Table of Contents

ARIN Registration Services - Frequently Asked Questions

Organization and Contact Identifiers

How do I request an AS number or IP addresses from ARIN?
First, please review ARIN’s Qualifying for Resources Overview to ensure you qualify for the AS number or IP addresses you’re requesting. Next, create a point of contact (POC) handle for each person/role you’ll be listing on your records by submitting one POC Template for each person/role. At least one POC handle is required. Once you’ve created your POC handle(s), create an organization identifier (OrgID) using the Organization Template. You can then submit your resource request using the appropriate template.
I’m creating a new POC handle. What’s the difference between a “person” handle and a “role” handle?
A person represents one specific person (e.g. John Doe). A role represents a function that is performed by more than one person (e.g. IP Administrator).
Can I specify more than one e-mail address for a single POC handle?
Yes. Copy the e-mail address field and paste it on a new line just below the existing e-mail address field. Repeat until you have one instance of the e-mail address field for each e-mail address.
Can I specify more than one Administrative contact for my OrgID?
No, but you can specify multiple Technical contacts for your OrgID. Copy the Tech POC Handle field and paste it on a new line just below the existing Tech POC Handle field. Repeat until you have one instance of the Tech POC Handle field for each Technical contact.
How will ARIN identify me as the “owner” of my POC handle?
POC handles use mail-from authentication by default. When you submit a template, ARIN examines the mail-from field on your e-mail to determine whether it matches an e-mail address listed on your handle. If so, you are verified as the “owner” of the POC handle. PGP and X.509 cryptographic authentication is also available and is a much stronger way to secure your records.
What do I put in the “d/b/a name” field of the Organization Template?
The “d/b/a name” field is used to indicate a trade name (also known as a fictitious name). A trade name is a name other than the legal name under which you conduct business. It’s often registered with a government office. If you specify a name in this field, ARIN will publish your WHOIS records under this name.
I’m creating a new OrgID. How do I specify which person/role should fill each of the contact types (Admin, Tech, NOC, Abuse)?
You specify a particular person/role by indicating the POC handle of that person/role in the appropriate field. If you do not have a POC handle for a person/role you want to list, use the POC Template to create a POC handle for that person/role.
Why is ARIN asking me for my business tax ID number?
Your business tax ID number helps ARIN verify the existence of your organization. It’s an optional field. DO NOT LIST A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR A SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER.
Why is ARIN asking me for verification that my organization is legally registered within the ARIN region?
Most organizations create an OrgID with the intent of registering resources through ARIN. If you are approved for resources, you’ll need to sign a Registration Services Agreement (RSA). The legal name on that agreement must match the legal name on your OrgID and must represent an entity that’s legally registered within ARIN’s region.
I’m listed on a record in the WHOIS database. My contact information is incorrect. How do I update my contact information?
Make a note of the POC handle listed on the WHOIS record and submit a POC Template to modify the contact information for that POC handle.
How do I change the points of contact for an address block or AS number?
Make a note of the OrgID listed on the address block or AS number record. Verify the new contact you’ll be adding has a POC handle. If the new contact does not have a POC handle, submit a POC Template to create a POC handle for the contact. You can then apply the new contact to your OrgID using the Organization Template.
Can I change my organization’s legal name using the organization template?
No. If your organization’s legal name has changed, please review ARIN’s Guidelines for Transfers of Internet number resources.
Can I select my own OrgID?
No. Your OrgID will be automatically generated based on the characters in your organization’s legal name.
Who’s authorized to update my OrgID?
The registered Admin and Tech contacts for your OrgID.
The current contacts listed for my OrgID are invalid or out of date. How do I update my OrgID?
Any employee of your organization may submit a request to update your OrgID. If your request comes from an e-mail address that does not match a registered Admin or Tech contact, ARIN will request additional documentation (such as an affidavit) to verify the legitimacy of the request.
What is an affidavit, and why is ARIN asking me to send in an affidavit to update my OrgID?
An affidavit is a signed, notarized letter in which the submitter attests to the truth of certain statements. ARIN requests an affidavit in order to establish your authority to change records on behalf of your organization. This affidavit will be kept on file in the event any changes are reported to be unauthorized.

