# Add an Enterprise Edition License to Redpanda in Linux

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.redpanda.com/llms.txt). Component-specific: [streaming-full.txt](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming-full.txt)

---
title: Add an Enterprise Edition License to Redpanda in Linux
latest-redpanda-tag: v25.1.1
latest-console-tag: v3.7.3
latest-operator-version: v26.1.4
# EOL = End-of-Life (support lifecycle status)
page-is-nearing-eol: "false"
page-is-past-eol: "true"
page-eol-date: April 7, 2026
latest-connect-version: 4.93.0
docname: licensing/add-license-redpanda/linux
page-component-name: streaming
page-version: "25.1"
page-component-version: "25.1"
page-component-title: Streaming
page-relative-src-path: licensing/add-license-redpanda/linux.adoc
page-edit-url: https://github.com/redpanda-data/docs/edit/v/25.1/modules/get-started/pages/licensing/add-license-redpanda/linux.adoc
description: Learn how to add or update a Redpanda Enterprise Edition license in a Linux environment.
page-git-created-date: "2024-12-03"
page-git-modified-date: "2026-05-26"
support-status: past end-of-life
---

<!-- Source: https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/get-started/licensing/add-license-redpanda/linux.md -->

To enable [enterprise features for Redpanda Streaming](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/get-started/licensing/overview/), you must have an Enterprise Edition license. This guide outlines how to apply or update an Enterprise Edition license for Redpanda Streaming in a Linux environment.

## [](#prerequisites)Prerequisites

-   You must have [`rpk` installed](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/get-started/rpk-install/) and configured to connect to your Redpanda cluster.

-   You must have an Enterprise Edition license. To get a trial license key or extend your trial period, [generate a new trial license key](https://redpanda.com/try-enterprise). To purchase a license, contact [Redpanda Sales](https://redpanda.com/upgrade).


## [](#add-a-new-license)Add a new license

Redpanda supports the following ways to apply a new license:

-   [Provide the path to a file containing the license](#file).

-   [Pass the license string directly](#inline).

-   [Use Redpanda Console to upload the license to Redpanda](#console).


### [](#file)Apply the license using a license file

If you have the license key stored in a file, you can apply it by specifying the file path:

```bash
rpk cluster license set --path <path-to-license-file> -X admin.hosts=<admin-api-url>
```

Replace the following placeholders:

-   `<path-to-license-file>` with the path to your license file.

-   `<admin-api-url>` the Redpanda admin host and port


### [](#inline)Apply the license using an inline license string

If you want to provide the license string directly, use the following command:

```bash
rpk cluster license set <license-string>
```

If neither the path nor the license string are provided, `rpk` looks for the license in `/etc/redpanda/redpanda.license`.

### [](#console)Use Redpanda Console

You can upload a license directly through Redpanda Console.

See [Manage Enterprise Edition Licenses through Redpanda Console](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/console/ui/add-license/).

## [](#verify-a-license)Verify a license

After adding or updating a license, you can use `rpk` to verify that the license was set.

```bash
rpk cluster license info
```

This command will display the current license details, including the expiration date and whether any enterprise features are active. For example:

LICENSE INFORMATION
===================
Organization:      redpanda
Type:              enterprise
Expires:           Oct 24 2027

> 📝 **NOTE**
>
> Redpanda blocks upgrades to new feature releases if enterprise features are active without a valid license. Ensure compliance by obtaining a license to maintain access to the latest features and updates.

## [](#update-an-existing-license)Update an existing license

To update an existing license, you can use one the following methods:

-   [rpk cluster license set](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/reference/rpk/rpk-cluster/rpk-cluster-license-set/)

-   [Redpanda Console](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/console/ui/add-license/)


When a new license is uploaded, enterprise features in Redpanda Streaming are unlocked immediately without requiring a cluster restart. However, to unlock enterprise features in Redpanda Console, you must restart the Redpanda Console instance.

## [](#next-steps)Next steps

[Check the Status of Licenses](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/get-started/licensing/check-status/).

## [](#suggested-reading)Suggested reading

[rpk cluster license set](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/reference/rpk/rpk-cluster/rpk-cluster-license-set/)