GoDaddy Shorter validity periods coming for SSL/TLS certificates: What it means for you

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If you manage a website, you need to know about upcoming changes for SSL/TLS certificates. In March 2026, the validity period will be gradually reduced from 398 days to 47 days by March 2029.

Without a solution in place, this will require more frequent re-installations — potentially a lot of extra work for the busy professional.

Let’s take a closer look at what this means for you, including a solution that GoDaddy has in place.

What’s changing?​

The industry is mandating significantly shorter validity periods for SSL/TLS certificates. These are the digital credentials that enable the secure “https” connection on your website. And now, there are defined timelines that are quickly approaching.

The timeline​

Required deadlines	Certificate validity	Re-issuance and re-installation frequency
Prior to March 2026	398-day	1x annually
March 15, 2026	200-day	2x annually
March 15, 2027	100-day	5x annually
March 15, 2029	47-day	12x annually

Timelines shown are based on currently published industry guidance, which may be subject to change.

What this means for you​

Let’s break down what “shorter cycles” actually means for you: Previously, you’d install your certificate once per year and you’re done.

But starting March 2026, you’ll need to re-issue and re-install your certificate twice a year. By March 2027, that jumps to five times per year. And by 2029, you’ll be managing certificate renewals monthly —12 times per year.

Without automation, this can quickly become unmanageable — potentially requiring you to remember to manually renew and reinstall certificates every month across multiple websites.

How GoDaddy can help​

To help customers prepare, GoDaddy has launched a new SSL solution specifically designed for this changing landscape.

It’s available to try at no additional cost for existing GoDaddy SSL customers.

This isn’t just your standard SSL certificate. It includes powerful features to make your life easier:

• Automated re-installation: After your initial setup, the certificate automatically re-installs for future renewals using the industry-standard ACME protocol, with no more manual intervention needed for those 2x, 5x, or even 12x annual renewals.*
• GoDaddy Airo® AI support agent: Get intelligent installation and troubleshooting assistance whenever you need it.
• Advanced trust seal: Display a professional trust seal showing visitors their data is encrypted and transmitted securely.
• Certificate lifecycle management dashboard: A lite version that helps you track and manage your certificates from one central location.
• SSL change monitoring + alerts: Receive immediate notifications if your SSL goes down or if any changes are made to your certificate, whether by you or by a potential attacker.
• Unlimited certificate issuance per domain: Install multiple certificates at the same time on the same domain with only one subscription.

Why the change?​

While more frequent renewals sound like extra work, shorter certificate lifecycles actually bring a number of benefits:

• Enhanced security: Replacing all certificates more frequently minimizes the time that bad actors have to exploit compromised certificates.
• Flexibility: Need to update your encryption standards or domain structure? Shorter cycles make changes easier to implement.
• Operational efficiency: Outdated cryptographic standards and organizational information get refreshed automatically.
• Forces better practices: The shorter timeline makes automation essential rather than optional, and automation reduces human error. Win, win!

Future-proof your website security​

Existing GoDaddy customers can log in to their SSL account here for full details and to try this new automated SSL solution today. Make the switch now while you have time to test and adjust — your future self will thank you.

Get started now​

You have time to adjust, and the sooner you start, the better positioned you’ll be. Remember, you don’t need to overhaul everything overnight.

Start with your most critical systems and certificates first.

If you only manage a handful of certificates, consider moving them to an automated solution now while the stakes are low and you have time to learn how simple the process really is.

Waiting until these deadlines hit means you’ll be making changes under pressure when the risk of something going wrong is much higher.

* For Deluxe Automated OV/EV SSLs, business re-validation is required for every re-install. All certificate re-installation remains automated.

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