Free Tools to Check SSL Certificate Validity and Expiry

SSL certificates are essential for securing websites, building trust with visitors, and ensuring data privacy. However, even the best SSL certificate has a limited lifespan. Neglecting to monitor its expiration can lead to disruptions, loss of credibility, and potential security vulnerabilities.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to check SSL certificate expiration dates and various tools and methods for keeping track of your SSL validity.

Why Is It Important to Monitor SSL Certificate Expiry?

An expired SSL certificate can create a plethora of issues:

• Website trust issues: Visitors will encounter alarming security warnings.
• Search engine rankings: Expired certificates can negatively impact SEO rankings.
• Data breaches: Communication between the server and clients becomes unsecured.

Understanding how to verify SSL certificate expiration ensures uninterrupted security and user trust.

How to Check SSL Certificate Expiration Date

Using Online SSL Certificate Expiry Checkers

There are numerous free tools online that let you easily check SSL validity online. These tools require only the domain name of your website to provide a detailed report on the certificate’s expiry date and other parameters. Popular tools include:

• SSL Certificate Validity Checker by SSL Labs
• Free SSL Expiry Date Checker by DigiCert

These online SSL certificate expiry checkers are beginner-friendly and offer comprehensive insights into certificate validity.

Checking SSL Certificate Expiry in a Browser

One of the simplest ways to verify an SSL certificate’s expiration date is through your web browser. Here’s how you can do it in Chrome:

How to Check SSL Certificate Expiry in Chrome:

1. Open the website you want to check.
2. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
3. Select “Certificate” or “Certificate (Valid).”
4. In the certificate details, locate the “Valid from” and “Valid to” dates.

This method provides a quick overview but lacks advanced monitoring features.

Using Command-Line Tools

For tech-savvy users, command-line tools are an efficient way to check SSL certificate expiration dates.

Command to Check SSL Certificate Expiry with OpenSSL:

Run the following command in your terminal:

bash

openssl s_client -connect yourdomain.com:443 -servername yourdomain.com 2>/dev/null | openssl x509 -noout -dates  

This command will display the “notBefore” and “notAfter” dates, indicating the SSL certificate’s validity period.

Check SSL Certificate Expiry Date in Linux:

If you’re on a Linux server, you can also use tools like curl or certbot. For instance:

bash

echo | openssl s_client -servername yourdomain.com -connect yourdomain.com:443 2>/dev/null | openssl x509 -noout -dates

These methods are precise and ideal for system administrators.

Using SSL Expiration Monitoring Tools

Manual checks can be tedious. Automating the process with SSL certificate expiration monitoring tools ensures you never miss a renewal deadline. Popular tools include:

• Let’s Encrypt Certbot: Automates SSL certificate issuance and renewal.
• Nagios: Monitors SSL certificates and sends alerts before expiry.
• SSL Expiration Notification Tools: Email alerts to notify you when renewal is due.

By leveraging these tools, you can integrate SSL monitoring into your broader website maintenance strategy.

Checking SSL Certificate Expiry Using OpenSSL

How to Check SSL Expiry Using OpenSSL:

OpenSSL is a versatile tool for managing SSL certificates. Use the following command to check the expiry date:

bash

openssl s_client -servername yourdomain.com -connect yourdomain.com:443 | openssl x509 -enddate -noout

This method is reliable and works well for developers and administrators who prefer command-line solutions.

Free SSL Expiry Date Checker

For those looking for a cost-effective solution, several free SSL expiry date checkers are available online. These include tools like:

• SSLShopper: Provides expiration dates and other certificate details.
• Why No Padlock?: Highlights issues affecting SSL certificates.

These tools are ideal for startups and small businesses looking to ensure SSL compliance.

How to Know SSL Certificate Expiration Date in Various Browsers

Each browser has a slightly different method for accessing SSL certificate information.

In Firefox:

1. Open the website.
2. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
3. Select “More Information” > “View Certificate.”
4. Check the expiration date under “Validity.”

In Edge:

Similar to Chrome, click the padlock icon and navigate to the certificate details.

Browser-based checks are fast and accessible, especially when verifying multiple sites on the go.

How to Verify SSL Certificate Expiration Date Manually

Manual verification involves downloading the certificate and analyzing it locally. Here’s how:

1. Use a browser to download the certificate.
2. Open it in a certificate management tool (e.g., Keychain Access on macOS).
3. Look for the “Not Valid After” field.

This approach is helpful for advanced users who manage certificates directly.

SSL Certificate Expiration Tracking Tools

Tracking SSL certificate expiration dates is crucial for businesses managing multiple domains. Tools like:

• Zabbix: Provides advanced SSL tracking and integrates with monitoring systems.
• SolarWinds: Offers SSL certificate monitoring and renewal notifications.

These tools ensure you stay ahead of expiration dates without manual intervention.

How to Check Website SSL Certificate Expiry

A quick way to check website SSL certificate expiry is through online services like:

• SSLChecker
• SSL Tools by Qualys

These platforms give a snapshot of the SSL certificate’s status, validity, and potential vulnerabilities.

Best Practices for Managing SSL Certificates

1. Enable Expiry Notifications

Use an SSL expiration notification tool to get reminders. Many services offer notifications 30 days before expiry.

2. Use Automation

Automated renewal tools like Certbot simplify the renewal process.

3. Monitor Regularly

Set up weekly checks using an SSL certificate expiration tracking tool to avoid surprises.

4. Verify Post-Renewal

After renewal, verify the certificate is correctly installed using an SSL certificate validity checker.

Conclusion

Ensuring your SSL certificates are always up to date is crucial for maintaining trust and security on your website. By using a mix of browser tools, command-line methods, and automated monitoring services, you can seamlessly manage SSL expiration. Don’t let an expired certificate disrupt your online presence-start using an SSL certificate expiration checker today!

If you have any questions or additional tips, feel free to leave a comment below. Let’s keep the web safe together!