1. Knowledge Base
  2. >
  3. Results
  4. >
  5. Using Third-Party SSL Certificate

Using Third-Party SSL Certificate

If you've decided to use an SSL from a different provider other than HostGator, there are a few things you need to complete to install SSL to your domain.

This article will discuss the following topics:

For a faster and easier way of getting an SSL, we recommend purchasing from HostGator through your Customer Portal. For instructions, please visit the following article.

Installing SSL from a Third-Party Provider

To install SSL from another company, you will need to complete the following steps:

  1. Fill out the CSR form to receive a CSR and RSA key. If you want to learn more about CSR and RSA Key, please check out the following article.
  2. Purchase your SSL certificate (if you haven't already) and send the certificate issuer the CSR (not the RSA Key) from Step 1.
  3. The certificate issuer will provide an SSL Certificate as well as an SSL CA Certificate (Trusted Authority) (sometimes called a "CA Bundle").
    Note: These may be provided as .crt files. If the text for the certificate or bundle is needed, these files may be opened in Notepad.
  4. Once you have obtained your SSL Certificate, log in to your cPanel, and scroll down to SSL/TLS under the Security section.

    HostGator cPanel SSL/TLS

  5. Here you will be presented with several options; click on Manage SSL sites under the Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS).

    SSL/TLS Manage

  6. With the SSL certificate and SSL CA certificate from your third-party provider and the RSA key from CSR generation in Step 1, paste the certificate details into the associated fields.

    SSL/TLS Install an SSL Website

    Note: Please be sure to copy the entire certificate, including the "-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----" and "-----END CERTIFICATE-----" lines.
  7. Click Install Certificate to complete the SSL installation to the server.
You can also complete Steps 6 and 7 from your Customer Portal. Please note that there is a $10 fee for completing the installation via the Customer Portal.

Installing Third-Party SSL within the Customer Portal

Installation via the Customer Portal requires payment via credit card. To use this method with PayPal, please contact us via phone or Live Chat for assistance.

  1. Log in to your Customer Portal.
  2. Navigate to the Hosting menu, then click Manage under the hosting package where you want to install the SSL.
  3. On the next page, click on Manage within the SSL Management box.

    HostGator Portal v2 SSL Management Learn More Button

  4. On the next page, locate the domain where you want to install the third-party SSL, then click on its Upgrade button.

    SSL/TLS Upgrade

  5. Scroll down to the Third-party SSL Certificates section and click on the Install now for a one-time fee of $10/per website link.

     

    HostGator Portal v2 Third-Party SSL
  6. On the next page, provide the SSL certificate, RSA Private key, and CA bundle on their respective fields. These may be provided as .crt files. To copy their text, you can open them in a text editor (such as Notepad).
    Note: If you do not receive a Success! message for each field, attempt copying the entire certificate, including the "-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----" and "-----END CERTIFICATE-----" lines.

    HostGator Portal v2 Install Third-Party SSL

  7. Once done, click the Next button to provide payment information and complete the installation.

Once these steps have been completed, we will install your SSL Certificate.

Additional Information about Using Third-Party SSL

For more details regarding the process and what is needed, please see the sections below:

Requirements

The SSL installation form requires the following information:

  • SSL Certificate - This field is for the main certificate file, which will be provided by the company issuing the SSL certificate.
  • RSA Private Key - This field is for the RSA key we sent when you requested a CSR. Please check your email for that code.
  • SSL CA Certificate (Trusted Authority) - This is also known as the CA Bundle or Cert Bundle. This field is optional only if your certificate company does not provide a bundle.

The following article provides more information about what you should know before purchasing a third-party SSL:

Restrictions

When using a third-party SSL certificate on HostGator servers, please keep the following restrictions in mind:

  • Shared or Reseller users cannot install an SSL certificate and must have HostGator install it.
  • VPS or Dedicated server users may install certificates independently or have HostGator do the installation.

Fees

The fees to have HostGator install a third-party SSL on your behalf are as follows:

  • For a single-domain SSL, the fee is $10.
  • For a multi-domain SSL, the fee is $25 for up to 5 domains plus $5 for each additional domain beyond the first 5.
  • Managed Dedicated Servers can have HostGator install any SSLs free of charge.

Renewing an SSL requires the installation of the new certificate and is subject to the installation fees above. 

You may purchase a dedicated IP when installing an SSL. A dedicated IP costs $4 per month (or $48 per year.) Servers not taking advantage of SNI will need a dedicated IP address to install each SSL.

CSR Renewal

The CSR is only required for issuing a new certificate. If you are renewing your certificate or if your certificate is expired, then you will need a new CSR since you will be issued a new certificate with a new expiration date.

Matching RSA Key

If you do not know whether your RSA and SSL Certificate match, please check using this tool before submitting them: https://www.sslshopper.com/certificate-key-matcher.html

If you do not have a matching pair, you will need to request a new CSR, then have the certificate reissued with the new CSR.