# License Key Management and Distribution

> Generate, deliver, and manage software license keys automatically. Track activations, set device limits, and protect digital products at scale.

- **URL**: https://dodopayments.com/distribution/license-keys
- **Product area**: Distribution
- **Documentation**: https://docs.dodopayments.com/distribution/license-keys

## Features

### Automatic Key Generation

Generate unique keys instantly for each purchase, no manual spreadsheets needed.

### Custom Expiry & Limits

Set time-based validity and activation limits to prevent misuse or overuse.

### Seamless Delivery

Keys are emailed automatically with activation instructions upon purchase.

### Real-Time Tracking

Monitor activations, expiry, and usage directly in your dashboard.

### Instant Revocation

Disable or update keys anytime to protect your products.

### API Access

Use powerful APIs to automate validation, activation, and monitoring at scale.


## Who This Is For

- Desktop software developers selling per-device or per-seat licenses
- SaaS companies offering offline or self-hosted access via license keys
- Game studios distributing activation keys for digital downloads
- Plugin and theme developers selling on their own website

## Use Cases

- Auto-generate and email a unique license key to each buyer after purchase
- Set device activation limits to prevent unauthorized sharing or piracy
- Monitor active licenses and revoke access remotely when needed
- Validate license keys via API in your app's startup or activation flow

## FAQ

### Are license keys generated automatically?

Yes. A unique key is generated instantly for each purchase and delivered to the customer via email with activation instructions.

### Can I limit how many devices a key can activate?

Yes. You can set custom activation limits per key to prevent unauthorized sharing or overuse.

### Can I revoke a license key after it's been issued?

Yes. You can disable or update keys anytime from the dashboard or via API to protect your products.

### Is there an API for license validation?

Yes. The license key API lets you validate, activate, and monitor keys programmatically at scale.


## Related Pages

**Related features:** [Digital Product Delivery](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/digital-product-delivery) | [Storefront](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/store-front) | [Affiliate Program](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/affiliate-program) | [Discount Codes](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/discount-codes) | [Multi-Brand Setup](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/multi-brand-setup) | [Purchasing Power Parity](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/purchasing-power-parity)
**Section:** [Distribution](https://dodopayments.com/distribution)
**Documentation:** [API Documentation](https://docs.dodopayments.com/distribution/license-keys)
**See also:** [Digital Product Delivery](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/digital-product-delivery) | [Hosted Storefront](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/store-front) | [One-Time Payments](https://dodopayments.com/billing/one-time-payments) | [Merchant of Record](https://dodopayments.com/payments/merchant-of-record)

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## About Dodo Payments

Dodo Payments is the billing & payments platform for AI-first and SaaS companies, operating as a Merchant of Record in 220+ countries.

**Other Distribution features:** [Digital Product Delivery](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/digital-product-delivery) | [Storefront](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/store-front) | [Affiliate Program](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/affiliate-program) | [Discount Codes](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/discount-codes) | [Multi-Brand Setup](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/multi-brand-setup) | [Purchasing Power Parity](https://dodopayments.com/distribution/purchasing-power-parity)

- [All Products](https://dodopayments.com) | [Documentation](https://docs.dodopayments.com) | [Pricing](https://dodopayments.com/pricing) | [Dashboard](https://app.dodopayments.com)