RIPE NCC IPv4 Transfer Guide
RIPE NCC manages the most active IPv4 transfer market in the world. Learn the complete process for transferring IPv4 addresses within or into the RIPE region with IPv4Center.
Key Facts
Essential numbers you should know before starting a RIPE NCC transfer.
Transfer Process
A step-by-step overview of how IPv4 transfers are completed through RIPE NCC.
Verify RIPE Org IDs
Both buyer and seller need active RIPE Org IDs or LIR accounts before the transfer can begin.
Due Diligence
Blacklist check, BGP history review, and ownership verification through the RIPE database.
Purchase Agreement
Legally binding contract between buyer and seller with an escrow arrangement for payment security.
Submit Transfer Request
Buyer and seller both submit the transfer request via the RIPE NCC portal.
RIPE NCC Review
RIPE verifies authorization and checks policy compliance before approving the transfer.
Transfer Completion
Resources are moved to the buyer's account and ROA/RPKI records are updated accordingly.
Required Documents
Make sure you have the following documentation ready before initiating a transfer.
- Valid RIPE Org ID or LIR account for both parties
- Company registration documents (recent, within 3 months)
- Government-issued ID of authorized signatories
- Signed IPv4 transfer agreement
- Bank details for escrow payment
RIPE Transfer Types
RIPE NCC supports two types of IPv4 transfers, each with different requirements and timelines.
Intra-RIPE Transfer
- Between two RIPE NCC members or LIRs
- Faster processing (1–2 weeks)
- Simpler documentation requirements
- Governed by RIPE-689 policy
Inter-RIR Transfer
- Between RIPE and another RIR (e.g., ARIN)
- Longer processing (3–6 weeks)
- Requires both RIRs' approval
- Additional documentation needed
Eligibility Requirements
Intra-RIPE transfers are governed by RIPE policy ripe-713. Before initiating a transfer, both parties must meet specific eligibility requirements at RIPE NCC.
The seller (source holder) must be a RIPE NCC member (LIR) or be represented by a sponsoring LIR, must be the registered holder of the address space, and the addresses must not be under any dispute or lien. Critically, addresses received via a previous transfer cannot be re-transferred for 24 months — always verify the seller's holding period compliance during due diligence.
The buyer (receiving party) must likewise be a RIPE NCC member or have a sponsoring LIR, and needs a valid organisation object in the RIPE Database. Unlike ARIN, no needs assessment is required.
Common Pitfalls
Most delayed or rejected RIPE transfers fail on a handful of avoidable issues. Review this checklist before submitting your transfer request.
24-Month Holding Period
Addresses received via transfer cannot be re-transferred for 24 months. Verify the seller acquired the block more than 24 months ago, or that it was never transferred.
Maintainer Authentication
Ensure the correct RIPE Access account is linked to the organisation's maintainer object. Mismatched credentials are a frequent cause of stalled requests.
Incomplete Documentation
Have all organisational details ready — legal name, registration number, registered address — exactly as they appear in official records.
ROA Cleanup
The seller should remove existing ROA records before the transfer, and the buyer should create new ones immediately after, to avoid RPKI-invalid announcements.
Costs Involved
RIPE NCC does not charge a separate transfer fee — the costs of a transfer are the market price of the address space itself plus any broker or platform commission.
Current market prices by block size are listed on our marketplace and tracked on the price tracker. Using an escrow-backed platform protects the payment until RIPE NCC confirms the transfer, at which point funds are released to the seller.
Typical processing times once submitted: simple PI/PA transfers complete in 5–10 business days, legacy transfers in 5–15 business days (additional holder-authority documentation may be requested), and transfers involving LIR account changes in 7–15 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RIPE NCC IPv4 transfers.
Do I need to be a RIPE NCC member?
How long does a RIPE transfer take?
Is there a needs test for RIPE transfers?
Can I transfer legacy RIPE resources?
What is the 24-month holding period?
Does IPv4Center.com handle the RIPE transfer?
Ready for a RIPE Transfer?
Browse available RIPE IPv4 blocks on our marketplace and let us handle the entire transfer process from start to finish.