How to Check SSL Certificate — Complete Guide

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that establishes a secure encrypted connection between a web server and a browser. When a website has a valid SSL certificate, the URL begins with HTTPS instead of HTTP, and browsers display a padlock icon. SSL certificates serve three critical purposes: encryption of data in transit, authentication of the server's identity, and data integrity ensuring information isn't tampered with.

Google confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal in 2014. Websites with valid SSL certificates receive a ranking boost. Beyond SEO, Chrome and other browsers mark HTTP sites as "Not Secure," reducing user trust. Over 95% of web traffic is now encrypted. If your site still uses HTTP, you're at a significant competitive disadvantage.

Use the DNS Visor SSL Certificate Checker to instantly verify your certificate. Enter your domain name and the tool will show:

• Certificate validity
• Expiration date
• Issuer — Which CA issued it
• Protocol version — TLS 1.2 or 1.3
• Certificate chain

Expired Certificate: The most common issue. Set up monitoring to get alerts before expiration.

Mixed Content: Page loads over HTTPS but includes HTTP resources, triggering warnings.

Name Mismatch: Certificate CN doesn't match your domain.

Incomplete Chain: Intermediate certificates are missing.

Domain Validated (DV): Basic validation — proves domain control. Free from Let's Encrypt.

Organization Validated (OV): Verifies organization identity. Takes 1-3 days.

Extended Validation (EV): Highest validation level. Best for e-commerce and financial sites.