VSPHERE_APPLY_LICENSE_FAILED License application through vCenter failed

Products

• VMware SDDC Manager

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to expand a cluster an error may be encountered regarding the application of the license to the target ESXi hosts

Error: VSPHERE_APPLY_LICENSE_FAILED License application through vCenter failed

From the var/log/vmware/vcf/domainmanager/domainmanager.log file

[c.v.e.s.o.model.error.ErrorFactory,dm-exec-7]  [HD48HV] VSPHERE_APPLY_LICENSE_FAILED License application through vCenter failed: esxi-hostname-fqdn
com.vmware.evo.sddc.orchestrator.exceptions.OrchTaskException: License application through vCenter failed: esxi-hostname-fqdn
.
.
Caused by: com.vmware.evo.sddc.orchestrator.exceptions.OrchTaskException: Failed to apply vSphere license for entity esxi-hostname-fqdn. Check license validity.
        at com.vmware.vcf.common.fsm.plugins.action.impl.BaseApplyLicenseInVcAction.applyLicenseWithRetries(BaseApplyLicenseInVcAction.java:176)
        at com.vmware.vcf.common.fsm.plugins.action.impl.ApplyEsxiLicenseInVcAction.lambda$execute$1(ApplyEsxiLicenseInVcAction.java:117)
        ... 18 common frames omitted
Caused by: com.vmware.vim.binding.vmodl.fault.NotEnoughLicenses: License not available to perform the operation.
        at java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.NativeConstructorAccessorImpl.newInstance0(Native Method)

 

The host may show as currently connected to the target vCenter Server with the correct license being applied.  License usage has not been exceeded for the target license.  

Environment

VCF 5.x

Cause

The license was applied to the ESXi host prior to the commissioning of it through SDDC.  

Resolution

Contact GSS to assist with skipping this specific workflow.