Resource Requests - General

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How do I request an AS number or IP addresses from ARIN?
First, review ARIN’s Qualifying for Resources Overview to ensure you qualify for the resource you’re requesting. Next, create a point of contact (POC) handle for each person/role that you’ll be listing on your records by submitting one POC Template for each person/role. At least one POC handle is required. Once you’ve created your POC handle(s), create an organization identifier (OrgID) using the Organization Template. You can then submit the appropriate resource request template.
How do I update my OrgID?
Create a point of contact handle for each person/role that you’ll be listing on your records by submitting one POC Template for each person/role. Once you’ve created your POC handle(s), add the new handle(s) to your OrgID using the Organization Template.
I sent ARIN payment and a contract after being approved for a resource. Did ARIN get my payment and my contract?
Billing and contract issues are handled by ARIN’s Financial Services Department (FSD). Processing of your payment and contract typically takes 1-2 business days. If you’ve submitted payment and/or a contract, and have not received a response after 1-2 business days, contact ARIN’s FSD at +1 (703) 227-9886 or billing@arin.net.
I’m an educational, government, or nonprofit organization. Does ARIN offer any discounts to these types of organizations?
No. The fee schedule applies equally to all organizations.
How long will it take for ARIN to process my request?
Our goal is to respond to your request as quickly as possible, although it may take up to three days under especially busy circumstances. From there, the length of time is dependent entirely on the number of e-mails required to determine whether you qualify for the requested resource. In general, 1-3 additional business days are required for each subsequent response. We attempt to minimize the number of responses necessary by asking for all required information in our initial response. Since your responses may lead to further questions or requests for information, however, we cannot give you a specific time estimate.
Can I expedite my request?
We do not offer expedited processing. All requests are processed in the order they are received. Our goal is to assist you as quickly as possible. If you need an update on the status of a pending request, contact ARIN’s Registration Services Help Desk at +1 (703) 227-0660.
ARIN is asking me to submit information I consider to be proprietary or otherwise sensitive. How do I know it will be kept confidential?
ARIN employees are required to sign an agreement which prohibits disclosure of such information. We also have a standard nondisclosure agreement available, if required.

