SSL/TLS certificate validity is changing
The CA/Browser Forum has announced new industry requirements for SSL/TLS certificates. Starting February 24, 2026, all SSL/TLS certificates will have a maximum validity of 199 days, reduced from the current 397 days.
In addition, the length of time that previous domain and organization validations can be reused will be shortened.
What this means for your SSL/TLS certificates
To make this transition as seamless as possible:
- You will continue to purchase one-year SSL/TLS certificates, just as you do today.
- Each certificate will be issued with a 199-day validity period.
- When the certificate expires after 199 days, it will be automatically reissued. The reissued certificate will be emailed to the end user by the SSL provider and will have a validity period equal to the remaining time on the one-year purchase (166 or 167 days).
- After reissuance, the certificate must be reinstalled on your server.
This process ensures you still receive the full one-year value of your certificate purchase while complying with new industry standards.
How this affects your certificate lifecycle
- SSL/TLS certificate requests that are pending on or after February 24, 2026 will follow the new 199-day issuance and automatic reissuance process.
- To receive a certificate with the longest possible validity before the change, we recommend placing orders well before February 24 and ensuring that all domain and organization validation requirements are up to date.
- SSL/TLS certificates issued before February 24, 2026 are not affected and will remain valid until their original expiration date.
Reduced validation reuse periods
Validation reuse periods determine how long previously completed validations can be reused when reissuing a certificate. As of February 24, 2026:
- Organization Validation (OV) reuse periods will be reduced from 825 days to 397 days.
- Domain Validation (DV) reuse periods will be reduced from 397 days to 199 days.
Keeping your validation information current will help prevent delays during certificate issuance and reissuance.
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