The registry runs a specific TLD. Verisign runs .com and .net. PIR (Public Interest Registry) runs .org. ICANN-accredited registries pay licensing fees to ICANN and operate under contract.
What a registry actually does:
- Maintains the authoritative database of every domain registered under their TLD
- Operates the root nameservers for that TLD
- Sets the wholesale registration/renewal fee (e.g., Verisign charges $9.59/year wholesale for .com in 2026; registrars resell at $13-$25)
- Enforces registry-specific policies (.us nexus requirements, .nyc residency, .bank verification, etc.)
- Handles redemption-period and pending-delete logistics
There are 1,500+ TLDs in 2026, with corresponding registries. Big ones include:
- Verisign — .com, .net (also runs .name, .jobs, .tv)
- PIR — .org
- Donuts — ~240 new gTLDs (.app, .news, .marketing, etc.)
- Neustar / GoDaddy Registry — .us, .biz, .co, dozens of new gTLDs
- Identity Digital — .info, .pro, others
- Country code registries — one per ccTLD (e.g., Nominet for .uk, AFNIC for .fr, CIRA for .ca)
You never interact with the registry directly — your registrar does on your behalf. But registry policies (premium pricing, transfer locks, redemption windows) flow through them to you.
