The primary role of Registration Agencies (RAs) is to provide services to Registrants - allocating DOI^® name prefixes, registering DOI names and providing the necessary infrastructure to allow Registrants to declare and maintain metadata and state data. This service is expected to encompass quality assurance measures, so that the integrity of the DOI^® system as a whole is maintained at the highest possible level (delivering reliable and consistent results to users). This includes ensuring that state data is accurate and up-to-date and that metadata is consistent and complies with both DOI system Kernel and appropriate Application Profile standards. See also demos provided by several Registration Agencies.

The Registration Agencies are listed below, with their areas of coverage and links to the organizations for requesting more information.

The Registration Agencies provide adequate security to ensure that only the Registrant (or someone acting with the Registrant's permission) is able to maintain both metadata and state data. Finally Registration Agencies are expected actively to promote the widespread adoption of the DOI names, and to co-operate with the IDF in the development of the DOI system as a whole.

Registration Agencies may choose to provide other DOI name-related services to Registrants, without limitation (so long as they conform with IDF Policy). These services may include any combination of value added services in, for example, data, content or rights management Registration Agencies may also develop services that exploit the metadata that they collect.

The IDF is in active negotiation with a number of additional potential RAs. The development of a comprehensive Registration Agency network is a primary IDF priority.

The starting point for information about the DOI system and Registration Agencies is the DOI^® Handbook, Chapter 8 Registration Agencies and Chapter 9 Operating procedures. There you will find information on the appointment and role of Registration Agencies, including business model, criteria for becoming a Registration Agency, formalizing the relationship between a Registration Agency and the IDF, governance and policy, fee structure, operational and technical requirements, and developing the Registration Agency network.

The IDF also has the ability to arrange DOI name allocation using prefixes purchased directly from IDF. However as DOI names are used in the context of services, we now actively discourage people from simply assigning via a prefix, and actively encourage them to work with an existing RA, or to develop their own RA (with others if needed) if they feel their requirements aren't met by existing RAs. RAs are able to offer support for metadata allocation and social infrastructure. DOI name prefixes direct from IDF are now restricted for experimental rather than production use.

To obtain a DOI name prefix for experimental use, write to the IDF at contact@doi.org, giving clear indication why it is required. Prefixes issued directly by the IDF will be at a cost of US$1,000 per prefix. These prefixes will be issued purely at the discretion of the IDF.