Difference between Registry and Registrar: Simply explained

Registry vs Registrar: what's the difference?

When registering a domain name, you encounter two terms that are often confused: registry and registrar. Although they sound similar, they have very different roles in the domain registration system.

The difference at a glance

What is a Registry?

A registry is the organization that manages a top-level domain (TLD). For each TLD like .nl, .com, or .eu, there is exactly one registry:

• SIDN - The registry for .nl
• Verisign - The registry for .com and .net
• EURid - The registry for .eu
• DNS Belgium - The registry for .be

Tasks of a registry:

• Maintaining the central database with all domain names
• Managing the DNS infrastructure for the TLD
• Determining registration rules and conditions
• Ensuring technical stability and security

What is a Registrar?

A registrar is the company where you as a consumer or entrepreneur can buy a domain name. In the Netherlands, there are more than 100 accredited registrars:

• TransIP - Registrar and hosting provider
• Antagonist - Registrar specialized in WordPress
• Hostnet - One of the oldest Dutch registrars
• Versio - Registrar known for low prices

Tasks of a registrar:

• Selling domain names to end users
• Providing a control panel for domain management
• Processing registrations at the registry
• Providing support to customers

The collaboration: how it works

When you register a domain, registry and registrar work together:

You → Registrar → Registry → Central database

Step by step:

1. You search for a domain at a registrar (e.g., mywebsite.nl)
2. The registrar checks with SIDN if the domain is available
3. You pay the registrar for the domain
4. The registrar sends your details to SIDN
5. SIDN adds the domain to the .nl database
6. Your domain is now registered and active

The comparison: car manufacturer vs. car dealer

A handy way to understand the difference:

You cannot buy a car directly from BMW - you go to a dealer. Similarly, you cannot buy a .nl domain directly from SIDN - you go to a registrar.

Why this system?

The registry-registrar model has advantages:

For consumers:

• Choice: You can choose from dozens of registrars
• Competition: Prices remain competitive
• Service: Registrars compete on customer service

For the internet:

• Stability: One central registry per TLD prevents chaos
• Security: The registry can enforce technical standards
• Neutrality: The registry treats all registrars equally

Reseller: a third party

In addition to registries and registrars, there are also resellers. These are companies that resell domains through a registrar but are not accredited themselves. Many small web designers and hosting companies work as resellers.

You → Reseller → Registrar → Registry

Note: with a reseller, you depend on an extra intermediary. Preferably choose a direct registrar for more control.

Which party do you choose?

You have no direct choice in registry - that is determined by the TLD you want (.nl = SIDN). But you do choose your registrar. Pay attention to:

• Price: Compare first year and renewal price
• Service: Customer service in your language?
• Features: DNSSEC, WHOIS privacy included?
• Reputation: How long have they existed?

On our comparison page you can compare registrars (hosting providers) on all these points.

Summary

Now that you understand the difference, you can make an informed choice for your domain name. Start by comparing hosting providers that also act as registrars.