undefined_object role “…” does not exist — 42704

Symptoms

A statement referenced a role (user/group) that does not exist in the cluster. PostgreSQL raises SQLSTATE 42704 (undefined_object).

• Common in GRANT/ALTER/SET ROLE referencing a missing role.
• Also appears when connecting as a role that was never created.
• Role names are case-folded unless quoted.

What the server log shows

ERROR:  role "reporting" does not exist

Why PostgreSQL raises this — what the manual says

Chapter 21 Database Roles:

“PostgreSQL manages database access permissions using the concept of roles.”

Roles live in the shared catalog pg_authid/pg_roles. When a command names a role that is not present, PostgreSQL cannot resolve it and reports 42704.

Common causes

• Typo or wrong case in the role name.
• The role was dropped or never created.
• Granting to a role that exists only in another cluster.

How to fix it

1. List roles: \du in psql or SELECT rolname FROM pg_roles;.
2. Create the role: CREATE ROLE reporting; (add LOGIN/privileges as needed).
3. Fix the name/case in the statement.

Related & next steps

• SQLSTATE 42704 — Undefined Object (full reference)
• Message: role is not permitted to log in
• Glossary: Role

Reference: PostgreSQL 18 Section 22.1 “Database Roles”.