A domain registrar is a company that sells and manages domain names on your behalf. It records your registration with the registry that runs each extension, such as Verisign for .com, and handles renewals, transfers and DNS settings for as long as you keep the name.
GoDaddy, Namecheap and Porkbun are all registrars. To sell generic domains like .com, a registrar needs accreditation from ICANN, the nonprofit that coordinates the internet's naming system.
Below, we'll explain how registrars work and how they differ from registries. We'll also cover what to look for when you choose one.
What is a domain registrar?
A domain registrar is an organization that manages the registration of Internet domain names. To sell generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as .com, a registrar must be accredited by ICANN and sign an agreement with each registry whose domains it offers. Country code domains like .uk set their own accreditation rules.
Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are one of the categories of top-level domains (TLDs) maintained by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) for use in the Domain Name System of the Internet.
The gTLDs include some of the most familiar domain suffixes on the Internet, such as .com, .info, and .net. IANA also oversees two other categories of TLDs: country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) and infrastructure top-level domain (ARPA).
The major difference between gTLDs and ccTLD registries is that gTLD registries are operated by private entities contracted by ICANN, while ccTLD registries are operated by national governments or Internet communities. For example, .uk is a ccTLD that is overseen by Nominet UK, while .io is the ccTLD for the British Indian Ocean Territory, run by Internet Computer Bureau, a subsidiary of Identity Digital.
Registrars publish registration data for each domain they manage through public lookup services, which now use a protocol called RDAP instead of the older WHOIS. Personal contact details are generally hidden under ICANN’s rules, but registrars still keep accurate records of who owns each domain. Many also sell extras such as web hosting and email hosting.
How domain registrars work
Domain registrars are the companies that manage the reservation of Internet domain names. A domain name is an identification label that defines a realm of administrative autonomy, authority, or control within the Internet.
Registries maintain the master database of names in each TLD. Registrars pass your registration details to the registry and let you choose which name servers your domain points to. When a domain name is entered into a web browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates the name into an IP address and directs the browser to that computer.
Many different domain names are available today, from traditional .com domains to newer options like .io or .ly. Depending on your needs, you may want to register a specific type of domain, such as an emoji domain, or multiple domains for your website.
Domain registrars vs resellers
Not every company that sells domains is a registrar. Many web hosts and website builders are resellers, selling domains under their own brand through an accredited registrar’s systems.
You own the domain either way, but the accredited registrar is the one answerable to ICANN. That can matter if you ever need to transfer the domain or raise a complaint, so it’s worth knowing which registrar sits behind your provider.
How to find an available domain name and register it?
If you are wondering how to choose a domain name for your website, firstly, you'll need to think of the name you want to register. You can use a domain name generator tool to help you generate ideas if you need inspiration. Once you have a few possible options, check to see if they're available using a registrar’s search box or a domain lookup tool. If the domains you want are already taken, try different variations or add prefixes or suffixes until you find an available one.
Once you've found an available domain, register it with a reputable domain registrar such as GoDaddy domain registration or Namecheap. Be sure to set your registration to renew automatically, so you don't risk losing your domain in the future.
Now that you have your new domain, it's time to put it to good use. You can create a website, start a blog, or even use it for email.
What to look for in a domain registrar
When you're ready to register a domain name, you should keep a few things in mind. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a domain registrar:
- Reliability: Can you count on the registrar to keep your site running? Uptime is essential, especially if you're running an ecommerce website. Make sure to check out reviews of the registrar before making your decision.
- Customer service: Things will inevitably go wrong at some point. When they do, you'll want a registrar with excellent customer service that can help you resolve the issue quickly. Again, reading reviews can be helpful here.
- Top-level domains: Not all registrars offer the same top-level domains. If you have your heart set on a specific TLD, make sure the registrar you choose offers it.
- Features: Not all registrars are created equal in terms of features. Some include extras like website builders and security tools, while others keep it simple with just domain registration. Decide what features are important to you and choose accordingly.
- Domain transfer options: If you ever want to switch registrars, you'll need to transfer your domain. Some registrars make this process easy, while others make it quite difficult. If you think there's a chance you might want to switch in the future, be sure to choose a registrar with good transfer options.
- Provider reputation: You'll be trusting your registrar with a lot of important information, so choosing one with a good reputation is important. A quick Google search can tell a lot about a registrar's reputation.
- Pricing: Registrars vary widely in terms of pricing. Some offer discounts for bulk purchases, while others have tiered pricing structures based on your needed features. Compare renewal prices as well as first-year deals, since the two can differ sharply.
What is private domain name registration?
Private domain name registration is a way to keep your contact information confidential when you register a domain name. It used to be essential, because your name, address and phone number were visible to anyone who looked up your domain.
That exposure could lead to unwanted solicitations or even identity theft. Since August 2025, ICANN’s Registration Data Policy has let registrars hide most personal details from public lookups, offering an anonymized email or contact form instead.
A privacy service still adds a layer on top by swapping your details for those of a proxy provider. Many registrars, including Namecheap and Porkbun, now include it for free, so it’s rarely worth paying extra.
What is the difference between a registrar and a registry?
The main difference between a registrar and a registry is that registrars are commercial entities such as GoDaddy, that sell domain names, while registries are organizations that manage the availability of domains. Registrars provide the interface through which people can search for and purchase domains, while registries are responsible for maintaining the master database of all domain names.
While there are many different registrars to choose from, there is usually only one registry for each top-level domain (TLD). For example, the .com TLD is managed by Verisign, while Nominet manages the .uk TLD. When you register a domain name, you only choose the registrar. The registry is set by the extension you pick.
Domain name selection
Choosing a registrar for your website is an important decision. Before making your choice, research and compare pricing, features, customer service, and other factors.
Private domain name registration is also good if you want to keep your personal information safe.
Finally, remember that registrars are commercial entities that sell domains, while registries are organizations that manage the availability of domains.
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