How does go daddy and sites like that get you a domain name? and do they have to pay someone to get the names?

Question

can i get a domain name without going through them?

Answer 1

http://how-to-select-domain-name.blogspo...

Answer 2

GoDaddy is a domain name registrar, just like many other registrars.  Registrars must be accredited by ICANN, the body that regulates domain name administration.  Registrars pay yearly dues to ICANN.  Registrars must charge you a premium over what their operating costs are in order to make a profit as a company.

Here is a full list of ICANN accredited registrars:

http://www.icann.org/registrars/accredit...