Registrar vs. Registrars

Attribute	Registrar	Registrars
Definition	An official responsible for maintaining records or registers	Officials responsible for maintaining records or registers
Role	Individual responsible for specific records or registers	Group of individuals responsible for various records or registers
Responsibilities	Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records	Maintaining multiple records and registers
Authority	May have decision-making authority over specific records	May have collective decision-making authority over various records

Introduction

When it comes to managing domain names, the terms "Registrar" and "Registrars" are often used interchangeably. However, there are distinct differences between the two that are important to understand. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Registrar and Registrars to shed light on their roles and responsibilities in the domain name industry.

Registrar

A Registrar is a company or organization that is accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to sell domain names to the public. Registrars act as intermediaries between domain name registrants (individuals or organizations who want to register a domain name) and the registry that manages the top-level domain (TLD) in which the domain name resides. Registrars are responsible for processing domain name registrations, renewals, transfers, and updates on behalf of their customers.

• Accredited by ICANN
• Intermediary between registrants and registries
• Processes domain name registrations, renewals, transfers, and updates

Registrars

Registrars, on the other hand, refer to the individuals or entities that register domain names through a Registrar. In other words, Registrars are the customers of Registrars. Registrars can be individuals, businesses, or organizations that purchase domain names for their own use or on behalf of others. Registrars have the authority to manage and control the domain names they register, including setting up DNS records, configuring email services, and renewing domain registrations.

• Customers of Registrars
• Individuals, businesses, or organizations
• Authority to manage and control registered domain names

Accreditation

One of the key differences between Registrar and Registrars is accreditation. Registrars must be accredited by ICANN to sell domain names, ensuring that they meet certain standards and requirements set forth by the organization. Accreditation is a rigorous process that involves demonstrating technical and operational capabilities, financial stability, and compliance with ICANN policies and guidelines. On the other hand, Registrars do not require accreditation to register domain names through a Registrar.

Responsibilities

Registrars have specific responsibilities when it comes to managing domain names. These responsibilities include verifying the accuracy of domain name registration information, providing WHOIS data to the registry, maintaining contact information for domain name registrants, and complying with ICANN policies and guidelines. Registrars are also responsible for ensuring the security and stability of the domain name system and protecting the rights and interests of domain name registrants.

• Verify accuracy of registration information
• Provide WHOIS data to the registry
• Maintain contact information for registrants
• Comply with ICANN policies and guidelines
• Ensure security and stability of the domain name system

Authority

Registrars, on the other hand, have the authority to manage and control the domain names they register. This includes setting up DNS records to point the domain name to a specific IP address, configuring email services for the domain, and renewing domain registrations before they expire. Registrars can also transfer domain names to other Registrars or registrants, update contact information for domain name registrants, and make changes to the domain name's registration settings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Registrar and Registrars are closely related terms in the domain name industry, they have distinct roles and responsibilities. Registrars are accredited entities that sell domain names to the public and act as intermediaries between registrants and registries. Registrars, on the other hand, are the customers of Registrars who register domain names for their own use or on behalf of others. Understanding the differences between Registrar and Registrars is essential for anyone involved in the domain name registration process.