---
layout: docs
page_title: 'Commands: operator root keyring remove'
description: |
  Remove an unused encryption key
---

# Command: operator root keyring remove

The `operator root keyring remove` command removes an encryption key from the
cluster. This operation may only be performed on keys that are not the active
key.

If ACLs are enabled, this command requires a management token.

## Usage

```plaintext
nomad operator root keyring remove [options] <key ID>
```

## General Options

@include 'general_options.mdx'

## Examples

```shell-session
$ nomad operator root keyring remove 48596ce5-3ff5-8f77-2dcf-301682ada0ce
error: Unexpected response code: 500 (active root key cannot be deleted - call rotate first)

$ nomad operator root keyring remove 33374156-9f81-b14c-83d4-a2f1f87dbf99
Removed encryption key 33374156-9f81-b14c-83d4-a2f1f87dbf99
```