IPv4 Address Space

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I have an OrgID. How do I request an IPv4 address block?
First, please review ARIN’s Qualifying for Resources Overview to verify you qualify for the block you’re requesting. If you are an ISP, submit the ISP Network Request Template. If you are an end-user, submit the End-user Network Request Template. Make sure you’re sending the template from an e-mail address associated with the registered Administrative or Technical contact for your OrgID.
Am I an end-user or an ISP?
If you offer data transit to customers or assign address space to other organizations or to other networks, you are considered an ISP. If you use address space entirely within your own network and do not provide data transit to customers, you are an end-user. If you are unsure whether you are an ISP or an end-user, send an e-mail to hostmaster@arin.net and provide detailed information as to how you use address space to support the products/services you offer.
Do I qualify to receive IPv4 addresses from ARIN?
Please review ARIN’s Qualifying for Resources Overview.
Can I request a /24 (formerly known as a "Class C") network?
In general, no. ARIN’s minimum prefix length is a /22 (1024 addresses) for multi-homed networks and a /20 (4096 addresses) for all other networks. ARIN does provide individual /24 networks to public exchange points, core DNS providers (ICANN-sanctioned root zone server and TLD operators), other Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), and IANA under the micro-allocation policy.
I don’t qualify to receive IPv4 addresses from ARIN. What do I do now?
If you do not qualify to receive IPv4 addresses from ARIN, please obtain addresses from another source, such as an upstream ISP.
What does ARIN mean by multi-homed?
An organization is multi-homed if it receives full-time connectivity from more than one ISP and has at least one routing prefix announced by at least two of its upstream ISPs.
Why do my provider-assigned addresses need to be reassigned to me via SWIP or RWhois?
Current ARIN policy requires ISPs to reassign all blocks of 8 or more contiguous addresses to their customers via SWIP or RWhois. This customer reassignment information helps us verify your current address utilization in order to qualify for your own addresses from ARIN.
What utilization data will ARIN request?
We’ll request detailed information showing us how you’re using IP addresses in your network. This may include a list of dynamically provisioned pools, a comprehensive list of static reassignments (both customer and internal), and an IP to domain list for web hosting.
Why does ARIN need the names of my customers?
We use customer names to verify the authenticity of the utilization data you provide to ARIN.
I don’t want to provide customer names. Is this required?
Yes, current ARIN policy requires you provide customer names.
Will ARIN enter into a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) with me?
Yes, we have a standard nondisclosure agreement available.
What are the costs associated with IPv4 address registration?
Please review ARIN’s Fee Schedule.
I have IPv4 addresses from ARIN. How do I request more IP addresses?
First, please review ARIN’s Qualifying for Resources Overview to ensure you qualify for more addresses. If you meet these requirements, submit either the ISP Network Request Template (if you’re an ISP) or the End-user Network Request Template (if you’re an end-user).
I’m an ISP requesting IPv4 addresses from ARIN for the first time. How many addresses can I get?
ARIN’s minimum initial allocation to an ISP is a /20 (4096 addresses) under the single-homed policy and a /22 (1024 addresses) under the multi-homed policy. Please review ARIN’s Qualifying for Resources Overview to ensure you qualify to receive an initial allocation of addresses.
I’m an ISP and already have IPv4 addresses from ARIN. How many more addresses can I get?
The size of your additional allocation is based on both your historical utilization rate and on your three month projected needs (for your first year as a subscriber) or your six month projected needs (after your first year as a subscriber).
I’m an end-user. How many IPv4 addresses can I get?
ARIN’s minimum assignment to an end-user is a /20 (4096 IP addresses) under the single-homed policy and a /22 (1024 addresses) under the multi-homed policy. Please review ARIN’s Qualifying for Resources Overview to ensure you qualify to receive an assignment of addresses.
I’m an ISP subscriber. How does ARIN determine my annual subscription fee?
Your initial annual subscription fee is determined by the size of your initial allocation, as indicated on ARIN’s Fee Schedule. We re-evaluate your annual subscription fee each year on your anniversary date (the calendar date on which you received your first allocation from ARIN) based on the number of addresses we issued to your organization in the year preceding that anniversary date.

IPv6 Address Space

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Am I an IPv6 ISP/LIR or an IPv6 end-user?
If you offer IPv6 transit or assign IPv6 addresses to other organizations, you are an IPv6 ISP (also known as a Local Internet Registry, or LIR, in IPv6 policy). If you do not offer IPv6 transit and do not assign IPv6 addresses to other organizations, you are an IPv6 end-user.
Does ARIN provide IPv6 addresses to both ISPs and end-users?
Yes, though there are separate IPv6 policies for ISPs and for end-users.
Do I qualify to receive IPv6 addresses from ARIN?
Please refer to ARIN’s Qualifying for Resources Overview.
I’ve heard there’s an IPv6 fee waiver. Is this true?
Yes, there is a partial fee waiver currently in effect for IPv6 allocations. Details of this fee waiver can be found on ARIN's Fee Schedule. There is no fee waiver for IPv6 assignments

