Web Browsers To Limit SSL Certificate Validity

Google requested adoption of a resolution to reduce the maximum validity of SSL certificates to ONE year in a vote held by the CA/Browser (CA/B) forum late last year. The vote went against this resolution.

On Feb 19th 2020, Apple announced that their Safari browser will limit certificate validity of all SSL certificates to 398 days i.e. just over a year. This change will affect all certificates issued/re-issued on or after 1st September 2020.

This step is so far unilateral on their part i.e. it has been announced by Apple without winning a vote on the matter in the CA/B forum. However, Apple's Safari browser accounts for about 17% of web traffic so website owners may want their websites to show up secure there as well.

On 11th June 2020, Google also decided to join Apple in limiting SSL Certificate validity in their Chrome browser. This adds Google's browser traffic share of 65% of website visitor that will get affected.

SSL certificates already issued for 2 years will not be distrusted by Apple's Safari web browser and will remain unaffected unless you re-issue them on or after 1st September 2020.

You only need to take action if you need longer validity on your certificate which will be due for renewal/purchase on or after 1st September 2020.

We suggest you get the best price by purchasing it for TWO years before 31st August 2020 as this certificate will not be affected by Apple Safari's deadline unless the certificate is re-issued.

To compensate for any days lost due to advance purchase of the certificate you can use this method to get upto 90 days extra validity on the certificate.