What Is Registry?
A domain registry is the organization responsible for operating a top-level domain — maintaining the authoritative database of all domain registrations on that TLD, setting registration policies, and managing the technical infrastructure. Registries work with registrars, who serve as the retail interface to end customers.
Major registries include Verisign (operates .com and .net), Public Interest Registry (operates .org), Google Registry (operates .app, .dev, .page), and Identity Digital (operates numerous new gTLDs). For ccTLDs, each country designates its own registry operator.
The registry-registrar relationship is similar to manufacturer-retailer: the registry manages the product (the TLD and its database), while registrars sell it to consumers. Registries set wholesale prices that registrars mark up for retail.
Why This Matters for Startups
You'll rarely interact with a registry directly — registrars handle that relationship for you. But understanding the registry-registrar structure helps when you encounter registry premium pricing (the registry, not your registrar, sets elevated prices for desirable names) or when evaluating TLD stability (established registries with solid funding are safer bets for your long-term brand).
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