Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Registry? A Registrar? A Registrant?

A Registry is an entity that maintains the master database of Domain Names for a particular Top Level Domain (TLD). AusRegistry is the Registry System (wholesale provider) for Domain Names of the five ‘open’ .au 2LDs (.com.au, .net.au, .org.au, .id.au and .asn.au), and the two ‘closed’ .au 2LDs.

The Registry System receives Domain Name information from Registrars. Registrars are effectively the retailers or shop fronts that register Domain Names on behalf of Registrants.

A Registrant, refers to anyone would like to register and use a Domain Name.

The Registry System puts information into what is called a 'zone file', which allows computers to route Internet traffic to and from Domain Names around the world.