In this topic, we will examine the differences between the domain registry, registrar, and registrant, as well as their roles in the Domain Name System (DNS) ecosystem.
Registry
The organization that manages the database of all domain names under a specific top-level domain (TLD), like .com, .org, or country codes like .lt.
The registry responsibilities
Maintain authoritative records (who owns what domain);
Operate DNS servers for that TLD;
Set policies and rules for their TLD.
Registrar
A company accredited by ICANN (or a national authority) to sell domain names to the public.
Examples of registrars: GoDaddy, Namecheap, Interneto Vizija, Time4VPS.
The registrar's responsibilities
Provide domain search, registration, renewal, and transfer services;
Collect registrant information and submit it to the registry;
Offer extra services (DNS hosting, email, privacy protection).
Registrant
The end-user (person, business, or organization) that registers and owns the rights to use a domain name.
The registrant's responsibilities
Provide accurate contact info (WHOIS records);
Keep the domain renewed on time (if it's still required);
Follow registry policies.
In short
Registry = the "manufacturer" that runs the TLD.
Registrar = the "retailer" that sells domains.
Registrant = the "customer" who buys and uses the domain.