How can I get IP addresses from APNIC?
APNIC is the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) that administers IP addresses for the Asia Pacific region. To get IP addresses from APNIC, you generally need to become an APNIC member or otherwise qualify, then submit a request that documents your network plan and justified need. APNIC allocates IPv4, IPv6, and Autonomous System (AS) numbers. The exact eligibility and process depend on the resource type and your organization's situation.
What APNIC does
APNIC is the Regional Internet Registry administering IP addresses for the Asia Pacific. Its stated mission is a global, open, stable, and secure Internet that serves the entire Asia Pacific community.
From its homepage, the main resource actions it highlights are:
- Get IP addresses
- Transfer IP addresses
- Go IPv6
This tells you the two main routes to obtaining addresses: getting them directly from APNIC, or transferring them from another party.
Who can request addresses
APNIC serves organizations in the Asia Pacific region. In practice, you typically need to:
- Be an organization with a presence in the Asia Pacific service region.
- Become an APNIC member, or meet the relevant qualification requirements for the resource you want.
- Be able to justify the address space you request based on your actual network needs.
Because requirements vary by resource type and by current policy, confirm the current criteria on APNIC's own pages before you apply.
What you can get
| Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| IPv4 addresses | Legacy Internet addressing; availability is limited |
| IPv6 addresses | Current-generation addressing; the recommended path for new growth |
| AS numbers | For networks that need their own routing identity |
APNIC's homepage explicitly promotes going IPv6, which reflects the reality that new IPv4 space is scarce.
The general process
- Decide what you need. Identify whether you need IPv4, IPv6, an AS number, or a combination.
- Check eligibility and membership. Determine whether you need to become an APNIC member or meet other qualification requirements.
- Prepare your justification. Document your network plan and your need for the addresses. This is a core part of the request.
- Submit the request. Follow APNIC's current application process for the resource type.
- Pay any applicable fees. APNIC's site includes a billing procedure and a "Make a payment" page, so fees are part of the process. Check the current fee schedule directly.
- Receive and use the resources. Once approved, the addresses or AS number are allocated or assigned to you.
Transfers as an alternative
If you cannot obtain the addresses you need directly, APNIC also supports IP address transfers. This means acquiring addresses from another holder rather than from APNIC's own pool. This is often relevant for IPv4, where direct availability is constrained.
Where to start
Use APNIC's own site for the authoritative steps:
- Get IP addresses — for direct requests
- Transfer IP addresses — for transfers
- Go IPv6 — for IPv6 adoption guidance
- Membership and billing pages — for fees and payment
Because policies and fees change, always confirm the current requirements and costs on apnic.net before submitting a request.