How Fast Do IPv4 Waitlists Move? What to Expect
As IPv4 scarcity continues to affect businesses worldwide, many organizations turn to IPv4 waitlists offered by Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) like ARIN, RIPE, APNIC, and others. These waitlists help companies obtain IPv4 address space when no free pool is available, but approval times can vary widely. Understanding how long the IPv4 waitlist process takes and what factors influence it helps businesses plan their network expansion more effectively.
Waitlist approval is not instant. It requires patience, documentation, and awareness of how RIR policies change over time. Here is a clear look at how long IPv4 waitlist approvals typically take and what you can expect during the process.
Why IPv4 Waitlist Times Vary
Different RIRs operate under different rules, and IPv4 availability fluctuates constantly due to returns, revocations, and policy changes. Approval timelines depend on several factors:
1. The Specific RIR You Are Applying To
Not all registries handle waitlists the same way:
- ARIN’s waitlist can take months or even over a year.
- RIPE NCC no longer assigns IPv4 from a traditional free pool; their waiting mechanisms are policy-based and unpredictable.
- APNIC, LACNIC, and AFRINIC may release small allocations depending on returned space.
Each region has its own demand level, which directly influences how long you will wait.
2. Availability of Returned or Recovered IPv4 Space
Waitlist approvals rely heavily on:
- Organizations returning unused blocks.
- IPv4 space revoked due to policy violations
- Recovered space is being reallocated.
Because these events are unpredictable, approval times can fluctuate month to month.
3. Size of the Requested IPv4 Block
Smaller requests, such as /24 blocks, are more likely to be fulfilled quickly. Larger requests require significantly more returned space and therefore tend to take longer.
4. Your Organization’s Eligibility and Documentation
Incomplete or incorrect documentation can delay approvals. Before an allocation is issued, the RIR must verify:
- Justification of need
- Organizational details
- Compliance with policy requirements
Any missing information pauses the process until corrected.
Typical IPv4 Waitlist Approval Timeframes
While exact timelines vary, here is a general estimate based on current industry trends:
| RIR Region Estimated | d Waitlist Approval Time |
|---|---|
| ARIN | 6–18 months (sometimes longer) |
| RIPE NCC | Unpredictable; may never fulfill |
| APNIC | Several months, depending on returns |
| LACNIC | Weeks to months |
| AFRINIC | Months, depending on policy cycles |
Because no RIR can guarantee a timeline, businesses must plan operationally for delays and seek alternative solutions in the meantime.
About IPv4Hub.net
While organizations wait for official RIR allocations, IPv4Hub.net provides a practical and reliable solution through clean, verified IPv4 leasing. The platform manually reviews each IP block, checking blacklist status, routing stability, and registry accuracy before offering it to customers. IPv4Hub.net assists businesses by matching them with the right-sized subnets, such as /24, /23, or larger ranges, based on their operational needs. With transparent reporting and human-supported validation, IPv4Hub.net enables companies to continue growing their networks immediately, even while awaiting long-term RIR approval. Check IPv4 services now.
Why Many Organizations Cannot Afford to Wait
Modern digital services rely heavily on IPv4 for:
- Customer onboarding
- Email deliverability
- API and server hosting
- VPN and security infrastructure
- Cloud deployments
A long waitlist delay can slow down product launches, limit customer acquisition, or cause dependence on unreliable shared hosting solutions.
This is why many companies choose to lease IPv4 space while waiting for RIR approval. Leasing allows operations to continue smoothly without sacrificing growth or service quality.
How to Speed Up the Approval Process
While you cannot control IP availability, you can reduce delays on your end. Follow these best practices:
1. Prepare Complete Documentation
Submit all required information:
- Justification of need
- Growth projections
- Network diagrams
- Organizational verification
Missing documents are the number one cause of approval delays.
2. Request the Correct Block Size
Asking for more space than needed increases wait times. RIRs prioritize smaller allocations due to limited availability.
3. Monitor Policy Updates
RIR policies evolve frequently. A new rule may either speed up or restrict the approval process.
4. Maintain Active Membership and Compliance
Inactive accounts, unpaid fees, or outdated contact information can pause your place in the queue.
Planning for IPv4 Demand
With IPv4 exhaustion unlikely to improve, organizations must:
- Anticipate future IPv4 needs.
- Apply early
- Consider temporary leasing options.
- Implement dual-stack environments (IPv4 + IPv6)
Businesses that plan to avoid service disruptions and last-minute scrambles for address space.
IPv4 waitlist approval times can range from a few months to several years, depending on the RIR, block size, and regional availability. Because the process is unpredictable, businesses should prepare for delays and consider leasing clean IPv4 blocks through trusted providers like IPv4 Hub to maintain growth during the wait. With the right planning and temporary solutions in place, your network can continue to operate smoothly as you wait for long-term allocations.