2025-2026 Amazon KDP DRM & Copyright Update: EPUB/PDF Rules Explained

Amazon KDP Copyright & DRM Changes 2025-2026: What Authors Must Know

The rules of digital publishing are shifting. In a major update set for January 20, 2026, Amazon KDP is overhauling its copyright and distribution framework, fundamentally changing how authors protect and share their eBooks. Announced in December 2025, these updates introduce new download formats and recalibrate Digital Rights Management (DRM) options, directly impacting your control over content and its accessibility.

For self-publishing authors, this isn't just a technicality—it's a strategic pivot. Whether you prioritize maximum reader reach or strict piracy prevention, understanding these changes is critical to safeguarding your royalties and intellectual property in the new digital landscape.

This definitive guide breaks down every new regulation, from the implications of DRM-free EPUB/PDF downloads to updated DRM settings. We’ll provide clear, actionable recommendations to help you navigate these changes and choose the right protection strategy for your books in 2025 and beyond.

Digital Rights Management (DRM) Explained: How It Protects Your KDP Book from Piracy

DRM (Digital Rights Management) is a technology that controls the use of digital content. On the Amazon KDP platform, the DRM system determines how readers can use the books they purchase.

How DRM Works on Amazon

With DRM enabled, the e-book is linked to the purchaser's account and can only be read through official Kindle apps. The reader cannot copy the file, transfer it to another person, or open it on devices without the Kindle app.

• The benefits of DRM for authors include protection from mass piracy, control over distribution, and preservation of content value.

• Disadvantages of DRM: audience limitation to users of the Amazon ecosystem, inability to read on some devices, negative attitude of some readers towards restrictions.

2025 Amazon KDR DRM Update: Key Changes for EPUB & PDF Download Rules

A major change coming in December 2025: Authors who choose to publish DRM-free will now automatically allow readers to download their books in EPUB and PDF formats.

Previously, DRM-free books were only available in Amazon's proprietary formats (AZW or KFX). Now readers can download books in open formats, making them accessible on any device and in any reader.

Two scripts for authors

• DRM-protected: The book remains within the Amazon ecosystem. Readers can only read it through the Kindle app. Copying and sharing the file is not possible. The format remains proprietary.

• DRM-free: the book is available in EPUB and PDF formats. Readers can download the file and use it on any device. File transfer is technically possible. There is no copy protection.

This change forces authors to be more mindful of their publishing settings.

Step-by-Step Guide: Configuring DRM Protection in Your Amazon KDP Dashboard

For existing books, settings are not automatically updated. Amazon will not force you to update your publication settings. Authors must manually update their settings in the KDP panel if they want to allow or block downloads in new formats.

Step-by-step instructions for changing DRM settings

Step one: Log in to your Amazon KDP account and go to the Bookshelf section, where all your publications are displayed.

Step two: Find the book you want and click the edit button in the Kindle eBook section.

Step three: Go to the Kindle eBook Manuscript section and look for the Digital Rights Management setting.

Step 4: To allow downloading in EPUB and PDF, select the "No, do not apply Digital Rights Management" option.

Step five: Confirm that the setting you select applies to all past and future purchases of this book.

Step six: Save your changes and wait for the update to complete. The process can take up to 72 hours.

Important note: If you decide to restore DRM protection after disabling it, you'll need to republish the book. This is a more complex process than simply changing the settings.

Amazon KDP PDF Language Policy: Which Languages Are Supported in 2025?

Amazon has introduced language restrictions for the PDF format. Not all books will be available for download in this format, even with DRM disabled.

• Supported languages for PDF: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Catalan, Galician and Basque.

• Books in Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, and other languages do not support PDF downloads. However, the EPUB format is available for all languages without restrictions.

For Russian-language authors, this means that readers will only be able to download books in EPUB format if DRM is disabled.

New 2025 KDP Author Identity Verification: Process & Requirements

In addition to DRM changes, Amazon has introduced mandatory identity verification for authors and publishers. This is part of a comprehensive effort to combat fraud, AI spam, and the creation of fake accounts.

How does verification work?

The verification process may include uploading identification documents, verifying payment details, and confirming contact information.

Verification may be required in the following cases: when registering a new KDP account, when making significant changes to an existing account, when reaching a certain publication volume, or when receiving complaints or suspicious activity.

For legitimate creators, verification is a security measure. It prevents fake accounts from being created in your name and increases overall trust in the platform.

Amazon KDP Format Update: MOBI Support Ends – Switch to EPUB Now

As of March 2025, Amazon officially discontinued support for the legacy MOBI format for new publications. This format has been used since the early days of the Kindle, but is now considered obsolete.

Authors are encouraged to use modern formats: KPF (created using the Kindle Create program), EPUB, or DOCX with automatic conversion.

Existing books in MOBI format remain functional and accessible to readers. However, content updates or reprints will require conversion to new formats.

Beyond DRM: Advanced Copyright Protection Tactics for Amazon KDP Authors

Regardless of DRM settings, authors should take additional steps to protect their works and copyrights.

Official registration of copyright

Publishing on Amazon KDP does not replace official copyright registration. For full legal protection, register your work with your national intellectual property office.

In Russia, this is Rospatent, and in Ukraine, Ukrpatent. Registration creates an official record of your authorship and significantly simplifies protecting your rights in the event of infringement.

Preserving evidence of authorship

Store all drafts, versions, and working materials with creation dates. Use cloud services with version history. Email yourself copies to document the date.

These materials can serve as proof of your authorship in case of disputes.

Monitoring violations

Set up Google Alerts for your book title and author's pseudonym. Periodically check for copies by searching for the title. Use piracy monitoring services if your books have significant sales.

Changes to Amazon KDP copyright protection in 2025-2026 give authors more flexibility in their distribution strategy. DRM-free publishing now means books are available in open EPUB and PDF formats, expanding their reach but reducing control over distribution.

Key takeaways for authors:

• The changes come into force on January 20, 2026.

• Existing books require manual settings update.

• DRM-free books will be available in EPUB and PDF.

• PDF is limited to certain languages.

• Official copyright registration remains the best protection.

Recommendation: Evaluate your monetization strategy and target audience. For maximum reach, choose a DRM-free publication. For strict distribution control, enable DRM and supplement it with official copyright registration.