A domain registrar is the company you register a domain name through. It sits between you and the registry that runs each extension, such as .com or .in, and it is where you renew the domain, change its nameservers and keep its ownership details up to date. This guide explains what a registrar does, how it differs from a registry and a reseller, and how to choose one.
A registry runs an extension (Verisign runs .com; NIXI runs .in). A registrar is a company accredited to register names in it: ICANN accredits registrars for .com and other generic extensions, and NIXI accredits registrars for .in. A reseller sells through a registrar. Choose a registrar on the renewal price, not just the first-year offer, and on easy DNS management, clear transfer rules and responsive support. Domain India is a NIXI-accredited .IN registrar and also sells .com and hundreds of other extensions.
1. Registry, registrar and reseller
Three kinds of organisation are involved in every domain name.
| Role | What it does | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Registry | Runs the database for one extension and sets its rules | Verisign for .com; NIXI (National Internet Exchange of India) for .in |
| Registrar | Accredited to register names in the registry on customers' behalf | Companies accredited by ICANN (for .com, .org and other generic extensions) or by NIXI (for .in) |
| Reseller | Sells domains through a registrar's system under its own brand | Many web designers and hosting companies |
You never deal with the registry directly. You pay the registrar or reseller, and they register, renew and update the name at the registry for you. Whichever you use, the domain is registered in the name of the registrant: you or your business.
2. What a registrar does for you
- Registers the name for one year or more, and records you as the registrant.
- Renews it each year. A domain is a yearly rental, never a one-time purchase.
- Manages nameservers and DNS, which decide where your website and email live.
- Keeps contact details that the registry requires, and verifies them where the rules ask for it.
- Locks the domain against unauthorised transfers and gives you the transfer (EPP) code when you want to move.
- Handles expiry: reminders, suspension, and restoration if a domain lapses.
Many registrars also sell hosting, email and website builders. Buying them from one company is convenient, but it is not required: a domain registered anywhere can point to hosting anywhere.
3. Accreditation: why it matters
For generic extensions such as .com, .net and .org, registrars are accredited by ICANN and bound by its policies, including the rules for transfers between registrars. For .in and its second-level extensions such as .co.in, registrars are accredited by NIXI, which runs the .IN registry for India.
An accredited registrar connects to the registry itself. A reseller relies on a registrar's platform. Both can serve you well; what matters is that your domain is registered in your own name and that you can always get your transfer code.
4. How to choose a registrar
- Compare renewal prices.A very cheap first year followed by a high renewal is common. Look at what you will pay in year two and after.
- Check what is included.DNS management, domain lock and, where the extension allows it, WHOIS privacy. Ask what costs extra.
- Make sure the domain is in your name.Never let a designer or agency register your business domain in their own name.
- Look at transfers.You should be able to get your transfer code from your account without asking permission.
- Test the support.Domains cause problems at the worst moments, such as an expiry during a campaign. Choose a registrar you can reach quickly.
- Prefer an easy control panel.Changing nameservers or DNS records should take a minute, not a support request.
An expired domain first stops your website and email, and after a while it can be released for anyone to register. Restoring a lapsed domain costs far more than renewing it on time. Keep your contact email current and pay renewal invoices before the due date.
5. Moving between registrars
You can move a domain to another registrar at any time, subject to the rules of its extension. The usual steps are:
- Unlock the domain at your current registrar.
- Get the transfer (EPP) code.
- Start the transfer at the new registrar and pay for it. For most extensions, this adds a year to the registration.
- Approve the transfer if you are asked to by email.
Generic extensions such as .com have a lock of about 60 days after a new registration or a transfer, during which the domain can't be moved again. For the full process, see transferring a domain to another registrar, or transferring a domain to Domain India.
6. Domain India as your registrar
Domain India (Domain Registration India Private Limited) is a NIXI-accredited .IN registrar. We register .in and its second-level extensions, and we also sell .com and hundreds of other extensions.
Domain India list prices on 19 September 2026, excluding 18% GST:
| Extension | Register (1 year) | Renew (per year) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| .in | ₹575 | ₹625 | Any business serving India |
| .co.in | ₹475 | ₹525 | Registered Indian companies |
| .com | ₹1,150 | ₹1,150 | Global reach |
A few things to know:
- .in privacy is free and automatic. For .in and its second-level extensions (.co.in, .net.in, .org.in and others), personal registrant details are not shown in public WHOIS. There is nothing to switch on.
- For .com and other generic extensions, privacy protection is ₹300 a year plus GST. See privacy protection for your domain.
- Renewals are never charged automatically to a card. A renewal invoice is generated before the due date, and the domain renews when you pay it.
- You manage everything in one place. Open the domain under My Domains in the client area: nameservers, contact details and the transfer (EPP) code each have their own tab. See how to change your nameservers.
New to domains? The ultimate guide to domain name registration covers choosing, registering and protecting your name.
Frequently asked questions
What is a domain registrar?
A domain registrar is a company accredited to register domain names in a registry on behalf of customers. It registers and renews your domain, manages its nameservers and contact details, and gives you the transfer code when you want to move it.
What is the difference between a registry and a registrar?
The registry runs the database for an extension and sets its rules, for example Verisign for .com and NIXI for .in. The registrar is the company you buy the domain from, which registers it at the registry for you.
Who accredits .in registrars?
NIXI, the National Internet Exchange of India, runs the .IN registry and accredits the registrars that register .in domains. Domain India is a NIXI-accredited .IN registrar.
Can my domain and hosting be with different companies?
Yes. A domain registered with any registrar can point to hosting anywhere by changing its nameservers or DNS records. Keeping both with one company is simpler to manage, but it is not required.
Can I change my domain registrar?
Yes. Unlock the domain, get the transfer (EPP) code from your current registrar and start the transfer at the new one. Generic extensions such as .com can't be transferred for about 60 days after a registration or a previous transfer.
Is WHOIS privacy free for .in domains?
Yes. For .in and its second-level extensions, personal registrant details are not shown in public WHOIS. This is free and automatic; there is nothing to switch on.
How much does a domain cost at Domain India?
On 19 September 2026, a .in domain cost ₹575 to register and ₹625 a year to renew, a .co.in ₹475 and ₹525, and a .com ₹1,150 for both. Prices exclude 18% GST.
Ready to register? Search for your name on domain registration, get ideas from the free AI Domain Advisor, or move an existing domain to Domain India.
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