Domain Name Supply Chain

What is a registry, a registrar and a reseller?

The registry holds the database of domain names and operates the nameservers that make the domain names visible on the Internet. The registry does not have direct contact with registrants. The registry for com.au, net.au, org.au, asn.au, gov.au and id.au is AusRegistry. Other name spaces have different registries.

A registrar issues domain name licences to registrants. Registrars decide whether or not your domain name application meets the policy rules. Registrars have direct access to the registry so that they can process new registrations and renewals, and update registrant contact details in the database.

Some registrars use resellers to provide customer sales and support. Resellers do not have direct access to the registry, and must process registrations and renewals through their registrar. Resellers may in turn provide extra value-added services bundeled with a domain name licence.