Certificate name mismatch

"To prevent browser warnings, use an SSL certificate with a common name or subject alternative name that contains the fully-qualified domain name of the server that hosts the certificate."

Problem

If the domain name (FQDN) in the TLS/SSL certificate doesn't match exactly the domain name displayed in the address bar of the browser, the browser stops the connection to the website and displays a name mismatch error. Errors create mistrust when connecting to a site and can cause clients to avoid your site (see Name Mismatch in Web Browser).

When you order a TLS/SSL certificate, the domain name on the TLS/SSL certificate must match the domain name for the website shown in the address bar of the browser exactly. For example, to get a certificate for www.example.com, you must add www.example.com as a common name or SANs (FQDN) in the order form.

Possible reasons for receiving the mismatch error

  • Self-signed certificates
    Self-signed certificates are often automatically generated and don't use the correct domain name (FQDN).
  • Exact domain name (FQDN) misspelled
     Occasionally, typos happen when filling out the order form for a TLS/SSL certificate.
  • Wrong type of TLS/SSL certificate
     Not all certificates are created the same. For example, a Standard SSL certificate automatically secures both www.example.com and example.com. If you want a Multi-Domain SSL certificate to secure both www.example.com and example.com, you must add both FQDNs to the certificate order form.

Solution

  • Use only certificates issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), such as DigiCert.
  • Reissue/renew certificate with the exact domain name spelled properly.
  • Order the correct type of TLS/SSL certificate for the situation.

About

DigiCert is the world’s premier provider of high—assurance digital certificates—providing trusted SSL, private and managed PKI deployments, and device certificates for the emerging IoT market. Since our founding almost fifteen years ago, we’ve been driven by the idea of finding a better way. A better way to provide authentication on the internet. A better way to tailor solutions to our customer’s needs. Now, we’ve added Symantec’s experience and talent to our legacy of innovation to find a better way to lead the industry forward, and build greater trust in identity and digital interactions.

©2019 DigiCert, Inc. All rights reserved. DigiCert and its logo are registered trademarks of DigiCert, Inc. Symantec and Norton and their logos are trademarks used under license from Symantec Corporation. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.