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Renew a RapidSSL Standard DV certificate

Important

On October 31, 2023, DigiCert will no longer sell 4 – 6-year Multi-year Plans for TLS and VMC certificates. We will continue to offer 1, 2, and 3-year Multi-year Plans.

Learn more about changes to Multi-year Plan coverage.

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 creating a CSR? See Create a CSR (Certificate Signing Request).

  2. Locate the certificate order:

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

    2. On the Orders page, use the drop-down lists, search box, advanced search features (Show advanced search link), and column headers to 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 options below:

    • 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 paste 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 will include [your-domain].com and www.[your-domain].com in your certificate. To only secure the version of the domain entered in the Common Name box, uncheck 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 a 1-year plan, you get a 1-year certificate by default.

    • With longer plans, your first certificate has a 397-day validity by default.

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

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

    • For a certificate with a shorter validity than the order, you will need to 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 SSL/TLS certificates is 397 days (approximately 13 months).

  7. Advanced certificate options: SHA-256 is the only 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 dropdown list, choose the method you want to use:

    • DNS TXT (recommended): Demonstrate control over the domain by creating a DNS TXT record with a randomly generated value.

    • Email: Demonstrate control by following the instructions in a confirmation email sent for the domain.

    • File: Demonstrate control 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 sidebar menu, click Certificates > Orders. On the Orders page, in the Order # column of the DV certificate order, click the order number link.

  9. Select the language for the DCV email: In the dropdown list, select the preferred language. This list only 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 are not included in the certificate.

    1. Expand Notes / renewal message.

    2. Comments to administrator: Add a note that only 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, click the Deposit link. Important: The Deposit link takes you to another page in your CertCentral account. Any information entered in the request form will not be 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 (demonstrate control over the domain) must be complete. See Demonstrate control over domains on your SSL certificate order.