SPDX License List
The SPDX License List provides standardized identifiers for commonly used software, data, hardware, and documentation licenses.
About SPDX License List
The SPDX License List is a reference list of commonly found licenses and license exceptions used in free and open source, collaborative, data, hardware, and documentation works. It is an integral part of the SPDX Specification and is hosted by the Linux Foundation's Software Package Data Exchange (SPDX) project. Each entry includes a standardized short identifier, the full license name, the license text, and a canonical permanent URL. The stated purpose is to make licenses and exceptions easier and more reliable to identify in SPDX documents, in source files, and elsewhere. The homepage lists version 3.29.0, dated 2026-09-16.
The list covers commonly found licenses, so it does not include every license that exists. Contributors can request a new license or exception through the project, and the site describes the principles used for adding entries.
Key features
- Standardized short identifier, full name, license text, and permanent URL for each entry
- License exceptions listed for use with the WITH license expression operator
- Matching guidelines that define what counts as a license or exception match
- Blue highlighting for omitable license text and red for replaceable text
- Machine-readable data files for the full license list
- Sortable table of licenses, sorted by identifier by default
Best for: Software developers and compliance-minded teams who need to identify licenses consistently in SPDX documents or source files.
Good for
- Each license has a canonical permanent URL and its full text in one place
- Machine-readable data files are available for automated tools
Watch out for
- The list covers commonly found licenses, so some licenses may not be included
SPDX License List at a glance
- Website
- spdx.org/licenses
- Category
- Development › Developer Tools
- Type
- Online tool
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux, Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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SPDX License List FAQ
How are license exceptions used with the list?
Exceptions are used with the License Expression operator "WITH" to create a license with an exception.
How can a new license be added to the list?
The site invites users to contribute to the project or request a new license, and it publishes the license inclusion principles used for additions.
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