How to Apply for an SSL Certificate from Let's Encrypt

ServBay supports using the ACME protocol to automatically apply for SSL certificates, offering a convenient and secure way to manage your website security. This guide will instruct you on how to issue an SSL certificate with Let's Encrypt in ServBay.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure that you have completed the following preparations:

1. Own a domain: You need to own a domain and be able to manage its DNS records.
2. Obtain DNS API Key: ServBay validates domain ownership through DNS API. You need to obtain the API key from your domain provider. Refer to How to get DNS API KEY for more information.

Application Steps

1. Open the ServBay Management Panel: Launch the ServBay application and enter the management panel.

2. Access the SSL Certificate Management Panel: Select the SSL Certificate option in the management panel.

3. Click the “+” Button: Click the “+” button on the top right to start applying for a new certificate.

4. Fill in Certificate Information: In the pop-up “Request Certificate” window, fill in the following information:

   • Common Name: Enter the certificate's name, e.g., Test.
   • Usage Purpose: Choose TLS/SSL.
   • Request Method: Choose ACME.
   • Issuer: Choose Let's Encrypt.
   • DNS API Provider: Select your DNS provider (e.g., Cloudflare, GoDaddy).
   • Algorithm: It is recommended to choose the ECC algorithm and select key length 384.
   • E-Mail Address: Enter your email address to receive notifications related to the certificate.
   • DNS API Tokens: Enter your DNS API key. Refer to your DNS provider's documentation for obtaining the API key. Note: Do not prepend export to the API information. For example, for Cloudflare, you need to enter CF_Key and CF_Email.
   • Domain: Enter the domain for which you are applying for the certificate. If you need to apply for multiple domains, separate them with commas (e.g., servbay.com, *.servbay.com).

5. Click the “Request” Button: After confirming all the information is filled in correctly, click the “Request” button to start the certificate application.

6. Wait for Completion: ServBay will automatically complete the certificate application process and add it to your list of certificates.

Using the Certificate

After a successful application, you can select ACME in the Website configuration, and in the dropdown menu on the right, choose the newly applied certificate to apply to your website.

Certificate Renewal

Let's Encrypt certificates are valid for 90 days. ServBay will automatically renew the certificate for you, so you do not need to manually operate.

Conclusion

With ServBay's ACME functionality, you can easily apply for and manage SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt, ensuring your website is secure and reliable.