Autonomous System (AS) Numbers

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I already have an OrgID. How do I request an AS number?
First, please review ARIN’s Qualifying for Resources Overview to ensure you qualify to receive an AS number. Next, submit the ASN Request Template from an e-mail address associated with the registered Administrative or Technical contact listed on your OrgID.
What does multi-homing mean?
An organization is multi-homed if it receives full-time connectivity from more than one ISP and has at least one routing prefix announced by at least two of its upstream ISPs.
. What is a unique routing policy?
A routing policy that differs from the routing policies of a network’s border peers.
I plan to dual home using two connections to the same upstream provider. Does this count as multi-homing?
In general, no. In order to be considered multi-homed, you must have two or more different upstream ISPs.
I plan to multi-home with two different upstream providers, but I’m still selecting a second provider. When do I qualify for an AS number?
You qualify for an AS number when you can provide ARIN with copies of signed contracts with both upstream ISPs and are within 30 days of multi-homing.
Why is ARIN asking me for a copy of my signed contract with each of my upstream providers?
There are a limited number of globally unique AS numbers available. The contracts verify your site meets the current ARIN policy requirements to receive one of these globally unique AS numbers.
I don’t want to share copies of the contracts I’ve signed with my upstream providers. Is this absolutely necessary?
Yes, based on current ARIN policy. You are welcome to redact any financial or otherwise sensitive information. If necessary, ARIN has a nondisclosure agreement available.
Can I request more than one AS number at a time?
Yes. You may request as many AS numbers as are required, based on your network topology. ARIN will ask you for additional documentation to verify each requested ASN will be autonomous from all existing ASNs in your network. If requesting more than a single AS number, be sure to indicate the specific number of ASNs requested in the “Additional Information” section of the ASN Request Template.
I already have an AS number. Can I request another AS number?
Yes. ARIN will ask you for additional documentation to verify the requested ASN will be autonomous from all existing ASNs in your network.
The ASN Request Template asks me for a list of all addresses used in my network, but some of these addresses aren’t going to be used with the requested AS number. Is this a problem?
No. This template will not result in any association between the addresses listed on your template and the requested AS number.
ARIN is asking me for a network topology diagram. What should my network topology diagram contain?
For each AS in your network (including the proposed AS), indicate the AS number assigned, upstream providers/peers, addresses used, and geographic location. Please be sure to note any direct connections between sites.
ARIN denied my request for an AS number and indicated I should consider using a locally unique AS number. What’s a locally unique AS number?
AS numbers 64512 – 65534 are reserved for private use in RFC1930. These AS numbers are referred to as “private” or “locally unique”. If you wish to speak BGP with a single upstream provider, you can typically configure your BGP session to use one of these locally unique AS numbers. Contact your ISP for further information.
ARIN denied my request for a globally unique AS number, but I cannot use a locally unique AS number. What do I do?
Please respond by e-mail to ARIN’s denial of your request with detailed information as to why you cannot use a locally unique AS number.
Do I get any IP addresses with my ASN?
No. If you wish to request addresses from ARIN, please submit either the ISP Network Request Template or the End-user Network Request Template.
Are portable addresses from ARIN required to multi-home?
No. It’s possible to multi-home using addresses obtained from an upstream provider. Please contact your upstream provider for further information.

Resource Transfer Requests

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How do I change the organization name on ARIN-issued IP addresses or on an AS number?
Please see ARIN’s Guidelines for Transfers of Internet number resources.
How do I change the organization name for IP addresses assigned by an upstream ISP?
Contact the upstream ISP and ask them to change the organization name for your addresses.
I have an OrgID. How do I formally request a resource transfer?
Submit the Resource Transfer Template.
ARIN is asking me for legal documentation to verify the legitimacy of the transfer. What legal documentation does ARIN want?
The legal documentation required will depend on the specific circumstances of your transfer. Examples of documents that may be requested are an asset purchase agreement, a bill of sale, an official name change document, a bankruptcy court decree, a contract, or a certificate of merger.
ARIN is asking me for legal documentation to verify the legitimacy of the transfer. I don’t want to provide this documentation. Is this necessary?
Yes, current ARIN policy requires you provide this documentation. You are welcome to redact any financial or otherwise sensitive information. If necessary, ARIN has a standard nondisclosure agreement available.
What utilization information do I need to provide for addresses I’m transferring?
An overall percentage of the IP addresses used at the time of the transfer in each block of IP addresses being transferred.
Why is ARIN asking me to return some of the IP addresses or AS numbers included in my transfer request?
There are a limited number of globally unique IP addresses and AS numbers available. Current ARIN policy requires you to return unused or underused IP addresses and AS numbers so they can be issued to other organizations.
ARIN is asking me to submit an affidavit for my transfer request. What is an affidavit, and what should the affidavit say?
An affidavit is a signed, notarized letter in which the submitter attests to the truth of certain statements. Your affidavit should attest to the truth of the statements that justify your transfer request.
Are there fees associated with a resource transfer?
Yes. There is a one-time $250 fee assessed for each transfer. Additionally, there is an annual maintenance fee or an annual renewal fee (also known as a subscription), as indicated on ARIN’s Fee Schedule.

