As IPv4 exhaustion continues across North America, the ARIN IPv4 Waitlist has become a crucial pathway for organizations seeking legitimate, registry-approved IPv4 address allocations. Although IPv4 scarcity has increased market prices and limited availability, ARIN American Registry for Internet Numbers still provides a structured waitlist system that gives qualified organizations a fair opportunity to receive IP space. Understanding how this waitlist works is essential for businesses planning long-term network growth.
What Is the ARIN IPv4 Waitlist?
The ARIN IPv4 Waitlist is a formal request queue that allows organizations to apply for small IPv4 allocations directly from ARIN’s available pool. Because IPv4 addresses are no longer freely available, ARIN uses this system to distribute relinquished or reclaimed address blocks on a first-approved, first-served basis.
Key features of the waitlist include:
- Only small IPv4 allocations (/24 to /22) are issued.
- Approval depends on proving a justified need.
- Wait times vary according to the returned address supply.
- Requests must follow strict ARIN policy guidelines
Can you make more than one request?
No, organizations can only have one active request on the IPv4 waitlist at a time. You can’t try to double-dip by using more than one application. If you are in charge of more than one network project, make sure to put your current needs first and combine them into one submission to stay within policy. This keeps the queue fair for everyone, from a small tech startup to a huge company that covers six cities.
The waitlist is not a guarantee of receiving resources, but it remains one of the only legitimate ways to obtain IPv4 directly at registry-level pricing.
Are there rules about moving IPv4 allocations from the waitlist?
Yes, there are strict rules about how to give away IPv4 address blocks that you get through the waitlist. For the most part, organizations that get these addresses can’t give them to someone else for five years. The only big exception is when two companies merge or buy each other out. In this case, assets (including IP space) are taken over as part of the business transition. For example, Amazon might buy a smaller hosting company and take over its infrastructure.
In all other cases, the address space stays with the original recipient. This helps make sure that allocations are used for real operational needs instead of speculative aftermarkets. According to normal policy, transfers to another organization are allowed after five years.
Who Can Apply for the ARIN Waitlist?
ARIN’s eligibility rules ensure that only organizations with real, operational need receive new address space. To qualify, applicants must:
- Operate their network within the ARIN service region.
- Demonstrate technical justification for IPv4 usage.
- Not have received IPv4 space from ARIN in the past 90 days. You can’t ask for another allocation until at least 90 days after your organization got its last one. Everyone has to wait 90 days, unless they ask for and get a policy waiver. These are very rare and need a good reason to be granted.
- Maintain accurate organizational information with ARIN.
Organizations that simply want to resell or invest in IPv4 are not eligible. ARIN strictly prioritizes infrastructure operators, hosting companies, ISPs, data centers, and enterprises expanding their networks.
How the ARIN Waitlist Application Process Works
Applying to the ARIN IPv4 waitlist involves several steps. Each must be carefully completed to avoid delays or rejection:
1. Create or Update Your ARIN Organization ID
Your Org ID must reflect accurate legal and operational information.
2. Submit an IPv4 Request
This includes:
- Detailed technical justification
- Network topology information
- Growth projections
- Evidence of efficient use of existing space
Changing the Size of Your IPv4 Block Request
You can change the smallest block size you’re willing to accept at any time during the process if your organization’s needs change while you’re on the waitlist. But you can’t make the maximum block size bigger on a request that is already there.
If you find out that a bigger block is now needed, you will have to cancel your current ticket and start a new request that shows the bigger size. Remember that a new submission goes to the back of the queue and will be prioritized based on when it is approved, not where you were in line before.
Here, strategic planning is key, just like when Amazon restocks your favorite gadget. Everyone is playing the long game. Make sure that your first request accurately reflects your realistic growth so you don’t have to start over.
3. ARIN Review and Approval
ARIN analysts evaluate the request. If approved, your organization is placed on the waitlist.
What Happens If an Account Is Closed for Not Paying?
