An SSL certificate is essential for keeping your website secure, protecting user data, and displaying the trusted HTTPS padlock in browsers. But SSL certificates don’t last forever they expire, usually every year (some free SSLs, like Let’s Encrypt, expire every 90 days).
If you don’t renew your SSL certificate on time, your website will show a “Not Secure” warning, which can scare away visitors and hurt your SEO. The good news? Renewing an SSL certificate is straightforward if you know the steps.
Here’s a full guide on how to renew an SSL certificate for your website.
Check When Your SSL Certificate Expires
The first step is to know when your SSL certificate expires so you can renew it in advance.
Option 1: Click the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar, view the certificate details, and check the “Valid until” date.
Option 2: Log in to your hosting control panel (like cPanel or Plesk) to view SSL status.
Option 3: Use online tools like SSL Shopper or Why No Padlock to check the expiration date.
💡 Tip: Start the renewal process at least 30 days before expiry to avoid downtime.
Purchase or Confirm Your Renewal
Depending on your SSL provider, there are two ways SSL renewal might work:
Automatic Renewal: Many providers (and free SSLs like Let’s Encrypt) renew automatically your host handles the entire process.
Manual Renewal: If your SSL isn’t set to auto renew, you need to repurchase or renew it through your SSL provider, domain registrar, or hosting company.
Generate a New CSR (If Required)
For many SSL types, especially paid SSL certificates (like OV or EV SSL), you’ll need to generate a new Certificate Signing Request (CSR).
In cPanel: Go to SSL/TLS → Generate CSR.
In Plesk: Go to Websites & Domains → SSL/TLS Certificates → Add CSR.
A CSR contains your domain information and is needed for your SSL provider to issue the renewed certificate.
Complete Domain Validation
Before the SSL is reissued, you’ll need to validate your domain again.
For DV SSLs (Domain Validated), this is usually done via email or a DNS record.
For OV/EV SSLs, there may be a business verification process again.
Once validation is complete, the provider will issue your renewed SSL certificate.
Install the Renewed SSL Certificate
After renewal, you’ll receive the updated SSL files from your provider (or it will be issued automatically).
In cPanel:
Go to SSL/TLS → Manage SSL Sites
Upload and install the new certificate
In Plesk:
Go to SSL/TLS Certificates → Install Certificate
Some hosting providers automate this step, especially if they offer auto installation for SSLs.
Test Your SSL Certificate
Once installed, test your SSL to make sure it’s working correctly:
Visit your website and check for the HTTPS padlock.
Use SSL Labs SSL Test to verify that the new certificate is valid and properly installed.
SSL Certificate Renewal Tips
Enable auto-renewal: If your provider offers it, turn it on to avoid manual renewals.
Keep contact information updated: SSL renewal reminders are sent to your email don’t miss them.
Don’t wait until the last minute: An expired SSL can lead to browser warnings and even lost visitors.
Keep Your Website Secure by Renewing on Time
Renewing an SSL certificate may sound technical, but it’s simply about making sure your website stays secure and trusted.
✅ Check your expiry date early
✅ Renew through your hosting or SSL provider
✅ Reinstall and verify the updated certificate
By keeping your SSL certificate current, you protect your visitors, maintain your SEO rankings, and ensure that familiar HTTPS padlock remains visible in browsers showing that your website is safe and reliable.