Maintaining Resource Records

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I’m listed on a record in WHOIS. How do I update my contact information?
Submit a POC Template to modify the contact information associated with your POC handle.
How do I update the points of contact listed on my IP addresses or my AS number?
Make a note of the OrgID associated with the record and submit an Organization Template to update the points of contact listed for that OrgID. You’ll need to have a POC handle for each contact to be added to the OrgID. If one or more of the contacts don’t have a POC handle, submit a POC Template to create one.
How do I change the organization name listed on my ARIN-issued IP addresses or on my AS number?
Please see ARIN’s Guidelines for Transfers of Internet number resources.
How do I change the organization name for IP addresses assigned by an upstream ISP?
Contact the upstream ISP and ask them to change the organization name for your IP addresses.
How do I change the reverse DNS nameservers listed on my IP addresses?
Submit a Network Modification Template from your registered Administrative or Technical contact’s e-mail address.
How do I remove an RTech/RAbuse/RNOC contact from my IP addresses or from my AS number?
The “R” stands for resource. These contacts are specified for the IP addresses or the AS number, and not for the OrgID. You can remove them with either the Network Modification Template or the ASN Modification Template. Indicate “NONE” in the relevant field to remove resource contacts without adding new resource contacts.
I’m listed as the Admin POC for my OrgID. Why don’t I see my contact information on the IP addresses and AS numbers associated with my OrgID?
This is a feature of the WHOIS database and is not an error. If you would like to make your contact information appear with your resource records, add your POC handle as a Technical contact.

Reassignments (SWIP and RWhois)

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What customer reassignments must be publicly displayed via SWIP or RWhois?
Current ARIN policy requires all static reassignments /29 and larger (8 or more contiguous addresses) be publicly displayed via SWIP or RWhois.
Do I need to provide customer reassignment information for customers who are located within my facility (e.g. co-location) or for customers who are using my equipment (e.g. dedicated servers or virtual private servers)?
Yes. Current ARIN policy requires any reassignment /29 and larger (8 or more contiguous addresses) be publicly displayed via SWIP or RWhois.
What is SWIP?
SWIP (Shared WHOIS Project) is a process used by ISPs to publicly register customer reassignment information in ARIN's WHOIS directory service via templates sent by e-mail to ARIN.
What is RWhois?
RWhois (Referral WHOIS) is an alternate method of publicly displaying customer reassignment information. Unlike SWIP, customer records are not published in ARIN's WHOIS directory service. Instead, the ISP establishes an RWhois server (example: rwhois.isp.net port 4321), publishes customer reassignment information in the server, and makes the customer data available to the public by adding a referral to the RWhois server in WHOIS.
Will ARIN help me establish and operate my RWhois server?
No, we do not provide operational assistance with RWhois.
Can I privatize contact information for my residential customers?
Yes. Current ARIN policy allows you to privatize reassignment information for any customer to whom you provision transit service at their residence. You must still provide a state code, zip code, and country code.
I don’t want to provide customer reassignment information. Is this necessary?
Yes. Current ARIN policy requires you to publicly register all reassignments /29 or larger (8 or more contiguous IP addresses) to a customer within 7 days of provisioning.
I see three different SWIP templates (Reassign Simple, Reassign Detailed, and Reallocate). Which template should I use?
In most cases, use the Reassign Simple Template. Use the Reassign Detailed Template if you want to publish customer contact information or delegate reverse DNS zones to your customer. Use the Reallocate Template for your downstream ISP customers.
How do I tell ARIN I have an RWhois server?
Submit an Organization Template to add an RWhois referral to your OrgID.
What commands should my RWhois server support?
Your RWhois server must reply to individual IP address queries. Other commands (such as -holdconnect and –xfer) are optional. If you will be regularly requesting IP addresses from ARIN, we strongly recommend you allow ARIN staff access to the -xfer command.
Can ARIN test my RWhois server and let me know if it’s working properly?
Absolutely! Send an e-mail to hostmaster@arin.net and ask for testing. We’ll work with you to ensure your RWhois server works properly and is fully compliant with applicable policies.
How do I remove a SWIP reassignment?
Simple reassignments (the WHOIS record lists CustName) can be removed with the Reassign Simple Template. Detailed reassignments and reallocations (the WHOIS record lists OrgName) can be removed with the Network Modification Template.
How do I change the name for a SWIP reassignment?
If the record is a simple reassignment (the WHOIS record lists CustName), submit a Reassign Simple Template. Otherwise, use a Network Modification Template to remove the existing reassignment and submit a SWIP template to create a new record with the correct name.
Can ARIN provide me with a report listing the reassignments I’ve made from an address block?
Yes, if you SWIP reassignments in WHOIS. The registered Tech or Admin contact for your OrgID can send an e-mail to hostmaster@arin.net and ask for a SWIP report.
I need to remove all reassignments from a block. Do I need to submit a separate template for each reassignment in the block?
If you’re removing 30 or more reassignments, no. The registered Tech or Admin contact for your OrgID can send an e-mail to hostmaster@arin.net and ask us to remove all reassignments from the block.

