Back to Blog
2026-05-28· 4 min read

SSL Certificate Expiry Checker — What Happens When SSL Expires | Vaarta

What happens when an SSL certificate expires? Learn SSL certificate types, expiry dates, auto-renewal setup, and how to prevent costly downtime.

SSL TLS Certificate Website Security

What is an SSL Certificate?


An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that encrypts communication between a web server and a user's browser. It's the foundation of HTTPS security.


Types of SSL Certificates


Domain Validated (DV)

  • Quick validation (minutes)
  • Shows padlock icon
  • Suitable for blogs and small sites

  • Organization Validated (OV)

  • Business validation required
  • Shows organization name
  • Suitable for business websites

  • Extended Validation (EV)

  • Strictest validation
  • Shows company name in address bar
  • Suitable for e-commerce and banking

  • How Long Do SSL Certificates Last?


    Most certificates last 90 days to 1 year. Let's Encrypt certificates expire every 90 days but can be auto-renewed.


    What Happens When SSL Expires?


    1. Browsers show "Not Secure" warning

    2. Visitors leave immediately

    3. SEO rankings drop significantly

    4. Email deliverability decreases

    5. API integrations may fail


    How to Prevent SSL Expiry


  • Set up auto-renewal (Let's Encrypt, Certbot)
  • Monitor certificate expiry with alerts
  • Use Vaarta.space to check SSL status regularly
  • Keep track of renewal dates in a calendar

  • Conclusion


    SSL certificates are critical for website security and trust. Regular monitoring prevents costly downtime and security warnings.


    Ready to check your domain security?

    Run a free scan to identify potential vulnerabilities.

    Start Free Scan