# Error: Cannot import non-existent remote object: the import ID format is invalid or the object does not exist

- **ID:** `terraform/import-id-format-mismatch`
- **Domain:** terraform
- **Category:** resource_error
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 90%

## Root Cause

The import ID provided to `terraform import` does not match the expected format for the resource type, or the referenced cloud resource does not exist.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Terraform >=1.0 | active | — | — |
| AWS Provider 5.x | active | — | — |
| AzureRM Provider 3.x | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Check the provider documentation for the correct import ID format. For example, `terraform import aws_instance.my_instance i-1234567890abcdef0`.** (95% success)
   ```
   Check the provider documentation for the correct import ID format. For example, `terraform import aws_instance.my_instance i-1234567890abcdef0`.
   ```
2. **Use `terraform plan -generate-config-out=generated.tf` to auto-generate configuration from an existing resource, avoiding manual import.** (80% success)
   ```
   Use `terraform plan -generate-config-out=generated.tf` to auto-generate configuration from an existing resource, avoiding manual import.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Each resource type has a specific import ID syntax; guessing often results in invalid format. (80% fail)
- **** — Some resources require the resource ID (e.g., `i-abc123`) not the ARN; using ARN causes a mismatch. (65% fail)