Logstash License Expired Error - Common Causes & Fixes

Brief Explanation

The "License expired" error in Logstash occurs when the current license for your Elastic Stack deployment has reached its expiration date. This error indicates that you need to renew or update your license to continue using Logstash and other Elastic Stack features.

Common Causes

1. The current license has reached its expiration date
2. Failure to renew the license before expiration
3. Misconfiguration in license management settings
4. Network issues preventing license validation

Troubleshooting and Resolution Steps

1. Check the current license status:

   • Use the Elasticsearch API: GET /_license
   • Check in Kibana: Go to Stack Management > License Management

2. Obtain a new license:

   • Log in to the Elastic website
   • Navigate to the license management section
   • Generate a new license key

3. Update the license:

   • Use the Elasticsearch API: PUT /_license
   • Upload the new license file in Kibana

4. Restart Logstash:

   • Stop the Logstash service
   • Start the Logstash service

5. Verify the license update:

   • Check the Logstash logs for any license-related messages
   • Confirm in Kibana that the new license is active

Additional Information

• Set up license expiration notifications to avoid unexpected interruptions
• Consider using auto-renewal options if available
• Keep your billing information up to date to prevent license renewal issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I continue using Logstash with an expired license?
A: While basic functionalities may still work, many features will be limited or unavailable. It's crucial to renew your license to ensure full functionality.

Q: How can I prevent license expiration in the future?
A: Set up email notifications for license expiration, enable auto-renewal if available, and regularly check your license status in Kibana.

Q: Will I lose data if my license expires?
A: Existing data is typically not lost, but data ingestion and certain processing features may be interrupted until the license is renewed.

Q: How long does it take for a new license to take effect?
A: Once applied, a new license should take effect immediately. However, you may need to restart Logstash for the changes to be fully recognized.

Q: Can I downgrade my license type if I no longer need certain features?
A: Yes, you can typically downgrade your license. Contact Elastic support or your account representative to discuss license change options.