Knowledge Base
How to replace or reissue a VMC or CMC Summary
Overview
By following this article, you will know which details you can change on a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) or Common Mark Certificate (CMC), when you can change them, what they cost, and which changes Sectigo must revalidate. The article explains what a VMC or CMC replacement is, which changes are allowed, the revalidation requirements, how a replacement is requested, and important limits on expiration dates and refunds. In this article, "replacement" and "reissue" mean the same thing.
What is a VMC or CMC replacement?
A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) or Common Mark Certificate (CMC) replacement, also called a reissue, is a new certificate that Sectigo issues with updated details, without a new order. The replacement certificate keeps the remaining validity period of the original order.
What you can change in a VMC or CMC replacement
The table shows which details you can change in a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) or Common Mark Certificate (CMC) replacement, when you can change them, and the cost.
| Change | When you can make the change | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Organization details | Within 30 days of the original issuance | Free of charge |
| Domain list | At any time | Pro-rated cost for added domains. No refund for removed domains. |
| Logo or Certificate Signing Request (CSR) | Within 30 days of the original issuance | Free of charge |
Note: You must make every change within the validity period of the original VMC or CMC. The maximum validity period is 365 days.
Revalidation requirements for a VMC or CMC replacement
Sectigo does not issue a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) or Common Mark Certificate (CMC) replacement automatically, even after Domain Control Validation (DCV) is complete for newly added domains and the organization details are unchanged. Sectigo reviews every replacement manually. Validation from the original order that is still valid, such as DCV for existing domains, does not need to be repeated.
| Change | Revalidation needed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Organization details | Yes | Sectigo revalidates the organization and the mark. |
| Add a domain | Yes, for the new domain only | Existing domains do not need revalidation if their DCV is still valid. |
| Remove a domain | Review needed | Sectigo reviews the organization and mark details. |
| Logo change | Yes | Sectigo revalidates the logo as part of organization validation. |
How to request a VMC or CMC replacement
Partners can request a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) or Common Mark Certificate (CMC) replacement with the Sectigo AutoReplaceMC API. When Sectigo issues the replacement certificate, Sectigo revokes the original certificate automatically.
Important limits for VMC and CMC replacements
- Expiration date: the expiration date of a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) or Common Mark Certificate (CMC) replacement cannot be later than the expiration date of the trademark.
- Manual review: Sectigo does not issue a replacement automatically, even when validation is complete.
- Refund window: a replacement does not restart the refund window of the original order.
Similar questions
- How do I reissue my VMC with a new logo?
- Can I add or remove domains on my VMC or CMC?
- Do I need to revalidate my organization when I replace a VMC?
- How long after issuance can I change my VMC or CMC for free?
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