The American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) is in charge of giving out IPv4 addresses in North America, which includes the U.S., Canada, and parts of the Caribbean. Since ARIN’s IPv4 pool ran out in 2015, companies that need address space have had two choices: either get on the ARIN IPv4 waiting list or buy addresses through the transfer marketplace.
As IPv4 demand stays high in 2025, any business that needs reliable IP space needs to know ARIN’s rules, especially for transfers 8.3 and 8.4. This guide goes over how the process works, how long it should take, what fees are involved, and faster options that are available through reputable brokers and leasing platforms.
The Reality After Depletion
When ARIN said it had run out of IPv4 addresses, it set up a waiting list for businesses that could show they needed IP space under normal allocation rules. But the waiting list can only be filled when other groups return, revoke, or give up IPv4 blocks on their own, which is becoming less and less common.
The ARIN IPv4 waiting list has more than 400 requests as of 2025, and the average wait time is longer than 12 to 18 months. Many applicants never get any allocations because there aren’t enough returned addresses to meet the demand.
Most businesses now use marketplace transfers or leasing services to get IPv4 addresses quickly and safely as a result.
IPv4Hub.net is about
IPv4Hub.net has a modern, legal solution for businesses that can’t wait in line for ARIN. The platform connects verified IPv4 buyers, sellers, and lessors from all over the world. It offers ready-to-use IP blocks with full documentation, such as SWIP, ROA, and LOA support. Businesses can rent or buy IPv4 space from /24 to /16 through transactions that are clear and have been checked by the law. IPv4Hub.net makes sure that routing is set up smoothly, verification is done quickly, and all ARIN and other RIR rules are followed by providing dedicated account managers. This helps businesses deploy faster without having to wait for expensive delays.
The ARIN IPv4 Transfer Process in Steps
There are two main types of IPv4 transfers that ARIN allows: 8.3 transfers (within the ARIN region) and 8.4 transfers (between the ARIN region and another RIR region, like RIPE or APNIC).
Step 1: Ask for a reason and get pre-approval
Before a transfer can happen, the recipient must show that they have a good reason for needing the IPv4 space. ARIN looks at this based on how much it is expected to be used in the next 24 months. You will send in papers that show how the network is growing, what customers want, and what infrastructure is needed.
Time frame: 2 to 4 weeks (longer if more paperwork is needed)
Fee: Part of ARIN’s membership or resource maintenance fee, which is usually between $150 and $500 a year, depending on how big the resource is.
Step 2: Find a Seller or Source Organization
After getting pre-approval, the recipient must find a valid IPv4 source organization that is willing to send the block they want. Buyers can find sellers directly, through ARIN’s Listing Service, or through brokers they trust.
8.3 transfers from ARIN apply when both parties are in the ARIN region. 8.4 transfers apply to transactions between RIRs, like buying IPv4 space from a company in the RIPE or APNIC region.
Timeline: It depends on the negotiation and paperwork, but it usually takes 2 to 6 weeks.
Step 3: Send in the Transfer Request
Both sides send ARIN a transfer request that includes the IP block details, a reason for the transfer, and a signed transfer agreement. After that, ARIN looks at the history of ownership and whether the policy was followed.
Timeline: 1 to 3 weeks after all the paperwork is done.
Cost:
Transfer fee: $300 for each request (starting in 2025)
The cost of maintenance each year depends on the size of the block.
Step 4: ARIN checks and approves
ARIN carefully checks the transaction to make sure that the seller really owns the IP space and that there are no pending disputes or revocations. After ARIN approves the change, it updates the WHOIS database to show the new resource holder.
Timeline: Final approval will take 1 to 2 weeks.
Step 5: Things to do after the transfer
After getting permission, the buyer or renter must update routing and registry records, set up reverse DNS if necessary, and start using the addresses according to ARIN’s justified need policy.
At this point, your IPv4 block is officially active in your organization’s name and can be made public.
Other Ways to Get on the ARIN Waiting List
Because of the backlog and slow turnaround times, a lot of businesses choose faster and more flexible options:
- IPv4 Leasing: Businesses can rent IPv4 addresses for months or years on sites like IPv4Hub.net. This is great for networks that are growing and don’t need to own them permanently.
- Marketplace Transfers: Use verified brokers to find IP blocks that are clean and can be transferred in accordance with ARIN’s 8.3 and 8.4 rules.
- Inter-RIR Transfers: To get more inventory, work with brokers who help ARIN and RIPE/APNIC make deals across regions.
The ARIN IPv4 transfer process is still important for North American businesses that need real IPv4 space, but it takes a long time. Businesses that need resources right away often can’t afford to wait because of the long waiting list and the many steps involved in getting transfer approvals.
IPv4Hub.net and similar sites are important because they offer compliant, safe, and quick access to IPv4 blocks through leasing and brokerage services. In a world where IPv4 addresses are still in high demand, working with a trusted marketplace will help you stay connected and competitive, whether you’re growing a data center, an ISP network, or a cloud service.