A domain name registrar is a licensed company that allows you to buy, renew, manage, and control domain names for website and email use.
When you register yourbrand.com, you’re not buying it permanently. Instead, you are leasing the exclusive rights to use that name from the registrar — as long as you keep renewing it.
To understand the registrar’s role, you must understand the domain hierarchy:
- Registry →Owns and operates the TLD (like Verisign for .com, SGNIC for .sg)
- Registrar → Sells the domain to you; provides your domain control panel
- Registrant → The person or business using the domain
A registrar is the bridge that connects users to the registry, with all the tools needed to control and secure a domain name.
What Is the Difference Between a Registrar and a Registry and a Registrant?
The difference between a domain registrar and a domain registry comes down to who controls the database and who deals directly with you, the domain owner. A registry is the top-level authority that operates and maintains the master database for a specific domain extension (TLD) like .com, .sg, .org, or .net. They create the rules, pricing, and technical requirements for that TLD, and they publish the authoritative nameserver records that the entire internet depends on. Registries do not sell domains directly to the public; instead, they work behind the scenes to ensure stability and accuracy of the TLD’s infrastructure. A registrar, on the other hand, is the company you interact with when you buy, renew, transfer, or manage a domain name. Registrars are accredited by each registry (or by ICANN for global domains) and act as the official retail interface between the registry and you. They provide the control panel for managing DNS records, nameserver settings, domain privacy, renewals, auto-renew, WHOIS information, and ownership changes. In short, the registry is the master operator of the TLD, while the registrar is the service provider that gives you the tools and support to manage your individual domain. Both work together to keep your website reachable, secure, and properly registered on the global internet.
Here’s a table to summarise in the most simplest explanation:
| Role | What They Are | What They Do |
| Registry | The TLD operator | Runs .com, .sg, .net, etc. |
| Registrar | The seller and manager | Sells domain names to customers |
| Registrant | You | Uses the domain for website/email |
A registry never deals with customers directly.
You always interact with a registrar.
What Does It Mean to ‘Own’ a Domain Name?
Owning a domain name does not mean permanent ownership. You do not buy a domain forever. Instead, you receive exclusive usage rights as long as you continue renewing the domain.
True domain ownership means:
- The domain is registered under your name (registrant).
- The domain sits inside your registrar account.
- You can update DNS and nameservers freely.
- You can enable auto-renew or manually renew the domain.
- You can obtain the EPP/transfer code to move the domain elsewhere.
- You have complete login access to the registrar account.
If you lose access to the registrar account, you effectively lose control of the domain — even if WHOIS still shows your name.
Registrars therefore play a crucial role in maintaining true ownership through account security, verification, and domain locking features.
Note: Domain ownership problems often begin from day one. When a business first needs a domain, it’s common to ask a friend, staff member, or external contact to “help register” it. But if that person goes missing, leaves the company, or simply becomes uncontactable, you could lose access to your own domain name — and with it, your website, email, and online identity.
At Qoxy, as a Domain Registration Provider, we’ve seen many cases like this. That’s why we want to share our experience and help you understand how to handle such situations early, before permanent damage happens.
We’ve published a full article on how to check who actually owns your domain name and what you can do if the login credentials are not with you. The guide explains practical steps to identify the true ownership, confirm the registrar, and regain access to your domain control panel.
Do check it out — it could save your business from unnecessary trouble later on.
Are Registrars the Only Ones Who Can Sell Domain Name Registrations?
Yes. Only accredited registrars are allowed to officially sell new domain registrations.
However, there are two additional layers people may encounter:
- Domain Resellers
A reseller sells domains to customers but does not directly interact with the registry. They use another registrar’s infrastructure.
- Domain Marketplaces (Aftermarket)
These platforms sell already-registered domains but do not create new registrations.
However, the actual transfer of ownership still happens through an accredited registrar.
Only registrars can:
- Create new domain registrations
- Submit updates to the registry
- Apply DNSSEC
- Issue EPP codes
- Synchronise WHOIS data
Accreditation is required because registrars must comply with ICANN and SGNIC or local government regulations to protect customers and the global DNS.
How Do Domain Name Registrars Protect User Privacy?
Registrars are responsible for protecting your identity and contact details through several layers of privacy and security.
- WHOIS Privacy Protection
By default, WHOIS requires public disclosure of:
- Name
- Phone
- Address
WHOIS Privacy replaces these details with proxy information, protecting you from:
- Spam
- Harassment
- Data harvesting
- Social engineering
- Identity theft
- Secure Storage of Personal Information
Registrars must store user data according to ICANN or regional policies, ensuring safe handling and preventing leaks.
- Account-Level Security
To protect domain owners, registrars implement:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- IP monitoring
- Login alerts
- High-security password requirements
- Session timeout controls
- Domain Lock
This prevents unauthorised domain transfers or hijacking attempts.
- Abuse Monitoring
Registrars monitor domains for:
- Phishing
- Malware
- Botnet activity
- Fraudulent usage
They can suspend or lock domains involved in illegal activity.
Privacy is not just about identity — it also includes maintaining domain integrity and preventing unauthorized access.
What Role Do Registrars Play in DNS Security?
Registrars are one of the most important layers in protecting the DNS ecosystem.
They ensure:
- DNSSEC Support
DNSSEC protects users from DNS spoofing and fake websites.
Registrars help enable and maintain DNSSEC by:
- Supporting DS records
- Handling key rollovers
- Syncing DNSSEC data with the registry
- Preventing Unauthorised Transfers
Domain hijacking often happens through fraudulent transfers.
Registrars enforce:
- Domain lock
- EPP transfer code protection
- Ownership verification
- Identity confirmation steps
- Safe DNS Management
Registrars provide secure tools for updating DNS records.
Improper security here can lead to:
- Website defacement
- Email interception
- Phishing replacements
- Business email compromise (BEC)
- Secure Nameserver Updates
Nameserver manipulation is one of the most dangerous cyberattacks.
Registrars protect it through:
- Account locking
- High-security verification
- DNS change logs
- Fraud and Abuse Prevention
Registrars must react quickly to:
- Phishing sites
- Malware distribution
- Spam operations
- DNS-based attacks
They can suspend or lock malicious domains and work with authorities when needed.
Registrars are not just sellers — they are guardians of DNS integrity.
Is QOXY a Domain Registrar?
No and Yes. QOXY is a domain service provider that operates through an SGNIC-accredited registrar, GoCloudEasy Registrar, which is part of the same group.
This means your domains are registered through a fully accredited Singapore registrar, while QOXY provides the customer interface, support, and management experience on top of it.
We are known for:
- Cheapest in domain registration and domain transfer-in (Great Price)
- Instant registration
- Seamless renewal process
- Instant Name server change
- Child name server (Glue record)
- Easy access to setup DNS Records
- Always-On Domain Theft Protection
- Secure Domain Access Portal With 2FA
- Weekly Consolidated Domain Renewal List
- No locked-in, Transfer out EPP code anytime
- Never lose your domain name, enable Auto-Renew
- DNSSEC
- Peaceful moment because we don’t upsell and don’t cross sell.
QOXY Registrar is excellent to work with for:
- Web Developers
- Digital Marketing
- Technical users
- Security-focused users
- People who want transparent pricing
Traditional Domain provider like QOXY.com offer more customer-friendly experiences, broader TLD support, and additional tools for beginners and businesses.
