Since March 11, 2026, SSL.com has been issuing SSL/TLS certificates under a new, shorter validity period. This is an industry-wide change that applies to all certificate authorities (CAs), not something specific to SSL.com. The CA/Browser Forum’s Ballot SC-081v3 reduced the certificate lifecycle maximum to 200 days.
Here is what it means for you and your certificate service.
What Changed?
For years, the maximum permitted lifespan for a publicly trusted SSL/TLS certificate was 398 days (SSL issued certificates for 396 days, or the remaining duration of the certificate order, whichever was shorter). To comply with the new requirement, SSL now issues certificates for 198 days, or the remaining duration of the certificate order, whichever is shorter.
What This Means for Your Service
Q: Am I still paying for a full year of coverage?
Your purchase still represents a 12-month license period. The new validity rules affect how long an individual certificate file can remain active, not how long your service term lasts. You are not buying less coverage; you are receiving it through shorter-lived (198-day) certificates that are reissued within the same annual term.
Q: Why does the expiration date on my certificate look shorter than a year?
The expiration date reflects the new industry maximum certificate lifetime, not the length of your service term. A certificate showing an expiration roughly six months out does not mean your license ends in six months. It means the certificate itself will need to be reissued before then to keep your service running without interruption. It does not mean you purchased a shorter service term.
Q: Will I be charged again when my certificate is reissued?
No. If your certificate is reissued during the same 12-month service term, there is no additional charge. Your billing cycle is tied to your annual license, not to individual certificate issuances. You will only be billed again after your full 12-month term ends.
Q: What should I expect during my annual service period?
Under the current rules, your 12-month term will require at least one mid-term reissuance. When that time comes, you will need to complete a new domain control validation (DCV) and install the newly issued certificate. SSL’s support team is available to walk you through that process if you need assistance.
What Comes Next
This is the first step in a phased reduction. The CA/Browser Forum has approved further reductions: certificates will be limited to 100 days beginning March 15, 2027, and to 47 days beginning March 15, 2029. As those milestones approach, SSL will keep you informed and continue to offer tools and guidance to help you manage your certificate lifecycle efficiently.
Questions?
If you have questions about your certificate term, reissuance timing, or billing, our support team is ready to help by visiting Contact SSL Support, opening a chat in the lower-right corner of this page, or by filling out the form below:
