Errors due to invalid IDs during Data Loader import and update

Understanding Salesforce Record ID Formats

Salesforce records have IDs that are either 15 or 18 characters in length.

• When viewed within the Salesforce org, IDs are typically 15 characters: 00300000003T2PG
• When viewed through Salesforce Data Loader, API, or Apex, IDs are 18 characters: 00300000003T2PGAA0

When a 15-character ID is entered, the system may convert it to the 18-character representation. Invalid IDs are rejected with one of the errors listed above.

Scenario 1: Invalid ID Characters or ID Length Less Than 15 Characters

Insert/Update operation error: MALFORMED_ID: Object name id: id value of incorrect type
Delete operation error: MALFORMED_ID: bad id
Resolution steps:

1. Visit the record in the Salesforce org to verify the correct ID. Note that IDs are case-sensitive.
2. If you have a 15-character ID and need to convert it to 18 characters, follow the steps in the article: How to Convert 15-character ID to 18-character ID.
3. Verify that the correct field is mapped in Salesforce Data Loader. If a Text column was accidentally mapped to a Lookup field, this error can occur.

Scenario 2: Missing or Blank ID

Error: MISSING_ARGUMENT: Id not specified in an update call
Resolution: Enter a valid ID in the ID column of the CSV file. The ID column must not be blank for update or delete operations.

Scenario 3: Incorrect ID for Update or Upsert Operations

Error: INVALID_CROSS_REFERENCE_KEY: invalid cross reference id
Resolution: Verify that the ID in the CSV file corresponds to an existing record in the Salesforce org. Also confirm that the Owner ID listed in the CSV has access to the record being updated.

See also
Common Data Loader error messages
Insert, Update, or Delete Data Using Data Loader