In which layer of the OSI model does the DNS protocol operate?

The DNS protocol (Domain Name System) operates at the Application Layer of the OSI model, which corresponds to the 7th layer.

DNS is responsible for converting domain names into IP addresses and vice versa, a function provided directly by applications. Although DNS uses transport protocols (UDP or TCP) from the transport layer, the DNS protocol itself belongs to the application layer.

Thus, DNS is an application layer protocol in the OSI model.