AWS Directory Service pricing: every on-demand rate, from the AWS Price List.
AWS Directory Service is billed per use with no upfront fee for on-demand rates. Main rates in US East (N. Virginia): $0.325 per hour ($0.3250 per hour for Microsoft AD (Hybrid) per domain controller usage); $0.06 per hour ($0.060 per hour for Microsoft AD (Standard Edition) domain controllers in the US East (N. Virginia) region); $0.05 per hour ($0.0500 per hour for Simple AD (Small)). Prices from the AWS Price List published October 27, 2026.
- $0.325 per hour: $0.3250 per hour for Microsoft AD (Hybrid) per domain controller usage
- $0.06 per hour: $0.060 per hour for Microsoft AD (Standard Edition) domain controllers in the US East (N. Virginia) region
- $0.05 per hour: $0.0500 per hour for Simple AD (Small)
- AWS credits pay for Directory Service usage. For larger work, a vetted AWS partner can request the funding only partners can file.
IHow much does AWS Directory Service cost?
On-demand rates in US East (N. Virginia), as AWS lists them in the Price List published October 27, 2026.
Source: AWS Price List file for AWS Directory Service (version 20261027030253), read on November 14, 2026. Prices differ by Region and change without notice; check the AWS pricing page before you commit.
| Rate | Price (USD) | Billed |
|---|---|---|
| $0.3250 per hour for Microsoft AD (Hybrid) per domain controller usage in US East (N. Virginia) | $0.325 | per hour |
| $0.060 per hour for Microsoft AD (Standard Edition) domain controllers in the US East (N. Virginia) region | $0.06 | per hour |
| $0.0500 per hour for Simple AD (Small) in US East (N. Virginia) | $0.05 | per hour |
| $0.2 per hour for a Microsoft AD directory controller in the US East (Northern Virginia) region | $0.20 | per hour |
| $0.15 per hour for a large AD Connector directory in the US East (Northern Virginia) region | $0.15 | per hour |
| $0.15 per hour for a large Simple AD directory in the US East (Northern Virginia) region | $0.15 | per hour |
| $0.05 per hour for a small directory in the US East (Northern Virginia) region | $0.05 | per hour |
| USD 0.0600 per hour per account to which a Microsoft AD (Enterprise) directory is shared in US East (N. Virginia) | $0.06 | per hour |
| $0.0600 per hour per account to which a Microsoft AD (Hybrid) directory is shared in US East (N. Virginia) | $0.06 | per hour |
| USD 0.0180 per hour per account to which a Microsoft AD (Standard) directory is shared in US East (N. Virginia) | $0.018 | per hour |
IICan AWS credits pay for Directory Service?
AWS Activate credits pay for eligible AWS services, and AWS Directory Service usage is billed on your AWS invoice like any other service. Activate Founders gives $1,000 to start, up to $5,000; you apply for it yourself. AWS promotional credits do not pay Savings Plans or Reserved Instance upfront fees.
For a larger project on Directory Service, a vetted AWS partner can request funding only partners can file: MAP for a migration, POC to test something, incremental workload funding for new work. For startups that is usually $50K to $150K. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
| Funding | Who files it | Amount | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You are not on AWS yet and want to migrate. |
| Proof of concept (POC) funding | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You want to test something, whether or not you are on AWS today. |
| Incremental workload (IW) funding | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You are already on AWS and are launching new work: a new AI feature, a new customer or a new contract. |
| AWS Activate Founders | Founder applies | $1,000 to start, up to $5,000 | Self-funded startups with no investor or accelerator behind them. |
| AWS Activate Portfolio | Founder applies | up to $200,000 | Startups backed by a VC firm, accelerator or angel investor that is an AWS Activate Provider. |
| AWS Credits for AI Startups | Invite only (AWS account manager) | $200,000 or more, by invitation | AI startups ready to scale after Activate Portfolio, invited by AWS. |
Estimate your monthly bill
Enter how much you expect to use in a month. Uses the on-demand rates above (US East (N. Virginia), AWS Price List October 27, 2026). Tiered discounts, free tier allowances and taxes are not included.
Common questions
How much does AWS Directory Service cost?
Where do these Directory Service prices come from?
Can I pay for Directory Service with AWS credits?
Running Directory Service on AWS, or about to?
A vetted AWS partner checks which AWS funding fits your workload: MAP, POC or incremental workload funding. We reply within 24 hours; your matched partner reaches out within 5 business days.