Renewing a RapidSSL certificate through your CustomerPortal issues a new certificate with an updated validity period, typically adding the purchased term to any remaining time on the old one. This process requires generating a new CSR and completing issuance steps, as Domain Validation (DV) certificates like RapidSSL cannot simply extend the existing one. Follow these steps carefully to avoid downtime; start 30 days before expiry if possible.[rapidsslonline]
Access to your CustomerPortal login.
Server access (e.g., cPanel, Plesk) to generate a CSR matching the original certificate details (domain, server type).
Domain email access for validation (e.g., [email protected]).[prostack]
Log into your CustomerPortal and navigate to Services > My Services. Locate the expiring RapidSSL certificate; if within 30 days of expiry, a Renew option appears next to it—click to purchase the renewal term and complete payment. You'll receive a confirmation email shortly after, prompting configuration.
In your hosting control panel:
Go to Security > SSL/TLS (cPanel) or equivalent.
Select Generate, view, or delete CSR; enter the same domain (e.g., yourdomain.com or *.yourdomain.com for wildcard), key size (2048-bit minimum), and details as the original.
Copy the full CSR, including -----BEGIN CERTIFICATE REQUEST----- and -----END CERTIFICATE REQUEST----- lines.[docs.digicert]
Return to My Services in CustomerPortal; click Retrieve Certificate, Configure, or Generate on the renewed service. Paste the CSR into the provided field, confirm domain details, and submit. Complete domain validation via the emailed link or HTTP file upload if prompted (check spam folder).[help.rapidsslonline]
Once issued (usually minutes for DV), download the ZIP containing the certificate (.crt), private key, and bundle/chain files. In your server panel:
Go to SSL/TLS > Manage SSL Sites or Install Certificate.
Paste/upload: Certificate, Private Key (from CSR generation), and Certificate Authority Bundle.
Select the domain and install/activate.[rapidsslonline]
Test via browser or sslLabs.com to confirm HTTPS works.[ssl2buy]
Email for config? Normal—renewal creates a new cert needing CSR/install.[server]
CSR mismatch? Regenerate matching original details; no reissue needed unless changing servers.[whmcs]
Auto-renew? Enable in CustomerPortal if your host supports modules.[marketplace.whmcs]
Contact support if validation fails; keep old cert installed until new one verifies to prevent downtime.[rapidsslonline]
