# License
Common issues around validating a Valdr license key and seeing the right subscription tier.

{{< callout type="info" >}}
Valdr can read a license key from `~/.valdr/valdr.lic`, and **Settings > Settings** can validate and save a key for future launches. For most users, the Settings page is the right place to confirm the active license state.
{{< /callout >}}

## License status is unknown, invalid, or missing

**Symptom:** **Settings > Settings** shows no configured license, or the status is not valid.

**Likely cause:** The key is missing, malformed, or has not been validated yet.

**Fix:**

1. Open **Settings > Settings**
2. Paste your license key into **License Key**
3. Click **Validate & Save**
4. Click **Refresh** or restart Valdr

You can also write the key before starting Valdr:

```bash
mkdir -p ~/.valdr
printf '%s\n' "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY_HERE" > ~/.valdr/valdr.lic
```

{{< thumbcard src="/images/ui/settings/license-paste.png" alt="Settings tab showing License key input with Validate & Save and Refresh buttons" caption="Paste the key, click Validate & Save, then Refresh to confirm the current state" >}}

## I upgraded but still see the old tier

**Symptom:** You upgraded your subscription, but Valdr still shows the previous tier.

**Likely cause:** The new key was not applied yet, or the running instance has not refreshed since the change.

**Fix:**

1. Open **Settings > Settings**
2. Paste the new key
3. Click **Validate & Save**
4. Click **Refresh** or restart Valdr

If you prefer the file-based flow, rewrite `~/.valdr/valdr.lic` with the new key and restart Valdr.

{{< callout type="tip" >}}
**`raider` is a valid tier.** Treat it as a problem only if you expected `vanguard` or `sovereign`.
{{< /callout >}}

## License shows `invalid` or `error`

**Symptom:** **Settings > Settings** shows the license status as `invalid` or `error`.

**Likely cause:** `invalid` usually means the key was rejected. `error` usually means validation could not complete, often because the running instance could not reach the license service.

**Fix:**

- Re-enter the key exactly as provided in your signup email
- Make sure the machine running Valdr has internet access, then retry from **Settings > Settings**
- If the key is current and the error persists, contact support

## Can't find my license key

**Symptom:** You signed up but cannot locate the license email.

**Fix:**

- Search your inbox for Valdr or Project Viking
- Check spam or junk folders
- Contact support using the email address you used to sign up

## Related

- [Install Valdr > Activate your license](/valdr/docs/getting-started/install/#activate-your-license)
- [Pricing](/#pricing)