Knowledge Base


Troubleshooting SSL Validation Issues: CNAME Record Validating
Summary
This guide explains how to diagnose and resolve SSL certificate domain control validation (DCV) failures when using CNAME record validation during SSL issuance through Sectigo. These issues typically occur when DNS are incorrect, causing delays in certificate issuance.
Symptoms
You may be experiencing this issue if you notice:
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Sectigo reports that the CNAME record is missing or incorrect.
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DNS propagation appears complete, but validation still fails.
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SSL certificate issuance is delayed beyond the expected timeframe.
Cause
This error is typically caused by:
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Incorrect CNAME host or values in DNS.
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Missing trailing dot in the CNAME value (e.g., sectigo.com.).
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DNS propagation delays or caching issues.
Solution
Follow these steps to resolve the issue:
1. Verify the CNAME Record
Check with the host and values provided by Sectigo. Ensure the record matches exactly, including any required trailing dots.
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Example: Host: _abc123.example.com
Value: abc123.sectigo.com.
Use tools like dig, nslookup, or online DNS checkers (e.g., DNSChecker, WhatIsMyDNS) to confirm the record is publicly visible.
2. Check DNS Propagation
DNS changes can take up to 24–48 hours to propagate globally. Wait and recheck after this period. If delays persist, contact your DNS provider for assistance.
3. Validate Unique Value
If Sectigo provides a unique value for the CNAME record, ensure it is correctly updated in your DNS settings.
4. Confirm Trailing Dot
Missing a dot at the end of sectigo.com can cause DNS to append your domain suffix, resulting in an incorrect value.
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Correct: abc123.sectigo.com.
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Incorrect: abc123.sectigo.com
Additional Tip
If CNAME or HTTP validation continues to fail, consider switching to Email-based DCV as an alternative method.
Related Articles: How to complete DV using CNAME method? | Sectigo® Official
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