Abstract: A method and apparatus for distribution of digital licenses and software via license tokens allows an end user access to software licenses or products by providing a licensing token, allowing a unique code or token to substitute for authentication. A distributor distributes software and licenses for software manufacturers. The software manufacturer supplies the service with the relevant information that defines the license token indicating which licenses and which products the token entitles a user to access. The distributor processes this token definition and makes the relevant product and license available when the user supplies the license token. A method of anonymous token-based licensing allows the end user to obtain a product license file without providing any information other than the token. A method of registered token-based licensing requires that the end user create a user profile, in addition to providing the token.