Replacement and Reissue of VMC and CMC Certificates

Over the lifecycle of a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) or Common Mark Certificate (CMC), there may be a need to update certificate details—such as the organization name, domain list, or logo. This article explains when and how certificates can be replaced or reissued, what changes are allowed, and how revalidation is handled.

 

 

 

1. What is Certificate Replacement?

Certificate replacement (also referred to as reissuance) allows an organization to update certain certificate attributes without placing a new order. The replacement certificate inherits the remaining validity period of the original order.

2. What Can Be Changed?

Change Type	Allowed?	Conditions
Organization Details	✅ Yes	Within 30 days of original issuance. Free of charge.
Domain List	✅ Yes	Anytime. Pro-rated cost for added domains. No refund for removed domains.
Logo or CSR	✅ Yes	Within 30 days of original issuance. Free of charge.

Note: All changes must occur within the original certificate’s validity period (maximum 365 days).

3. Revalidation Requirements

For VMC/CMC certificates, replacements cannot be automatically issued after completing DCV for newly added domains, even if the organization details remain unchanged. However, most validation checks from the original order can be reused, eliminating the need to repeat them.

Change Made	Revalidation Required?	Notes
Organization Details	✅ Yes	Organization and mark must be revalidated.
Add Domain	✅ Yes (for new domain)	Existing domains do not need revalidation if DCV is still valid.
Remove Domain	✅ Yes	Organization and mark must be reviewed.
Logo Change	✅ Yes	Treated as part of organization validation.

4. Replacement Process

🔁 API-Based Replacement

• Sectigo will support a new API (AutoReplaceMC) for partners to initiate replacements.
• The replaced certificate is automatically revoked upon issuance of the new one.

🛠ortal Support

• Future phases will include UI-based replacement via the Partner Portal
• Support staff will be able to assist with updates and revalidation tracking.

5. Important Considerations

• Trademark Validity: The new certificate’s expiration cannot exceed the trademark’s expiration.
• No Auto-Issuance: Even if validation is complete, certificates are not auto-issued. Manual review is required.
• No Refunds on Replacement: Replacing a certificate does not reset the refund window.