If a company doesn’t keep its finances in good shape, like by missing payments, it could lose its place on the IPv4 waitlist. You will lose your place in line and the application will be taken down. If the organization later fixes its payment problems and gets back to being active, it will have to make a new request and start over in the queue. There are no special exceptions, so you need to keep your account up to date if you don’t want to lose your place on the waitlist.
4. Receive IPv4 Allocation When Available
Once your position is reached and space becomes available, ARIN assigns an IPv4 block and bills the standard fees. Your organization must be up to date on all account fees when a block is offered in order to get the allocation. Any unpaid bills will stop address assignment until they are paid. If an account goes into default and is then canceled, your request will be taken off the waitlist completely. If your account is reinstated later, you will need to make a new request and get back on the waitlist based on when the new request is approved. When you are told that space is available, you might also have to sign a Registration Services Agreement and/or pay any registration fees that are due before the address block is officially released.
Depending on how many IPv4 addresses are returned, wait times can be anywhere from a few months to a few years.
Wait times can range from a few months to several years, depending on the volume of returned IPv4 space.
What to Do After Getting an IPv4 Block Notification
When your company is told that an IPv4 block is available, you need to do a few important things to finish the allocation process:
Review and Sign Agreements: Be ready to read and sign any service or registration agreements that are needed. These papers make it official that you can use the new IP space and explain what you need to do as a resource holder.
Make a Payment: Pay any registration or allocation fees right away. At this point, delays can make your assignment take longer.
Update Records: Before you finish the transaction, make sure that the systems that hold your organization’s information and contact details are up to date and correct.
If you finish these steps quickly, you won’t lose your place, and your new IPv4 block will be up and running as soon as possible.
What Happens If You Don’t Accept an IPv4 Block?
If your company is offered an IPv4 block from the waitlist and decides not to take it, your request is considered complete and is taken out of the queue. If you turn down an available allocation, you’ll have to make a new request and start over if you want to get back on the waitlist later. This policy makes sure that the process stays fair and that address space that is returned or given up is quickly made available to others who are ready to use it.
How IPv4Hub.net Helps With ARIN Waitlist Consulting
For many organizations, navigating ARIN’s documentation and justification process can be challenging. IPv4Hub.net provides expert consulting to simplify this experience. Their team helps businesses determine eligibility, prepare accurate justification reports, complete paperwork, and avoid common mistakes that cause rejections. IPv4Hub.net also supports companies that need additional IPv4 space while waiting by offering clean IPv4 leasing, buying, or temporary solutions—ensuring network growth doesn’t stall because of delays.
Alternative Options While Waiting for ARIN Allocation
Because waitlist timelines are unpredictable, businesses often choose supplemental strategies:
1. Buy IPv4 Blocks from Verified Sellers
A fast and reliable option for organizations with immediate needs.
2. Lease IPv4 Addresses
A cost-effective temporary solution for VPNs, hosting platforms, or ISPs.
3. Optimize Existing IP Space
Efficient subnet planning can reduce unnecessary expansion.
4. Combine Registry Allocations with Market Purchases
A balanced long-term strategy for large networks.
Is the ARIN IPv4 Waitlist Still Worth It?
Yes, despite delays, it remains one of the most affordable and legitimate ways to access IPv4. However, it should not be the only strategy. Most organizations adopt a dual-approach: applying for ARIN’s waitlist while simultaneously buying or leasing IPv4 blocks through trusted brokers such as IPv4Hub.net.
The ARIN IPv4 Waitlist plays an important role in fair IPv4 distribution, but businesses must be prepared for potential waiting periods. With proper guidance, complete documentation, and strategic planning, organizations can secure the IPv4 resources they need.
For immediate needs or professional assistance in completing your ARIN waitlist request, IPv4Hub.net provides secure, reliable, and transparent solutions for buying, selling, and leasing IPv4 blocks. Explore trusted IPv4 solutions through our comprehensive IPv4 resource hub.
If you’re new to this, make sure you read the full instructions for how to submit your IPv4 request and how the waitlist works. Being careful with your paperwork and following each step of the application process can help you avoid delays and make sure that your request is handled correctly.