How to get a FiveM license key

FiveM (the GTA V multiplayer mod) and RedM (Red Dead Redemption 2) will not start a dedicated server without a free license key from CFX, the platform that runs them. The key takes about a minute to create at portal.cfx.re. This guide walks you through it and shows where to paste the key in the DoomHosting Panel.

Why FiveM needs a key

A license key links your server to a CFX account, so the platform can act on rule-breakers and recover stuck servers without affecting everyone else. Without one, FXServer prints Server license key not configured on the very first console line and shuts down.

A key is free, bound to the public IP that first boots with it, and can be rebound from the CFX portal if your IP changes (it does not on DoomHosting, since your server keeps its IP for the life of the rental).

Open portal.cfx.re in a new tab.
Click Login and sign in with Discord, Steam, or a CFX account. First-time users get an account created during the login flow.

You will land on the dashboard with a left-hand menu.

Step 2: create a Server entry

In the left menu, click Servers, then + New.
Fill in the form:
- Server name: anything you will recognise later. It is only for you.
- Server type: Dedicated. The other options are for self-hosted txAdmin setups.
- Server region: the closest match to your DoomHosting server region. This is for tracking only and does not restrict who can join.
Click Create.

Step 3: copy your license key

You will see a row of details. The license key is the value that starts with cfxk_ followed by a long string of letters and numbers (33 characters total).

Click the copy icon next to it. Treat this key like a password. Do not paste it into Discord, screenshots, or public configs. Anyone with the key can claim your server slot on CFX.

Step 4: paste the key in your DoomHosting panel

Open your servers list and click your FiveM server.
The first time you press Start without a key set, a dialog appears asking for it. Paste the cfxk_… value and click Save and start.

Behind the scenes we save the key as your server's FIVEM_LICENSE startup variable and send the start signal to FXServer. Wait for the green succeeded. Welcome! line in the console. That is the confirmation FXServer registered with CFX successfully.

Troubleshooting

Console shows "invalid license key": the key was copied with extra whitespace, or it is missing the cfxk_ prefix. Recopy from the CFX portal and paste again from the Startup tab in the panel.

Console shows "license key already in use by another machine": the key was previously bound to a different IP (an old self-hosted setup, or another host). Open the portal, find the server entry, click Rebind, then start the server here again. It rebinds to the DoomHosting IP on the next boot.

Key works but server still fails to start: this is not a license issue. Check the Startup tab for other variables (MAX_PLAYERS, STEAM_WEBAPIKEY), or check the Files tab for a broken server.cfg. Contact support if you cannot spot the issue.

Renewing or rotating the key

CFX keys do not expire and do not need renewal. You only regenerate one if:

You think the key leaked publicly.
You are rebinding the server to a different physical machine.

In the CFX portal, open the server entry, click Regenerate Key, and paste the new value into the Startup tab in your DoomHosting panel. Restart the server for the change to take effect.