How to Activate a Multi-Domain SSL Certificate with SANs

Securing multiple domains with a single SSL certificate can simplify your management and reduce costs. This guide will walk you through the process of activating a multi-domain SSL certificate, particularly focusing on adding Subject Alternative Names (SANs) to already existing certificates. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your domains are properly secured with an SSL/TLS certificate.

Understanding SANs in a Multi-Domain SSL Certificate

A multi-domain SSL certificate, also known as a wildcard or SAN certificate, allows you to secure multiple domains and subdomains under a single certificate. Subject Alternative Names (SANs) are additional domains and subdomains that are listed in the certificate. These can be added either during the initial certificate request or after the certificate has been issued, depending on the certificate authority and platform you are using.

Adding SANs to Your SSL Certificate

When the SANs are included in the CSR (Certificate Signing Request) code, they will be pre-filled into the appropriate fields during the certification process. After you submit the CSR, the fields for additional domains will appear automatically on the next screen. If the CSR code only contains the common name (CN) or if you need to add more SANs to the certificate after the initial CSR submission, follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Guide

Generate the CSR: If you have not already generated the CSR, do so by providing the common name (CN) for the primary domain and any additional SANs (e.g., subdomains and secondary domains) you wish to secure. Submit the CSR: Submit your CSR to the certificate authority (CA) and wait for verification. Once the CA confirms the domain details, you will see the additional fields for SANs on the next screen. Add Additional SANs: Click the ... in the top right corner to open the options menu. Here, you can add more SANs to the certificate. If you want to add SANs after the CSR has been generated, follow the next steps: Select Validation Method: After adding the SANs, you will be redirected to a new page where you can choose the validation method. You can opt for either approval email or HTTP validation for each domain. Validation: Complete the validation process for each domain. Approval email is a common method where the CA sends an email to the domain administrator for verification. HTTP validation involves placing a file on the server and accessing it via a web browser. Purchase and Activation: Once validation is complete, proceed with the purchase and activation of the certificate. It is important to note that if you add SANs after the initial certificate purchase, the validity period and price will not be prorated.

Important Considerations

Here are some key points to keep in mind when adding SANs to your multi-domain SSL certificate:

Cost: Any additional SANs added to the multi-domain certificate after its initial purchase will be charged at the same price as the original SANs. Expiration: All SANs will expire together with the main certificate, regardless of when they were added. This ensures consistency in your security policies. Proration: The cost and validity period for additional SANs are not prorated, meaning they are charged and expire on the same schedule as the original certificate.

Conclusion

Activating a multi-domain SSL certificate with SANs can streamline your domain management and improve security. By following these steps, you can ensure that your secondary and subdomains are secured efficiently. For further assistance or more detailed guidance, please visit our YouTube channel or support page. We are always here to help!

References and Further Reading

What are Subject Alternative Names (SANs)? Understanding SAN Certificates in Detail Adding Additional Interests (SANs) in SSL Certificates

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