Every FiveM server needs a free license key before it will start. If you have ever launched the server artifacts and watched the console refuse to boot, you have probably seen the error telling you to set the sv_licenseKey console variable. That key comes from Cfx.re’s Keymaster, and getting one takes only a couple of minutes once you know where to look. This guide walks through creating a key on Keymaster, choosing the right binding option, and dropping it into your server.cfg so your server actually comes online.
Why FiveM requires a license key
The license key is how Cfx.re ties a running FiveM server back to a registered Cfx.re forum account. It lets the platform list your server in the server browser, enforce platform policies, and associate any premium tier (like FiveM Element Club) you may purchase later. It is completely free for a standard server, and a single forum account can register multiple keys for multiple servers. Without a valid key set, the server process refuses to fully start and you will see a message like this in the console:
This server does not have a license key specified.
Please set the sv_licenseKey console variable to a key
from https://keymaster.fivem.net/.Step 1: Register a key on Keymaster
Keymaster is Cfx.re’s official server key management portal. Head to keymaster.fivem.net (you may be routed through the Cfx.re Portal at portal.cfx.re, which is the same login). Sign in with your Cfx.re forum account, then look for the option to register a new server key. You will be asked for a label and an “Initial IP address” or binding preference.
- Log in to Keymaster with your Cfx.re forum account.
- Click the button to register a new server key.
- Choose a binding option (covered in Step 2).
- Submit the form to generate the key, then copy the long alphanumeric string.
The generated key is the value you will paste into your config. Treat it like a password — anyone with your key could impersonate your server, so do not post it publicly or commit it to a public repository.
Step 2: IP binding vs none
When you create the key, Keymaster lets you decide how strictly it is tied to a machine. The two practical choices are an IP-based binding or no binding at all. Picking the right one now saves you a migration headache later.
| Binding option | How it behaves | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| IP-based | Key only validates from the IP address you enter; you must update it in Keymaster if the IP changes | A server on a fixed, static IP that you do not plan to move |
| None (no binding) | Key validates from any IP; no manual update needed when you switch hosts | Frequent host changes, dynamic IPs, or testing on a home PC then moving to a host |
If you choose IP-based and later move your server to a new host or plan, the key will stop validating until you log back into Keymaster, open that key under your servers list, edit the IP field, and save. The change applies immediately, so you do not need to generate a brand-new key just because your IP changed. For most people renting hosting, “none” is the lower-maintenance choice; pick IP-based only if you want the extra lock-down of a static address.
Step 3: Add sv_licenseKey to server.cfg
With the key copied, open your server.cfg and add the sv_licenseKey line. The official example syntax uses set with the key in quotes:
# server.cfg
set sv_licenseKey "your_key_here"
# core server settings
endpoint_add_tcp "0.0.0.0:30120"
endpoint_add_udp "0.0.0.0:30120"
sv_hostname "My FiveM RP Server"
sv_maxclients 48
# start your resources
ensure mapmanager
ensure chat
ensure spawnmanager
ensure sessionmanagerAlternatively, you can pass the key on the command line when launching the server process with +set sv_licenseKey your_key_here instead of putting it in the config. Both methods are documented and equivalent; most hosting panels and txAdmin setups put it in server.cfg so it travels with the rest of your configuration. If you run a managed panel, you may have a dedicated field for the key — check our FiveM hosting documentation for where it lives in the control panel.
Save the file and restart the server. The startup error should be gone, and the server will register with the Cfx.re backend. If you are still wiring up your framework, our QBCore installation guide and the FiveM server artifacts explainer cover the next pieces after the key is in place.
Common license key problems
- Key not validating after a move: If the key is IP-based, update the IP in Keymaster to match your new server’s address.
- Suspected leak: Use the re-activate option in Keymaster to regenerate the key string on the same record, then update
sv_licenseKey. - Wrong convar: The variable is exactly
sv_licenseKey— case-sensitive, one word, camelCase. A typo here produces the same “no license key specified” error. - Pasted with extra spaces or quotes: Copy only the raw key string; stray characters break validation.
Once the key is sorted, the rest of the setup — artifacts, framework, database, and voice — is straightforward. A good host removes most of the friction by giving you a clean panel to drop the key and manage restarts. If you want that out of the box, our managed FiveM hosting plans include a ready-to-edit config and one-click restarts so your Keymaster key is the only thing standing between you and a live server.
Frequently asked questions
Is a FiveM license key free?
Yes. A standard server license key from Keymaster is free. You only pay if you choose to buy a premium tier such as FiveM Element Club for higher player slots and perks, but a basic key costs nothing.
Can I use one license key for two servers?
No. Each running server needs its own key. A single Cfx.re forum account can register multiple keys, so just create a separate key in Keymaster for each server you operate.
Do I have to bind my key to an IP?
No. Keymaster offers an IP-based binding or no binding. Choosing “none” lets the key validate from any IP, which is convenient if you change hosts. IP-based binding adds a layer of lock-down but requires you to update the IP in Keymaster whenever it changes.
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