registry

A registry is an official record-keeping system that stores information about a defined subject or set of subjects. Registries are established by governments or authorized organizations to enable administration, regulation, and statistical analysis. They commonly maintain persistent data, specify eligibility, and provide controlled access to the public or agencies.

Civil registries record life events such as births, marriages, and deaths, as well as changes of name. They underpin identity verification, vital statistics, and eligibility for services. Other civil registries may cover citizenship, residence, or legal status.

Commercial and professional registries list businesses, companies, and professionals, recording registration numbers, licensing status, and compliance with rules. Vehicle registries track ownership and registrations, licenses, and plates.

Domain name registries manage the database of registered domain names under a top-level domain. They coordinate registration policies, name allocation, and DNS root data, often working with registrars who interface with the public or organizations.

In computing, a registry may refer to a configuration database in software systems. Examples include the Windows Registry, a hierarchical database used to store settings for the operating system and installed applications. Other ecosystems maintain registries in files or databases rather than a centralized registry.

Governance and privacy: Registries are subject to privacy laws, data protection, data quality, and access controls. Data accuracy, auditability, and updates are essential for reliable operation and public trust.