SSL (secure socket layers) encrypts information as it is transferred across the internet. It is required to be used on e-commerce sites when accepting credit card payments online and any other times you do not want others to eavesdrop on your conversation.
Basics
SSL certificates are typically purchased for a 1-year term. SSL purchases are non-refundable. If you do not wish to renew an SSL certificate, simply allow it to expire.
To install any SSL certificate, the domain must have a dedicated IP address. (On shared hosting plans, you cannot use the shared IP as it already has our shared SSL certificate installed.) Since cPanel is limited to working for only one IP address at a time, you cannot have more than one SSL per cPanel. (This means if you use addon domains, only one of those domains or the primary domain can have SSL.)
When it is time to renew an SSL certificate, you must purchase and install a new certificate; this applies to reissued certificates. (Renewing SSL is like renewing a lock on your door; you just buy a new one.) If you purchase an SSL certificate from HostGator, we will install it for free. If you purchase an SSL certificate from a different company, then we will install it for a $10 fee.
If you already have an SSL certificate and switch to a new server/host, then you may continue using your existing SSL. This will require your host to reinstall the SSL to the new server.
Your SSL provider may allow you to purchase a certificate for more than 1 year. This reduces the number of times you must reinstall the SSL.
If you wish to make changes to your SSL before it expires, then you must request to have the certificate be reissued. A reissue allows you to update the domain name or WHOIS information listed on the certificate, which then requires a reinstallation. If you purchased an SSL from HostGator, the reissue fee is $25 for Instant SSL (the $150 per year certificate) or free for Positive SSL (the $50 per year certificate) and the reinstallation is free. If you purchased an SSL from a different company, they will process the reissue and HostGator will reinstall it for a $10 fee.
Do I need a CSR?
If you are renewing a certificate or if your certificate has expired, then you will need a new CSR.
When the SSL certificate is issued, you'll receive the final CERTIFICATE, the RSA KEY, and possibly a CA BUNDLE. These will be 3 different groups of alphanumeric data sent from the certificate provider.
Let HostGator take care of all of these details for you: Sign Up for SSL
Pre-SSL checklist
- Be sure your WHOIS information is current and valid.
- If you have Domain/WHOIS Privacy, then you must either prepare a screenshot of the actual WHOIS information (from your backend) or you must remove the privacy setting, temporarily (not recommended, as your registrar may attempt to charge you to reactivate it).
- Submit the appropriate form:
- Order your SSL several days before actually going live, as a precaution in case there are unforeseen issues.
- If we need a WHOIS screenshot, we will inform you via email.
Types of SSL
Shared SSL uses a HostGator domain and will cause certificate warning messages to pop up on your site if you attempt to use your domain name in the URL instead the HostGator domain.
Private SSL (256 bit) uses your domain name and will not cause any warning messages. Private SSL is preferred for protecting credit card information.
For a full list of types of SSL Certificates, please visit our article on What type of SSL / Secure Certificate do I need? which covers all your options.
Or proceed directly to How do I purchase a private SSL from you and what type is it?