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CockroachDB license history

Database·Last verified 2026-11-06·Confidence: High

Changed from Apache-2.0 to BUSL-1.1 starting with 19.2.0 on 2019-06-04.

Changed from BUSL-1.1 to CockroachDB-Software-License starting with 24.3.0 on 2024-08-15.

Versions before 19.2.0 remain under Apache-2.0.

Self-hosting
Allowed
Offering as a managed service (SaaS)
Restricted
Commercial impact: Restricted

This is our summary of the license text and may contain errors or omissions. Check the original sources before you decide. Disclaimer and corrections → · Spot an error? Report it

What changed

CockroachDB moved its core from Apache-2.0 to BUSL-1.1 starting with 19.2.0, announced on 2019-06-04. Starting with 24.3.0, it moved to the proprietary CockroachDB Software License, announced on 2024-08-15. Releases before 19.2.0 keep their Apache-2.0 core.

License timeline

2024-08-15

From 24.3.0

BUSL-1.1Source-available→CockroachDB-Software-LicenseProprietary
Restricted
Self-hosting: Allowed
Offering as a managed service (SaaS): Restricted

Cockroach Labs retired the Core offering starting with 24.3.0 (November 2024). Self-hosted use requires an Enterprise license, with a free tier for businesses under USD 10M annual revenue.

Sources

Verified 2026-11-06·Confidence: High
2019-06-04

From 19.2.0

Apache-2.0Permissive→BUSL-1.1Source-available
Restricted
Self-hosting: Allowed
Offering as a managed service (SaaS): Restricted

The core moved to BUSL-1.1, which restricts offering CockroachDB as a commercial database service. Each release converts to Apache-2.0 three years after its release.

Sources

Verified 2026-11-06·Confidence: High

Originally released under Apache-2.0

For reference only. Not legal advice. How a license applies depends on your use; the license text and your counsel decide. Methodology and disclaimer →

Forks and alternatives

PostgreSQL

Alternative

PostgreSQL

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