How to Easily Renew Your SSL Certificate

Have you ever clicked a website link only to face a scary "Not Secure" warning? Yikes. That’s what happens when an SSL certificate expires, an often overlooked but essential component for web security. 

Expired SSL certificates are not just annoying. They’re dangerous, too. Your website becomes vulnerable, visitors lose trust, and your Google ranking might take a hit.

If you’re a beginner with zero knowledge of SSL renewals, this guide is for you. We’ll explain why timely renewal matters and how to do it without breaking a sweat. 

Keep reading to learn how to avoid that dreaded "Not Secure" label for good.

What is An SSL Certificate?

An SSL certificate is a small file that enables secure, encrypted connections between your visitors' browsers and your web server. In short, it proves your website is who it says it is.

When you see "https://" at the start of a web address, that's SSL at work. This encryption protects sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers from prying eyes as it travels across the internet.

SSL certificates help build trust with your visitors by showing them your site is legitimate and secure. This is crucial for any website, especially if you're handling personal information or running an online store.

An SSL certificate not only boosts your site's credibility but also gives you a slight edge in search engine rankings. That is why it’s a must-have for any modern website.

SSL Certificate Types and Validation Levels

SSL certificates come in different types. But before we jump in, let's talk about validation levels.

All SSL certificates offer encryption. However, the trust they inspire varies based on how thoroughly the Certificate Authority (CA) checks your identity. 

According to SSL.com, these are the different SSL validation levels:

• Domain Validated (DV). This is the quick and easy option. It simply confirms you own the domain.
• Organization Validated (OV). Takes things up a notch by verifying your organization's details. It's similar to a background check for your business.
• Individual Validation (IV). This confirms the identity of the person listed on the certificate, who may be the same as the person who requested it, and often includes verifying their address.
• Extended Validation (EV). This is the gold standard of validation. It is often used by businesses and large e-commerce websites where trust is paramount.

Now, let's look at the different types of SSL certificates. Your choice depends on how many domains you need to protect:

Single-Domain SSL Certificates

A single-domain SSL certificate covers one domain and all its pages. You should choose this if you're running a single website.

Wildcard SSL Certificates

A Wildcard SSL certificate protects multiple subdomains with just one certificate. This means you don’t need to get a separate certificate for each subdomain you have.

For example, if you use *.example.com when requesting your certificate, it will protect blog.example.com, shop.example.com, and any other subdomain under example.com.

Multi-Domain SSL Certificates

From the name itself, a multi-domain SSL certificate can protect multiple domains, often up to 100. If you're working on several websites, use this to manage your security from one central point.

Unified Communications Certificate

A UCC is perfect for businesses running complex communication setups that cover multiple domains and subdomains efficiently. It’s often ideal for certain server setups, like Microsoft Exchange server systems.

Why Do I Need to Renew my SSL Certificate?

Your SSL certificate is not a set-it-and-forget-it. It needs to be renewed regularly, usually every one to two years.

But why bother? Well, it’s because of one word: security.

Renewing your SSL certificate ensures your website's encryption stays in line with the latest security standards. 

An expired SSL certificate can make your website vulnerable to attacks. Both your data and your users' information could be at risk. 

If a visitor sees a warning that your site’s security is out of date, it’s not a good look. Even worse, some browsers might block access completely, which means losing potential customers and sales.

The good news is that renewing your SSL certificate is often not that difficult. Many providers even offer automatic renewals. You don't have to worry about keeping track of expiration dates.

Just remember - an updated SSL certificate is a sign that you take your website's security seriously. It builds trust with your visitors. It keeps your online presence professional and protected.

When Should You Renew Your SSL Certificate?

Aim to renew your SSL certificate about 30 days before it expires. This buffer gives you time to tackle any unexpected issues that might pop up. Don't worry about losing coverage, though. Most providers roll over your remaining time to the new certificate.

Keeping track of expiration dates is extremely important. 

Your Certificate Authority will likely send renewal emails as the expiration date approaches, so keep an eye on your inbox. For extra peace of mind, consider using monitoring tools that track SSL expiration dates and alert you automatically. 

If you prefer a hands-on approach, simply mark the date on your calendar or set a reminder in your favorite task management app.

Steps to Renew Your SSL Certificate 

Renewing your SSL certificate might sound technical, but it's actually a straightforward process. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through it. Don't worry if some terms seem unfamiliar. We'll break it down for you.

Step 1: Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)

First, you’ll need to create a new CSR from your server or hosting panel. This file contains essential information about your domain and organization. Note that some CAs may let you reuse an old CSR. However, we strongly suggest generating a new one because it’s safer.

Step 2: Purchase a Renewal SSL Certificate

Visit your SSL provider’s website and buy a new certificate before your current one expires. Don’t worry, the process is similar to your initial purchase. Moreover, your provider will often remind you to renew ahead of time.

Step 3: Submit the CSR and Complete Validation

Now, hand over that CSR to your Certificate Authority. They'll need to verify some details, depending on your SSL type. It could be as simple as confirming you own the domain, or they might need to check out your business credentials.

Step 4: Install the New SSL Certificate

Once the certificate is ready, install it on your server. How you do this depends on your current setup. It could be through cPanel, Plesk, or manually if you're using Apache or Nginx.

Step 5: Test Your SSL Installation

Last but not least, make sure everything's working as it should. 

Use tools like SSL Labs' SSL Test or SSL Shopper's SSL Checker to give your setup a once-over. These tools will confirm that your certificate is installed correctly and trusted. They'll also check that all intermediate certificates are correctly configured to avoid browser warnings for your visitors​.

Aim for an "A" grade in these tests, as these show that both your main and intermediate certificates are set up correctly.

Making SSL Renewal Automatic

Renewing your certificates manually every few months can be time-consuming. For your peace of mind, why not automate it?

Let's Encrypt offers a popular free SSL option with built-in automatic renewal. Their tool, Certbot, sets up cron jobs to handle renewals without you lifting a finger. It works with Nginx, Apache, and Docker setups.

Many hosting providers offer automated SSL renewals, too. That means you don’t need to manually track expiration dates.

Automated SSL renewals not only keep your website secure but also prevent unexpected downtime. So, do yourself a favor. Set up automatic renewals. This way, you'll avoid manual updates, keep your site securely encrypted, and have more time for other important tasks.

How to Renew Your SSL Certificate - FAQs

Do I really need an SSL certificate?

Absolutely, especially if your website handles sensitive information, such as passwords or payment details. Plus, it boosts your SEO and builds trust with your visitors.

Can I get an SSL certificate for free?

Yes, free SSL certificates are available from services like Let's Encrypt and Cloudflare. They're great for basic needs, but might fall short for high-security websites.

What happens if my SSL certificate is not renewed?

If you fail to renew your SSL certificate, your website will show a “Not Secure” warning to visitors. This could lead to a loss of trust, security issues, and possibly lower search engine rankings.

Do SSL certificates renew automatically?

Yes, some providers can offer auto-renewal. Make sure to check with your SSL certificate provider to enable this feature and verify that it’s properly set up.

Wrapping It Up

SSL renewals are your website's lifeline. It keeps hackers at bay, reassures your visitors, and even gives you a thumbs up from search engines.

So, don't let expiration sneak up on you. Stay proactive. Remember, your website's security is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time deal.

Now, go forth and keep your corner of the internet secure!