Routing Registry (IRR)

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1. What is the ARIN routing registry?
ARIN’s routing registry (also known as the ARIN IRR) allows organizations to publish routing information useful to network operators.
Am I required to use the ARIN routing registry?
No. The routing registry is completely optional
Is there a fee associated with using the ARIN routing registry?
No. Use of the ARIN routing registry is free.
How do I begin adding routing information to the ARIN routing registry?
Create a mntner (pronounced “maintainer”) object by submitting the mntner template to rr@arin.net. You can then add routing information by completing any other template and sending it to rr@arin.net.
What routing information should I submit to the ARIN routing registry?
If an upstream ISP has asked you to put routing information in the ARIN routing registry, contact that ISP and ask them what objects are necessary.
I need help filling out a routing registry template. What do I do?
If you need help with basic template formatting, send an e-mail to rtreg@arin.net or call the ARIN Registration Services Help Desk at +1 (703) 227-0660. If you need more detailed help, please consult RFC2280.
I sent a template to rr@arin.net, but got back an error message. What do I do?
Forward the e-mail to rtreg@arin.net with details on the error or call ARIN’s Registration Services Help Desk at +1 (703) 227-0660.
How long will it take for my objects to appear in the ARIN routing registry?
Your objects will typically appear within five minutes on rr.arin.net.
How can I check the ARIN routing registry to make sure my object is visible?
ARIN’s routing registry does not have a web-based interface. If you have a WHOIS client, point it to rr.arin.net. Otherwise, you may wish to examine one of the routing registries that mirror ARIN’s routing registry data (RADB, RIPE, etc). Some of these have web-based interfaces. Please note that it may take 24 hours or more for your object to appear in a routing registry that mirrors ARIN’s routing registry data.
How long will it take for my object to show up in other routing registries?
Up to 24 hours or more, depending on how often these routing registries mirror ARIN’s routing registry data.

Bulk WHOIS Data

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1. How do I request a bulk copy of ARIN’s WHOIS data?
Fill out and submit ARIN’s Bulk WHOIS Data Request Form. This PDF files contains the form, along with complete instructions for completing and submitting the form.
Do I qualify to receive bulk WHOIS data?
You qualify to receive bulk WHOIS data if your intended use of the data meets the criteria outlined in ARIN’s Bulk WHOIS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), as listed on the Bulk WHOIS Data Request Form.
I’ve been approved to receive bulk WHOIS data. How often can I retrieve the data?
You may retrieve the data as often as you wish.
How often does ARIN update bulk WHOIS data?
Once per day.
Once I’ve received access to bulk WHOIS data, do I need to periodically request continued access?
No. As long as you access the data at least once every 90 days, your access privileges will remain intact. If you fail to access the data within 90 days, ARIN will notify you that you are in danger of losing access and will provide guidance on how to extend your access privileges.