# Getting and using a FiveM server licence key

> Everything about the FiveM licence key: creating one on portal.cfx.re, putting it in server.cfg, one key per server, slot limits and fixing key errors.

Source: https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-license-key-keymaster · FAM Tools · published 2026-09-11 · updated 2026-09-11 · about 8 min

**Short answer.** Log in to portal.cfx.re (the Cfx.re Portal replaced the old Keymaster), create a server key, and put it in server.cfg as `sv_licenseKey "your_key"` — or enter it in txAdmin. Use one key per server and never share it. Servers without a subscription can have up to 48 slots; more than 48 requires an Element Club Argentum subscription or higher on the account that owns the key.

## Key points

- Keys come from **portal.cfx.re**.
- `sv_licenseKey "..."` in server.cfg (or txAdmin settings).
- Free: up to **48 slots**. More needs Element Club Argentum or higher.
- One key per server; treat it like a password.
- LAN servers (`sv_lan true`) skip the key check.

Every public FiveM server needs a licence key: it links the server to your Cfx.re account, lets it appear in the server list and decides how many players it can hold. Getting one is free and takes two minutes; most problems come from typos, shared keys or slot limits.

## Creating a key

1. Go to portal.cfx.re and log in with your Cfx.re (forum) account.
2. Open the server keys section and create a new key.
3. Give it a label you will recognise (for example “Main RP – VPS”) and fill in the requested server details.
4. Copy the generated key.

## Using the key

*server.cfg*

```cfg
sv_licenseKey "paste_your_key_here"
sv_maxclients 48
```

With txAdmin, the key is asked for during recipe deployment and can be changed later in the server settings. Many owners keep it in a separate, git-ignored file and `exec` it from server.cfg — see [server.cfg explained](https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-server-cfg).

## Slots and subscriptions

*Exact per-tier limits are listed on the Cfx.re Portal subscription page.*

| Setup | Player slots |
| --- | --- |
| No subscription | Up to 48 |
| Element Club Argentum | More than 48 (Argentum is the entry tier for extra slots) |
| Higher tiers (Aurum, Platinum) | More slots; Platinum reaches the 2048 maximum with OneSync |

`sv_maxclients` above 32 requires OneSync, and above 64 requires OneSync set to `on`. The subscription must belong to the Cfx.re account that owns the key. More: [max players and slots](https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-max-players-slots).

## Keep it secret

- Anyone with your key can run a server under your account — and get it banned.
- Do not commit it to GitHub or paste it in Discord support channels.
- If it leaks, delete it on the portal and create a new one.
- Developers you hire get their own key for their test server, never yours.

## Licence key errors

| Message | Cause |
| --- | --- |
| No license key was specified | The line is missing, or server.cfg was not executed (`+exec server.cfg`) |
| Invalid / could not authenticate license key | Typo, deleted key, or extra spaces/quotes |
| Server not listed / slot errors | Slots above your tier, or the key’s account lacks the subscription |

## Questions

### Where do I get a FiveM license key?

On portal.cfx.re — log in with your Cfx.re account and create a server key.

### Is the FiveM license key free?

Yes. A subscription is only needed for more than 48 slots or other perks.

### What happened to Keymaster?

Server keys are now managed on the Cfx.re Portal (portal.cfx.re).

### Can I use one key on two servers?

Use one key per server. Create separate keys for your live and test servers.

### How many players can I have without paying?

Up to 48.

## Related

- https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-max-players-slots
- https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-server-cfg
- https://fam-tools.com/guides/txadmin-setup-guide
- https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-onesync-infinity