How does Dynamics 365 base + attach licensing work?
Last reviewed by the MSLicenseHub Licensing Desk.
Microsoft prices the first Dynamics 365 app per user at the higher "base" rate. Each additional qualifying app for the same user is sold at the "attach" rate — typically about 70% less. This rewards users who span multiple Dynamics modules (Sales + Customer Service + Field Service).
The catches: only certain apps qualify as a base, and the attach price applies only to that same user. You cannot mix and match across the team. Plan the user-to-app mapping carefully — getting it wrong inflates the cost by thousands per year on a small team.
Apply this to your deployment
- Business app
- User role
- Access rights
Select the exact Dynamics 365 application and role. Full-user, Team Members, device and attach licensing have different eligibility and use rights; a Team Members licence is not unrestricted access to every app. Check indirect access, capacity and regional availability in the current licensing guide.
Decision checklist
| Check | What to record |
|---|---|
| Product and version | Record the full name, edition, version and part number in the quote. |
| Scope of use | Identify the user, device or deployment; count only the metric applicable to this product. |
| Evidence and support | Retain the agreement, invoice and support lifecycle date; perpetual licensing does not mean perpetual support. |
Official Microsoft terms and licensing guidance · Product support lifecycle
Practical checklist
- Each user gets one full-price base licence — the first and highest-priced Dynamics 365 app they need (for example Sales Enterprise).
- Additional Dynamics 365 apps for the same user are bought as lower-priced attach licences.
- The base licence must be the highest-priced app the user is assigned; you cannot use a cheaper app as base and attach a more expensive one.
- Light users who only read data or approve may only need Team Members or other limited-use licences, whose rights are restricted.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Giving every user a full base licence for each app.
- Using Team Members licences for users who create or edit core records.
- Not reviewing the current Dynamics 365 Licensing Guide, which changes regularly.
Official source: Microsoft documentation. Licensing terms change; confirm against the current Product Terms before buying.
Still unsure?
Talk to a licensing specialist for a written, signed quote tailored to your environment.
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