---
title: Registrar
description: What is a Domain Name Registrar? Learn their role in managing the registration and transfer of domain names for the public.
---

import {LinkCard} from "@astrojs/starlight/components";

A **Registrar** is an accredited commercial entity that sells domain name registrations to the public. They act as the intermediary between the Registrant (the domain owner) and the Registry (the database operator).

<LinkCard
    title="Registry"
    description="What is a Domain Name Registry?"
    href="/en/definitions/registry/"/>

## Core Responsibilities

### Administrative Management

* **Registration & Renewal**: Handling the purchase and periodic renewal of domains.
* **Lifecycle Management**: Managing grace periods, redemption fees, and transfers.
* **Data Accuracy**: Collecting and maintaining accurate contact information for WHOIS/RDAP directories.

### Technical Services

* **EPP Interface**: Translating user actions into EPP commands sent to the Registry.
* **DNS Hosting**: Most registrars provide default nameservers, allowing users to manage their DNS records (A, MX, CNAME) via a user-friendly dashboard.
* **DNSSEC**: Facilitating the rotation and publication of DS records.

<LinkCard
    title="DNS Protocol"
    description="What is DNS? Understand the Domain Name System."
    href="/en/definitions/dns/"/>

## See also

  - [Domain name registrar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_name_registrar) on Wikipedia
  - [What happens at the registrar](https://www.afnic.fr/en/observatory-and-resources/expert-papers/what-happens-at-the-registrar/) from AFNIC
