The American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) is responsible for managing the allocation of 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, businesses seeking IP address space have had two main options: join the ARIN IPv4 waiting list or purchase IPv4 addresses through the transfer marketplace.
In 2025, the demand for IPv4 remains high, and securing the necessary IP resources has become increasingly difficult. For businesses looking to ensure reliable IPv4 space, it is crucial to understand ARIN’s rules — particularly for IPv4 transfers under sections 8.3 and 8.4. This guide will walk you through how the ARIN IPv4 transfer process works, the fees involved, the expected timelines, and the faster options available through IPv4 brokers and leasing platforms.
The Reality After Depletion: The ARIN IPv4 Shortage
When ARIN announced that its IPv4 pool was exhausted in 2015, it created a waiting list for businesses that could justify the need for new IP address allocations under normal rules. However, this waiting list has proven to be a slow and unpredictable process.
- Waiting List Limitations: The waiting list can only be filled when other organizations return, revoke, or relinquish their IPv4 address blocks. Unfortunately, as IPv4 addresses become increasingly scarce, returns are less frequent, and the demand far exceeds the supply.
- Backlog in 2025: As of 2025, more than 400 businesses are on the ARIN IPv4 waiting list, with wait times ranging from 12 to 18 months or longer. This backlog has made the waiting list untenable for many businesses, especially those in urgent need of IPv4 resources to scale their operations.
As a result, many companies are turning to alternative methods, such as IPv4 marketplace transfers or leasing services, to obtain the addresses they need without enduring the long wait.
IPv4Hub.net: A Practical Solution for Businesses
IPv4Hub.net offers a modern and legal solution for businesses that can’t afford to wait in line for ARIN’s IPv4 addresses. This platform connects verified buyers, sellers, and lessors from around the world, enabling businesses to quickly lease or purchase IPv4 blocks ranging from /24 to /16. With full documentation (SWIP, ROA, and LOA), IPv4Hub.net ensures that the routing setup is done correctly, compliance with ARIN’s policies is maintained, and all transactions are legally verified.
Leasing or buying through platforms like IPv4Hub.net provides a streamlined and reliable process for securing the IP resources needed to stay competitive, without the delay and complexity of waiting for ARIN’s allocation.
The ARIN IPv4 Transfer Process in Steps
There are two primary types of IPv4 transfers within ARIN: 8.3 transfers (within the ARIN region) and 8.4 transfers (between ARIN and other regions, like RIPE or APNIC). Below is a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in completing an ARIN IPv4 transfer:
Step 1: Request Pre-Approval from ARIN
Before a transfer can be initiated, the recipient must request pre-approval from ARIN. The recipient will need to provide evidence of their need for the IPv4 space, which is assessed based on expected usage within the next 24 months. Businesses will submit documentation showing network growth, customer demands, and infrastructure requirements.
- Time Frame: The pre-approval process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, though additional paperwork may extend the timeline.
- Fee: Pre-approval costs are part of the ARIN membership or resource maintenance fees, typically between $150 and $500 annually, depending on the size of the resource.
Step 2: Find a Seller or Source Organization
Once pre-approval is granted, the recipient must identify a valid IPv4 source organization willing to transfer the desired block of IP addresses. The recipient can find sellers directly, use ARIN’s Listing Service, or engage brokers with access to available IP blocks.
- 8.3 Transfers: These transfers occur within the ARIN region, where both the seller and the recipient are located in North America.
- 8.4 Transfers: These transfers allow for cross-regional exchanges, such as purchasing IPv4 space from an organization in the RIPE or APNIC regions.
- Time Frame: Negotiation and paperwork can take between 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the seller and specific transaction details.
Step 3: Submit the Transfer Request
Once a seller has been identified, both the recipient and the seller must submit a transfer request to ARIN. This includes details about the IPv4 block being transferred, a reason for the transfer, and a signed transfer agreement. ARIN will then review the ownership history and ensure that the transaction complies with ARIN’s policies.
- Time Frame: The transfer request typically takes 1 to 3 weeks after submission.
- Cost: A $300 transfer fee applies for each request starting in 2025.
Step 4: ARIN Review and Approval
ARIN conducts a thorough review of the transaction to ensure that the seller legally owns the IP block and that there are no pending disputes or issues related to the IP space. Once everything checks out, ARIN will approve the transfer and update the WHOIS database to reflect the new owner of the IP block.
- Time Frame: Final approval typically takes 1 to 2 weeks after all paperwork is submitted.
Step 5: Post-Transfer Activities
After the transfer is approved, the recipient must update the routing records, configure reverse DNS if necessary, and begin using the addresses according to ARIN’s justified need policy. The IPv4 block is now officially in the recipient’s name and can be publicly routed.
Other Ways to Get IPv4 Addresses: Faster Alternatives
Given the slow pace of ARIN’s IPv4 transfer process and waiting list, many businesses opt for faster alternatives:
1. IPv4 Leasing
Leasing IPv4 addresses is a cost-effective and quick solution for businesses that need IP resources immediately. Platforms like IPv4Hub.net allow companies to lease IPv4 blocks for months or years, without needing to buy them outright. Leasing gives businesses the flexibility to adjust their IP needs as they grow, while staying compliant with ARIN’s policies.
2. Marketplace Transfers
IPv4 marketplaces offer businesses the opportunity to buy IPv4 addresses directly from verified sellers. Transactions in these marketplaces are ARIN-compliant and often happen faster than waiting for ARIN’s allocation. IPv4Hub.net also facilitates these types of transactions, ensuring that all transfers comply with ARIN 8.3 and 8.4 rules.
3. Inter-RIR Transfers
Inter-Regional Internet Registry (RIR) transfers allow businesses to acquire IPv4 addresses from other RIRs, such as RIPE or APNIC, through brokers who handle the process between ARIN and other regions. This approach helps businesses obtain more inventory while staying compliant with ARIN’s transfer policies.
4. Shared or Cloud-Based IPv4 Addressing
Some cloud and hosting providers offer shared IPv4 addresses as part of their infrastructure services. This is particularly useful for businesses working on temporary projects or companies that don’t need permanent IPv4 ownership but still require immediate access to IP addresses.
Should You Wait or Lease?
The decision to join the ARIN IPv4 waiting list or lease from a broker depends on your organization’s timeline and resource needs. If you only need a small amount of IPv4 space and are willing to wait 12 to 18 months, joining the waiting list might be an option. However, for most businesses, leasing or buying IPv4 addresses through a trusted marketplace or broker is far more efficient.
Leasing provides immediate access to IPv4 resources, and platforms like IPv4Hub.net make the process transparent and compliant with ARIN’s regulations. For businesses that can’t afford the delays or need to scale quickly, these alternative solutions are the most reliable and practical way to secure IPv4 addresses.
ARIN IPv4 Transfer Process and the Future of IPv4
The ARIN IPv4 transfer process is still vital for businesses in North America that need real IPv4 space, but the process is slow and requires navigating bureaucratic steps. While the ARIN IPv4 waiting list remains an option for some, businesses that need faster access to IPv4 addresses are increasingly turning to marketplace transfers, IPv4 leasing, and inter-RIR transfers to secure the resources they need.
IPv4Hub.net provides a safe, compliant, and quick solution for businesses looking to lease or buy IPv4 addresses. In a world where IPv4 demand continues to outpace supply, working with trusted brokers and platforms will help your business stay connected, compliant, and competitive in an increasingly digital world.