Domain reference

Domain Registries

Meet the organisations behind the endings.

A registry operates a domain extension and maintains its registration database. Find out who manages an ending, where its rules come from and where to go for help with your domain.

Start with a name

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Enter the complete name you want to register. Compare available options and current prices.

Browse registry guides ↓Look up an existing domain →

Registry Guides

Available registry guides
Registry	Domain family	Region
NiRA →Nigeria Internet Registration Association	.ng.com.ng.org.ng	Nigeria

Our first registry guide covers Nigeria’s .ng namespace. For other endings, consult the IANA directory.

Who does what?

Registry, Registrar, Registrant.

The Registry Runs the Extension

The registry maintains the extension’s central registration records and sets policies for that namespace. NiRA performs this role for .ng. Different extensions can have different registration requirements.

Your Registrar Manages Your Order

You use a registrar or domain provider to register, renew and manage a name. Start with the provider shown in your domain account when you need to change nameservers, renew a domain or arrange a transfer.

You Are the Registrant

The registrant is the person or organisation holding the registration. Keep your account details current, protect account access and check your renewal arrangements.

Hosting Is a Separate Service

A domain registration reserves the address. Hosting serves your website. A registry record does not tell you whether a website is active, secure or trustworthy.

Start with the Right Record.

Match your question to the information you need.

Registry Questions

Is a registry the same as a registrar?

No. The registry operates an extension and maintains its central registration database. A registrar is the provider you use to register and manage a particular name.

For example, NiRA manages .ng. If you registered a .ng name through Truehost, your account and support route for that name are with us. Start with your registrar for renewals, nameserver changes and transfer questions.

How can I find the registry for a domain extension?

Search the extension in the IANA Root Zone Database.
Open its delegation record to find the listed registry manager and any published WHOIS or RDAP service.
If you need the registrar for one specific domain, enter that full name in our registration lookup.

The registry manager and your registrar may be different organisations. Your domain account shows who handles your order and billing.

Should I contact the registry to renew my domain?

Start with the provider that manages your registration. Check the renewal date and payment status in that account, then contact its support team if you cannot complete the renewal.

The registry maintains the extension, but it normally does not handle your retail renewal order. If your domain is with Truehost, use your Truehost account or contact our team.

Does a registry record show whether a name is available to register?

Not reliably. A missing public record may reflect a reserved or restricted name, an unsupported lookup or a temporary service error. Use the domain search on this page to check the exact name and price before ordering.