How do I reissue my SSL certificate - FAQ

How to Reissue an SSL Certificate

Quick Answer

Choose or manage the certificate based on the hostnames you need to protect, the validation level, the server platform and whether you control DNS. Keep the private key secure, complete validation, install the full certificate chain and verify the live HTTPS connection before relying on the certificate.

Before You Begin

Identify every hostname the certificate must cover.
Confirm that you control DNS or the required validation channel.
Generate and securely retain the private key when a CSR is required.

NiceNIC Instructions

? You must reissue your SSL encryption certificate if you switch hosting providers, think your CSR/RSA pair has been compromised, or change the domain name or domains that the SSL was issued for. Reissues may also be necessary if the certificate's contact information changes. You have to generate a new CSR/RSA pair and save your RSA for later installation in order to start the process. Make sure you store your RSA for use in the following installation steps. Usually, the user can handle this, but your hosting company might be able to help. Reissuing your SSL certificate is free at NiceNIC.

How to Verify

Open the HTTPS site from a clean browser session and inspect the certificate subject, SAN hostnames, issuer, validity dates and chain. Test every hostname covered by the certificate and confirm that HTTP redirects behave as intended.

Troubleshooting

DNS validation records are missing, incorrect or added at the wrong DNS provider.
The certificate does not include the hostname being opened.
The private key does not match the certificate or CSR.
The server is missing an intermediate certificate or is still presenting the old certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse the same certificate after moving servers?

Often the certificate can be reinstalled if you still have the matching private key and the certificate remains valid. Reissue it when the key, CSR or certificate details must change.

Why does the browser still show the old certificate?

The server or load balancer may still present the old certificate, another virtual host may be selected, or an intermediate cache may not have reloaded the configuration.

When should I submit a ticket?

Submit a ticket when validation remains pending after the published records are visible, or when the NiceNIC order does not provide the expected certificate files.

Related NiceNIC Guides

If the issue continues after you complete the checks above, submit a NiceNIC support ticket with the affected domain or product, the exact error message, the time of the issue and the troubleshooting already completed.