The way SSL/TLS certificates are issued is changing across the internet, with shorter certificate lifecycles becoming the new standard. While this shift improves security, it can raise questions, especially if you manage SSL certificates manually or are seeing new validity periods you haven’t encountered before.
Whether you’re a small business owner, developer, or managing a single website, it’s our priority to make you feel informed, prepared, and confident as these changes roll out.
This guide will explain what SSL/TLS lifecycle changes are, clarify why certificates are becoming shorter-lived, help you understand what this means for your website and security, outline the key dates and changes you should be aware of, and show you what simple steps you can take to stay protected and avoid downtime.
What are SSL/TLS Certificates?
SSL/TLS certificates secure your website by encrypting data between your site and its visitors. They protect logins, payments, forms, and personal information, and they’re essential for trust, security, and modern browsers.
If you’ve ever seen the padlock icon in a browser, that’s SSL/TLS doing its job.
What is Changing With SSL/TLS Lifecycles?
The global security industry is moving toward shorter SSL/TLS certificate lifespans to improve internet safety.
Starting 12 March 2026, certificate authorities (CAs) like Sectigo will enforce:
- A maximum certificate validity of ~198/199 days (about 6 months)
- Shorter Domain Control Validation (DCV) reuse periods
- More frequent certificate reissuance during the purchased term
Later, this will continue to reduce, with 47-day certificates planned by 2029, as confirmed by providers like DigiCert.
Why is This Happening?
Shorter certificate lifespans:
- Reduce the risk of compromised certificates
- Improve response time to security threats
- Align with modern browser and security standards
This is an industry-wide security improvement, and not a change specific to 1-grid.
What This Means for You
If you manage SSL certificates manually:
- You’ll need to reissue certificates more often
- You may see shorter validity periods, even on 1-year plans
- Planning ahead becomes more important
IMPORTANT: You can still purchase multi-year SSL subscriptions, as this simply means that certificates are reissued more frequently within that term.
Important Dates to Know
- Before 12 March 2026
Certificates issued before this date remain valid until they expire (unless revoked).
- From 12 March 2026 onward
All newly issued SSL/TLS certificates (including renewals and reissues) will follow the shorter lifecycle rules.
Domain Control Validation (DCV) Changes Explained
DCV is how certificate authorities confirm that you control the domain.
What’s changing:
- DCV reuse periods are shortening to around 6 months
- You may need to re-verify your domain more often
TIP: Keeping DNS access handy makes DCV fast and painless.
How This Impacts Website Owners
More Frequent Reissuance
You’ll install new certificates more often, especially if you’re managing SSL manually.
Increased Risk of Missed Renewals
Manual processes increase the chance of expiry if reminders are missed.
Automation Becomes Your Best Friend
Automation dramatically reduces downtime, stress, and support tickets.
What You Can Do Now
- Review how your SSL certificates are currently managed
- Regularly check your renewal periods
- Consider automation if you manage multiple sites
- Bookmark this guide for future reference
BENEFITS: Fewer outages, less manual work, and peace of mind.
Our Scope of Support
If you’re stuck and need any additional guidance or support, here’s an outline of what we can do and what is not within our Scope of Support.
What We Can Help With
- SSL certificate purchases and renewals
- Reissuance guidance
- DCV troubleshooting
- SSL recommendations
- DNS and SSL installation support
What We Are Unable to Assist With
- Overriding certificate authority policies
- Extending certificate lifespans beyond industry limits
- Bypassing DCV requirements
FAQs
Q: Can I still buy a 1-year or multi-year SSL certificate?
Yes, you’re purchasing a subscription term, meaning that certificates are simply issued more frequently within that term.
Q: Will this affect my SEO?
No, shorter SSL lifecycles do not negatively impact SEO.
Q: Do I need to take action right now?
Not immediately, but planning ahead reduces future stress.
Q: Is this a 1-grid policy change?
No, this is an industry-wide security requirement.
Additional Resources
1-grid SSL Product Page
EverythingYou Need to Know About SSLs at 1-grid
Need Additional Support?
We’re Here to Help:
Understanding these important SSL/TLS lifecycle changes and why this matters doesn’t have to cause concerns with this easy-to-reference guide. Stuck? Check out our Scope of Support, and then contact our Support Team for further clarity and guidance (https://1grid.co.za/contact-us/). We’re ready to see how we can help!