Transferring a software license: what to check first

A software license can only be resold if its terms allow it, so check that first.

Can you transfer your license?

Before you list a software license for sale:

1. Read the EULA (end user license agreement). Look for wording like "this license is non-transferable" or "you may transfer this license provided...".
2. Check the vendor's transfer policy. Adobe, Microsoft and JetBrains, among others, have their own procedures, and some need written permission.
3. Check the license type:
   • perpetual licenses are usually transferable, with conditions
   • subscriptions are sometimes transferable, by handing over the account
   • OEM licenses usually can't be separated from their hardware
   • volume licenses move only between organizations
   • academic licenses usually can't be transferred

Transfer process

First, prepare:

• Gather proof of purchase (receipts, order numbers).
• Deactivate the license on your machines.
• Prepare a license transfer document.

Then write the listing:

• State the software name, version and license type.
• Include the original purchase date and price.
• Spell out any transfer conditions.
• Check what the same license sells for second-hand before you set a price.

Then complete the transfer:

• The buyer pays into escrow, where the money is held.
• You post the license key and proof of purchase in the deal chat.
• If the vendor requires a formal transfer, you both complete it.
• The buyer activates and checks the license.
• The buyer confirms receipt, and the payment is released.

Software and services people commonly resell

• JetBrains IDEs (IntelliJ, WebStorm and others)
• Adobe Creative Cloud (account transfer)
• Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365
• Sublime Text
• Sketch
• Figma (account transfer)
• Domain names

Several of these are personal subscriptions that the vendor may not let you pass on, so check first.

Legal disclaimer

Escrow protects the payment, but it can't make a license transferable. Buyers and sellers must follow the vendor's terms, so check transfer rights before you list or buy.

Using escrow protection

Escrow suits license transfers:

• The buyer's payment is held while they activate and check the license, and released when they confirm receipt.
• The seller knows the money is there before handing over the key.
• The chat history records the transfer.
• Either side can open a dispute before the buyer confirms, and a human moderator reviews the evidence and decides.

Don't risk paying directly for a software license.