a domain registry is in this article.

A domain registry is a company that maintains a database of all domain names and associated registrant information. In the hierarchical structure, they are a level above the domain registrar. When registrants buy domain names, most of what they pay goes to the registry rather than the registrar, since domain registries actually own the domain names and grant them to users for a limited span of time, usually 1-10 years. Registrants can keep domain names for as long as they need to by renewing their domain name before the expiration date.

Note:

A domain registrar does not have the same role as a domain registry. Domain registrars are companies that are authorised by ICANN and allow people to register domain names and domain registries are companies that actually provide the services and manage the different TLDs, such as .com, .net, .org, etc. Domain registries make decisions in regards to domain registrations, zone files, and settings.

Examples Of Domain Registries

An example of a domain registry is VeriSign. VeriSign is the registry of the main TLDs, such as .com, .org, .cc, and more. Without VeriSign, there would be no .com, .net, .org, .name domain names. In addition, domain registries are managed by organisations, such as ICANN and IANA, which are responsible for the allocation of IP address space, TLD system management, protocol identifier assignment, root domain name server system management, and more. The main purpose of domain names is to make it easier for people to visit websites and eliminate the need for people to remember numeric IP addresses.