How to Renew an SSL Certificate with DigiCert

Keeping your SSL certificates up to date is critical for your website's security. When your certificate is nearing its expiration date, you'll need to renew it to maintain the encrypted connection between your website and its visitors. This article outlines the steps for renewing your SSL certificate with DigiCert, a leading certificate authority.

Pre-Requisites

  1. Access to DigiCert Account: Make sure you have access to your DigiCert account.
  2. Website Admin Access: You'll need administrative access to your website's hosting.
  3. Backup: Always back up your existing certificate and key files.

Step 1: Log In to Your DigiCert Account

Visit the DigiCert website and log in to your account where your current SSL certificate is managed.

Step 2: Locate Your Existing Certificate

Once logged in, navigate to the certificate management dashboard. Locate the certificate you wish to renew and click on the 'Renew' option, usually displayed next to the certificate details.

Step 3: Verify Domain Ownership

DigiCert will prompt you to verify domain ownership. This can usually be done through email, DNS, or uploading a file to your website.

Step 4: Generate a CSR

Certificate Signing Request (CSR) generation is an essential step in SSL certificate renewal. You may generate a new CSR from your web hosting control panel or use an existing one if it's still valid.

Step 5: Submit CSR to DigiCert

Copy the newly generated CSR and paste it into the corresponding field on the DigiCert renewal page.

Step 6: Complete the Renewal Process

Follow the prompts to complete the renewal, including payment if it’s not a free certificate.

Step 7: Download and Install the New Certificate

After renewal, you'll need to download the new certificate files from DigiCert. Once downloaded, you'll install them on your web server, replacing the old files.

Step 8: Test the Installation

Use a SSL checker tool or simply visit your website to make sure that the new certificate is working correctly. Look for the padlock symbol in the address bar to confirm the secure connection.

Conclusion

Renewing an SSL certificate is crucial for maintaining the secure communication between your website and its users. This step-by-step guide should help you renew your SSL certificate with DigiCert efficiently. Always remember to keep backups and test the new certificate thoroughly after installation.