License key was not accepted (FiveM / FXServer)
FXServer validates your license key against the cfx.re backend on every start. If the key is invalid, expired, linked to a different IP, or formatted wrong in server.cfg, the server refuses to run and logs 'License key was not accepted'. This is one of the most common FiveM setup errors, and it almost always comes from a typo in server.cfg or copying an old key from a different server.
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How to fix it
- 1
Generate a fresh key at keymaster.fivem.net
Open https://keymaster.fivem.net in your browser and log in with the same FiveM account you registered with. Click 'Generate key', set the server IP to match your VPS/cloud IP exactly, and copy the full key string that starts with a long alphanumeric token.
- 2
Paste the key into server.cfg exactly as shown
In server.cfg the line must read: sv_licenseKey <your_key_here> — with no quotes, no extra spaces, and the full key on one line. A common mistake is pasting only part of the key if it was split across lines in the clipboard. The key is long (40–50 chars); verify the full string is there.
- 3
Verify the server IP on your keymaster entry matches
The license key is bound to the IP you entered at keymaster.fivem.net. If your VPS has multiple IP addresses or you recently changed the server IP, the old key is rejected. Delete the old key entry on keymaster and create a new one with the current IP.
- 4
Check that sv_endpoints match the licensed IP
If server.cfg sets sv_endpoints or sv_endpoint_add_tcp to a specific IP, that IP must match the keymaster registration. Binding 0.0.0.0 (listen on all interfaces) is safe — cfx.re checks the outbound connection IP, not what you've bound to.
Alternative causes
These can produce the same error message — worth ruling out if the steps above don't resolve it.
Free patreon key vs. paid plan key conflict
FiveM has both free-tier and patreon keys. Some resources (especially those requiring OneSync) need a patreon-level key. If you upgraded plans but haven't regenerated the key under the new tier, the old free key may still be in server.cfg.
Key revoked by cfx.re
Keys can be revoked if the associated account has a ToS issue or chargebacks. Check your account status at keymaster.fivem.net before assuming the fix is a new key — a banned account means no key will work.
Frequently asked
Can I use the same license key on two servers?
No — each keymaster entry is bound to one IP. If you run two servers on different IPs, generate two separate keys. Copying a key from one server to another always causes 'not accepted' on the second.
Will changing the server IP break my key?
Yes. When you migrate servers, go to keymaster.fivem.net, edit the existing key to update the IP, or delete it and regenerate. The old key stops working as soon as the IP changes.
Is there a free tier key and a paid key?
Yes. Free keys work for most servers. Patreon (Element Club) keys unlock OneSync, 64+ player slots, and some protected resources. Generate from the same keymaster page — the plan level on your cfx.re account controls what the key allows.
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Last reviewed 2026-06-15. If a step is wrong or out of date, tell us — we'll fix the article and the auto-pattern at the same time.