RapidSSL Certificate FAQ

RapidSSL is one of the most popular and affordable Domain Validation (DV) SSL certificates, suitable for small business websites, personal sites, and standard HTTPS encryption. This FAQ covers everything you need to know about ordering, validating, installing, and troubleshooting RapidSSL certificates on Fast2host hosting accounts.

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1. What type of SSL is RapidSSL?

RapidSSL is a Domain Validation (DV) SSL certificate. It verifies domain ownership only — no business verification is required.

• Issued within minutes
• 256-bit encryption
• Compatible with all major browsers
• Ideal for blogs, personal sites, and small businesses

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2. How long does RapidSSL take to issue?

RapidSSL certificates typically issue within **5 minutes to 1 hour**, depending on how quickly you complete the validation email or DNS verification.

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3. How does RapidSSL domain validation work?

You can validate using any of the following:

• ✔ Email validation (admin@, webmaster@, hostmaster@)
• ✔ DNS CNAME validation
• ✔ HTTP file upload validation

Email validation is the most common. The provider sends an approval link to the domain’s WHOIS email or standard admin emails.

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4. Which email addresses receive the RapidSSL validation email?

RapidSSL sends to these domain addresses:

admin@yourdomain.com
administrator@yourdomain.com
webmaster@yourdomain.com
hostmaster@yourdomain.com
postmaster@yourdomain.com

If your WHOIS record contains an email, it may also be used.

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5. How do I generate a CSR for RapidSSL?

In cPanel go to:

cPanel → SSL/TLS → Generate CSR

Enter:

• Domain name (FQDN, e.g. www.yourdomain.com)
• Country
• State / Region
• City
• Company

After generating the CSR, copy the CSR & Private Key — you will need both to install the certificate.

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6. Does RapidSSL include a CA Bundle?

Yes. RapidSSL requires installation of a CA Bundle (Intermediate Certificate) for full browser compatibility.

The CA Bundle is provided with your certificate files.

Install it in:

cPanel → SSL/TLS → Manage SSL Sites

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7. Can RapidSSL secure both www and non-www?

Yes — RapidSSL covers both the root domain yourdomain.com AND the www version automatically, as long as your CSR includes www.yourdomain.com.

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8. Can RapidSSL be used as Wildcard SSL?

Yes — RapidSSL offers a **RapidSSL Wildcard**, which secures:

*.yourdomain.com

e.g.:

• blog.yourdomain.com
• store.yourdomain.com
• mail.yourdomain.com

A single certificate secures all subdomains.

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9. Why does my RapidSSL certificate install but still show “Not Secure”?

This usually happens due to:

• Missing CA Bundle
• Old certificate cached by the browser
• Incorrect CSR used when ordering
• Mixed content (http links) still present

Fix by reinstalling using the full certificate chain and updating your .htaccess redirect.

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10. How long does RapidSSL last? (Validity Period)

RapidSSL certificates are valid for 1 year. Due to industry rules, all SSL certificates are now limited to a maximum of 398 days.

Renew before expiry to avoid downtime.

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11. How do I renew a RapidSSL certificate?

RapidSSL renewal requires generating a new CSR and re-installing the certificate. You cannot reuse the old CSR/key pair.

Steps:

1. Generate new CSR
2. Purchase RapidSSL renewal
3. Validate domain
4. Install new certificate in cPanel

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12. What browsers trust RapidSSL?

RapidSSL is trusted by:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Safari
• Edge
• Opera
• Mobile browsers

Over 99.9% device compatibility.

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13. Do you install RapidSSL certificates for me?

Yes — Fast2host can install any SSL certificate for you free of charge. Open a support ticket and include:

• CSR
• Private Key
• Certificate (CRT)
• Intermediate CA Bundle

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