What is a domain registrar?
A domain registrar is a company accredited to register domain names on your behalf. When you buy a domain like yourname.com, you do so through a registrar. The registrar records your ownership in the global domain name system and collects your annual renewal fees.
Disclosure: What's Hosting operates a GoDaddy reseller storefront. Competitor guides are editorial research, not products we sell.
Overview
Registrars are accredited by ICANN, the organisation that coordinates the global domain name system. Well-known registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, and Porkbun. Hosting companies like Bluehost and SiteGround also act as registrars, making it convenient to buy your domain and hosting from one place.
When choosing a registrar, look at the registration price, the renewal price (they are sometimes different), the domain management interface, privacy protection (which hides your personal contact details from public records), and how easy it is to transfer your domain away if you want to move it later.
Domain privacy protection, also called WHOIS privacy, is an important consideration. Without it, your name, address, and email are publicly visible in the WHOIS database. Most registrars offer free or low-cost privacy protection to keep those details hidden.
Transferring a domain from one registrar to another is straightforward but takes a few days. You will need an EPP/auth code from your current registrar and you must ensure the domain is unlocked and the transfer is not within 60 days of registration.
How do I find my domain registrar?
Your registrar is the company managing your domain registration, which may differ from your web host.
Look at registration invoices and use an official ICANN registration-data lookup for supported domains. A reseller's customer-facing name can differ from the sponsoring registrar shown in the record.
Nameservers identify DNS delegation, not necessarily the registrar or web host. Keep control of the registrant email and account before transferring; do not change DNS just to find who bills for the domain.
Common questions
Is GoDaddy a domain registrar?
Yes. GoDaddy is one of the world's largest domain registrars as well as a web hosting company. You can register domains and buy hosting in the same place.
Do I have to buy my domain from my hosting company?
No. You can register your domain anywhere and point it to any hosting provider. Many people keep their domain separate from their hosting for more flexibility.
What happens if I forget to renew my domain?
Your domain will expire and your website will go offline. After a grace period, the domain becomes available for others to register. Most registrars offer auto-renewal to prevent this.
How do I find my domain registrar?
Your registrar is the company managing your domain registration, which may differ from your web host.