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Renew a RapidSSL Standard DV certificate

Notice

Industry standards change: End of 397-day maximum validity public TLS/SSL certificates

On February 24, 2026, DigiCert stopped issuing 397-day public DV, OV, and EV TLS/SSL and Qualified Website Authentication Certificates (QWAC) and QWAC PSD2 certificates. The new maximum TLS/SSL certificate validity is 199 days.

Learn more about the end of 397-day maximum validity public TLS/SSL certificates.

Renew your RapidSSL Standard DV certificate

  1. Create a CSR (certificate signing request): To remain secure, certificates must use at least a 2048-bit key size. Need help with creating a CSR? See Create a CSR (certificate signing request).

  2. Find the certificate order:

    1. In CertCentral, in the left main menu, go to Certificates > Orders.

    2. On the Orders page, find the certificate that needs to be renewed.

    3. In the certificate's Order # column, select Quick view.

    4. In the Order # details panel (on the right side of the page), select Renew certificate.

  3. Add your CSR: On the Renew RapidSSL Standard DV order page, use one of the following options:

    • Upload a CSR: Select the link, then upload your CSR file to the Add Your CSR box.

    • Paste CSR: Use a text editor to open your CSR file. Copy the text, including the -----BEGIN NEW CERTIFICATE REQUEST----- and -----END NEW CERTIFICATE REQUEST----- tags, and enter it into the Add Your CSR box.

  4. Include both www.[your-domain].com and [your-domain].com in the certificate: When renewing a RapidSSL Standard DV certificate, we include [your-domain].com and www.[your-domain].com in your certificate. To secure the version of the domain entered in the Common Name box, deselect Include both www.[your-domain].com and [your-domain].com in the certificate.

  5. How long do you need to protect your site? Select a coverage length and then Save:

    • With DigiCert annual plans (1-year orders), you get a 199-day certificate by default.

    • To modify your TLS/SSL certificate coverage, under Plan details, select the pencil icon.

  6. Certificate validity: Select the validity period for the first TLS/SSL certificate in your order: 1 year, Custom expiration date, or Custom length.

    • For a certificate with a shorter validity than the order, you must reissue your certificate to use the remaining validity on the order.

    • Certificate validity determines the length of the first certificate issued for the plan. If needed, you can change the validity period each time you reissue your certificate.

      Notice

      Industry standards dictate that the maximum validity period for all public TLS/SSL certificates is 199 days (approximately six months).

  7. Advanced certificate options: SHA-256 is the sole hash algorithm available for DV certificates.

  8. Select a DCV method to prove control over your domain. Before DigiCert can issue your DV certificate, you must demonstrate control over the domain on your certificate order. See Domain Control Validation (DCV) Methods.

    In the DCV verification method menu, select the method you want to use:

    • DNS TXT (recommended): Validate your domain by creating a DNS TXT record with a randomly generated value.

    • Email: Validate your domain by following the instructions in a confirmation email sent for the domain.

    • File: Validate your domain by hosting a fileauth.txt file with a randomly generated value at a predetermined location on your website.

    After submitting your certificate order, you can change the DCV method from the certificate's Order # details page, if needed.

    In the left menu, go to Certificates > Orders. On the Orders page, in the Order # column of the DV certificate order, select the order number link.

  9. Select the language for the DCV email: In the dropdown list, select the preferred language. This list appears when you select email as your DCV method.

  10. Add a technical contact. This is optional, but we recommend adding another person to receive order emails (including the one with the certificate attached) and renewal notifications.

    1. In the Order Details section, under Contacts, in the Technical Contact box, select Add Contact.

    2. In the Add Contact window, provide the contact’s information (first and last name, job title, phone, and email). Then select Submit.

  11. Notes and certificate renewal message: These fields are optional and aren’t included in the certificate.

    1. Expand Notes / renewal message.

    2. Comments to administrator: Add a note that an administrator can see (for example, explaining why the certificate is needed).

    3. Order-specific renewal message: Create an order-specific renewal message.

  12. Select payment method: Under Payment Information, select a payment method to pay for the certificate:

    • Pay with contract terms: This is the default payment method for contract clients.

    • Pay with credit card

    • Pay with account balance: To deposit funds, select the Deposit link. Important: The Deposit link takes you to another page in your CertCentral account. Any information entered in the request form isn't saved.

  13. Read through the agreement and check I agree to the Certificate Services Agreement.

  14. Select Submit certificate request.

What's next

Before we can issue your certificate, the domain validation for the domains in the order must be complete. See Demonstrate control over domains on your SSL certificate order.

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