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SSL Certificates

What is SSL/HTTPS?​

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the technology that encrypts data as it travels between a user's browser and a website. When SSL is active, the browser shows a padlock icon and the URL starts with https:// instead of http://. This encryption ensures that sensitive information — such as personal data entered into a court portal — cannot be intercepted or read by anyone during transmission.

For court portals handling sensitive case information, SSL is essential for protecting both your agency and the public.

Overview​

SSL certificates are provided automatically by eCourtDate for verified web domains. No manual certificate management is required.

Requirements​

Two DNS records must be in place for SSL to be provisioned:

  1. SSL Validation TXT record -- add to your DNS using the name and value from the Console
  2. Acme Challenge CNAME record -- add to your DNS using the name and target from the Console

Once both records are in place and verified, SSL is provisioned automatically. The domain should display "Active" status in the Console.

How It Works​

After your web domain is verified and both SSL-related DNS records are detected:

  1. eCourtDate initiates the certificate request through the ACME protocol.
  2. The SSL Validation TXT and Acme Challenge CNAME records are used to prove domain control.
  3. A certificate is issued and installed automatically.
  4. Certificate renewal is handled automatically before expiration.

Troubleshooting SSL​

SSL Handshake Failed​

Ensure both the SSL Validation TXT and Acme Challenge CNAME records are correctly configured in your DNS provider and match the values shown in the Console.

Certificate Not Issuing​

Check that both records have propagated using an online DNS lookup tool. If the records are not yet visible, allow additional time for propagation.

Status Not Active​

Allow up to 24 hours for full DNS propagation. If the domain still does not show "Active" status after 24 hours, contact support at help@ecourtdate.com.

See Also​