Benefits of SSL

Every JetHost plan includes a free SSL certificate, and for most websites that is all you need. Sometimes, though, a paid SSL certificate is the better choice. This guide explains when a paid certificate makes sense, the types we offer, and how the issuing process works.

Free vs. paid SSL

A free Let’s Encrypt certificate encrypts your traffic and shows the padlock exactly like a paid one. The difference is not the encryption – it is the level of identity validation behind the certificate, plus extras like a warranty and support. For a blog or small site, free is perfect. For a business handling payments or sensitive data, a paid certificate can be worth it.

The free Let’s Encrypt SSL is included on our shared hosting and issued automatically through AutoSSL. On other services, such as a VPS or a self-managed server, installing and renewing SSL is your responsibility – though our team can still guide you.

When a paid certificate makes sense

• You run an online store or handle payments and want the extra trust and warranty.
• You need your verified company name shown in the certificate details.
• A partner, bank, or compliance rule specifically requires an OV or EV certificate.
• You want a single certificate with a warranty covering many subdomains or sites.

Types of paid SSL we offer

We can provide the main validation levels:

• Domain Validation (DV) – confirms you control the domain. Issued quickly, similar trust level to Let’s Encrypt but with a warranty.
• Organization Validation (OV) – verifies your business identity, which appears in the certificate. Takes a few days.
• Extended Validation (EV) – the most rigorous vetting, for maximum trust on high-profile or financial sites.

How the issuing process works

1. Choose and order the certificate. Decide which type you need – DV, OV, or EV – and let our team know, or order it directly.
2. Generate a CSR. A Certificate Signing Request is created in cPanel under SSL/TLS → Generate a CSR. This also creates a matching private key that stays on your server. Fill in your domain and, for OV/EV, your real company details.
3. Submit the CSR to the certificate authority. The CSR is sent to the issuing authority to request the certificate.
4. Complete validation. For DV, you prove domain control by email, a DNS record, or a file upload. For OV and EV, the authority also verifies your organization using business documents, so these take a few days.
5. Receive and install the certificate. Once issued, you get the certificate and its CA (intermediate) bundle. These go into cPanel under SSL/TLS → Install and Manage SSL. On shared hosting our team can install it for you; on a VPS or self-managed server you install it yourself.

Unlike Let’s Encrypt, a paid certificate does not renew itself. Before it expires each term, you renew it, repeat the validation, and reinstall the new certificate.

Need more help?

Thinking about a paid SSL certificate? Open a ticket through Client Area → Support Tickets and our team will recommend the right option and handle the whole issuing process for you.