The maximum allowed SSL certificate lifetime has decreased over time as browsers and the CA\/B Forum have pushed for shorter validity periods to improve security and encourage automation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Max SSL validity period changes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Industry rules now limit the technical lifetime of an SSL certificate to 200 days. These standards are set by the CA\/Browser Forum, a consortium of Certificate Authorities, browser vendors, and technology companies, and apply to every trusted Certificate Authority worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your pricing and billing structure stay the same \u2014 you can still purchase SSL coverage for up to five years in advance. Our service operates on a subscription model: you pay upfront for the period you choose, and the time you pay for is the time you receive, with no additional charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you buy a 1\u20135 year plan, you’re effectively paying in advance for a series of 200-day certificates that will be issued one after another during that period:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The process is similar to your initial SSL activation: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We’re developing several automation features to handle reactivation automatically. First features begin rolling out mid-2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both actions involve sending requests to the Certificate Authority, getting an SSL issued, and installing it on your site. For either, you’ll receive email reminders and guided instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don’t reactivate before expiration, your 200-day SSL will expire. Your website will lose encryption protection, and browsers will flag it as “Not secure.” The certificate status in your dashboard will change to Paused. You can restore a secure connection at any time by completing reactivation \u2014 this will issue a new 200-day SSL for free within your prepaid period.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The maximum allowed SSL certificate lifetime has decreased over time as browsers and the CA\/B Forum have pushed for shorter validity periods to improve security and encourage automation. Max SSL validity period changes: Why did I receive an SSL valid for only 200 days? Industry rules now limit the technical lifetime of an SSL certificate ..<\/p>\nWeb-based automation (SSL Proxy)<\/strong><\/th> Server-side automation (SSL Genie)<\/strong><\/th> Auto DCV + auto issuance<\/strong><\/th> ACME support<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Estimated: July\u2013August 2026<\/td> Estimated: July\u2013August 2026<\/td> Estimated: August\u2013September 2026<\/td> Estimated: September\u2013November 2026<\/td><\/tr> Point your domain to our proxy using a DNS record. We handle the entire SSL process for you.<\/td> Upload a file or run a single terminal command. No ACME setup required.<\/td> Add a CNAME record to your DNS zone. We complete domain validation and issue new certificates automatically.<\/td> Set up an ACME client, such as Certbot, on your server to automate SSL installation and renewal.<\/td><\/tr> Works with any website regardless of server type, provided your website doesn’t already use a CDN or proxy.<\/td> Best suited if you need SSL directly on your server and can’t use a proxy due to your specific setup.<\/td> Ideal if you prefer not to set up full automation but want a simpler reactivation process.<\/td> Recommended when your server supports an ACME client, and you are comfortable with the setup process.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Reactivate vs. Renew: What’s the difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What happens if you don’t reactivate?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n