Renew Java Code Signing Certificate: An Expert Guide with FAQs

If you have a Java code signing certificate that has expired or will expire soon, it can create a host of authentication and security issues for you and your end users. This is why it’s important to renew java code signing certificate before it expired to prevent a lapse in coverage. 

Follow the steps below to renew it quickly and easily.

Renew Your Java Code Signing Certificate in 5 Steps

Step 1: If you’re an existing customer, log in to your RapidSSLonline.com customer account. You will see the “Renewal” option besides your current code signing certificate. Click on it, complete the form, and make the payment. 

If you’re a new customer and want to change certificate providers, just select the right Java code signing certificate from our selection and click on Renew Now instead of Add to Cart.   

Step 2: You must generate a certificate signing request (CSR) once again.  

Step 3: Send the CSR code to your chosen certificate authority. What makes this particularly convenient is that with our java code signing certificates, you can send the code directly from your account. Some CAs send a link in the email that leads you to the page where you need to submit the CSR code.

Step 4: Complete the verification process.

If you haven’t changed the certificate authority, the verification process would be quicker than the first time. If you are selecting a new CA, the verification process will take one to three days. 

Step 5: Once you complete the verification process successfully, the CA will issue a renewed Java code signing certificate.

Java Code Signing Certificates Comparison  

FAQs About How to Renew Java Code Signing Certificate

Can I use the old CSR code when renewing a Java code signing certificate?

No. You must generate a new CSR code every time you renew your code signing certificate. This rule is uniform for digital certificates of all the certificate authorities in the industry.

Can I change my certificate authority at the time of renewal?

Yes. You can change the certificate authority any time you want.

What happens if I don’t renew the Java code signing certificate on time?

There are two significant consequences of not renewing the code signing certificate on time:

1. You won’t get a timely indication if anyone tampers with the software. This will make the software vulnerable, enabling hackers to spread malware using your software.
2. Your users will see the following warning box at the time of downloading:

This type of display and the security concerns it communicates can discourage users from downloading your software and damage your reputation as a publisher or developer.

How early can I renew the Java code signing certificate before its expiry date?

You can renew a code signing certificate as early as 90 days before its expiry date.

Will I lose money for remaining time If I renew the code signing certificate early?

No! If you renew your code signing certificate early, you won’t lose money for the time remaining on your existing certificate. We will adjust the remaining time on the new certificate. So, for example, if you renew the yearly code signing certificate two months before its expiry date, we will issue the new code signing certificate for 14 months (i.e., 12 months of yearly contract, plus 2 months extra to cover the time remaining before the existing expiry date).

Can I extend the validity of my Java code signing certificate?

No. All the Java code signing certificates come with an expiry date, which is strictly followed by all the CAs. Neither the CA nor the reseller can extend the validity period of a code signing certificate. You must renew it to continue getting benefits of the code signing certificate.

Can I sign other types of software and scripts with Java code signing certificate?

With the Thawte Java code signing certificate, you can sign Microsoft Authenticode, VBA and Office, Adobe Air, and Macromedia Shockwave.

With Symantec, each code signing certificate will cover one platform only. So, if you buy one Symantec Java code signing certificate, you can’t sign any other type of software with it.