Unable to create a new user even after an existing user is just deactivated. User de-activation does not release a license to be reused if the org had more active users than it has license for.
Normally, when a user record is deactivated, the license that was in use can be reused for another user of the same type.
In some cases, however, user deactivation does not release a license to reuse. This occurs if the org had more active users than it has licenses for.
For example, say an org had at one point 10 licenses and there were 10 active users with those licenses. Then later, during a contract renewal, the org reduced the number of licenses to 5.
If the 10 users are still active, the org will have net -5 licenses. When one user is deactivated in this condition, there will still be net -4 licenses. New users cannot be created until the number of available licenses is greater than zero.
Users with the 'Manage Billing' permission on their profile can use Checkout to order more licenses and products or contact our Sales dept.
To access Checkout:
Classic:
Navigate to Setup | Checkout | Checkout | then click the "Proceed to Checkout" button.
Lightning:
Click the Gear icon then navigate to Setup | Manage Subscription | then click the "Get Started" button.
For more info about Checkout, please see the "Managing Billing & Licenses" article in the Help & Training portal.
Additional Note: Support can provide the Contact Information of your Account Executive to coordinate with the negative number of licenses. If your specific org does not have an Account Executive yet, you may reach our Sales Team through these details:
Email: myaccount@salesforce.com
Number: 1-800-664-9073 or 1-800-NO-SOFTWARE
See also
Deactivate (Delete) users
Considerations for Deactivating Users
View Your Organization’s User Licenses
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