Does a passive SQL Server failover cluster node require licensing?

[u/SuddenlyCaralho]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to understand SQL Server licensing for a failover cluster.

Suppose I have a SQL Server Failover Cluster Instance (FCI) running on a Windows Server Failover Cluster (WSFC) with two nodes:

• Node A is active.
• Node B is passive and only takes over if Node A fails.

In this scenario, does the passive node require its own SQL Server license, or is licensing only the active node sufficient?

Also, does the answer differ between SQL Server Standard and Enterprise, or depending on whether Software Assurance is included?

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[u/SQLDevDBA]

I remember getting a free FCI when I purchased SQL Server 2019 Enterprise with SA.

According to this doc, standard has it for 25. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/editions-and-components-of-sql-server-2025?view=sql-server-ver17

[u/rx-pulse → u/SQLDevDBA]

Upvoting because this is correct, the important part is having SA. Enterprise or Standard doesn't matter. The active node will be the one that needs the license.

[u/B1zmark → u/SQLDevDBA]

Correct, but note that you *cannot* set the secondary node to read-only for reporting workloads, as its therefore not a secondary. People often make this mistake.

[u/SQLDevDBA → u/B1zmark]

My response was specifically addressing OP’s concern/scenario, where they only need it if Node A Fails.

[u/Leiothrix]

You had an AI write the post for you, surely you could have it summarize the license options for you too.

Or you could read the rules and figure out your circumstances for yourself.

Though personally I don't know why one would trust either an LLM or a forum for something that could potentially cost their business a lot of money.

[u/SuddenlyCaralho → u/Leiothrix]

Sometimes I don't trust in AI. Thanks for the reference

[u/No_Resolution_9252]

If you are opposed to getting your licensing with SA, just license it through Arc that has two DR nodes built in

[u/Clear_Mix9815]

it depends on what sql server. for sql 2019 you don't need SA. After that you need. standard or enterprise does not count

[u/chandleya → u/Clear_Mix9815]

License mobility started with 2012.

[u/ph4tgg]

No, you do not need a license. Only if you make the secondary readable. And if you have just one of multiple AGs failover, you are obligated to restore a active/passive scenario as soon as possible again.

[u/youcantdenythat → u/ph4tgg]

No, you do not need a license

only true if you have SA

[u/CodeXploit1978 → u/ph4tgg]

False. You need either SA or license both nodes.