# License activation in Docker

You can activate a WProofreader license in two ways:

* during image build (recommended)
* on container startup (trial-friendly)

### Option 1 (recommended): Activate during image build

Pass the license ticket as a build argument:

* `--build-arg WPR_LICENSE_TICKET_ID=<license_ticket_id>`

This persists the activated license into the image. Every container started from that image will have a valid license.

{% hint style="info" %}
Build-time activation still requires Internet access. It is only needed during `docker build`, not when you run containers from the built image.

See [Internet connectivity requirements](/deployment/installation-requirements/internet-connectivity-requirements.md) for the licensing endpoint.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
This is the recommended approach for production. It avoids repeating activation for each container.
{% endhint %}

Where to use it:

* [Build using Dockerfile](/deployment/installation/docker/build-using-dockerfile.md)
* [Build using prebuilt configuration](/deployment/installation/docker/build-using-prebuilt-configuration.md)

### Option 2: Activate on container startup

Pass the license ticket as an environment variable:

* `--env WPR_LICENSE_TICKET_ID=<license_ticket_id>`

Example:

```bash
docker run -d \
  -p 80:8080 \
  --env WPR_LICENSE_TICKET_ID=<license_ticket_id> \
  local/wsc_app:6.9.0
```

{% hint style="warning" %}
This activation requires Internet access. It is not recommended for production. Use it for trials, especially when you run the public Docker Hub image.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
During activation, the server must be able to reach the licensing endpoint. See [Internet connectivity requirements](/deployment/installation-requirements/internet-connectivity-requirements.md) for the exact URL and network requirements.
{% endhint %}

### Verify license status

Use one of these methods:

* API-based health and remaining time:
  * [Health check](/api-reference/auxiliary-api-commands/health-check.md)
* Log-based validation:
  * [License verification](/deployment/licensing/license-verification.md)

### Common pitfalls

* Trial activation on startup needs outbound connectivity. It can fail on locked-down hosts.
* If you run multiple containers, build-time activation is simpler. You avoid activating per container.

### Related pages

* [Run the image from Docker Hub](/deployment/installation/docker/run-the-image-from-docker-hub.md)
* [Internet connectivity requirements](/deployment/installation-requirements/internet-connectivity-requirements.md)


---

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