• Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Knowledge Base

How to Install a Custom SSL Certificate

Using Your Own SSL Certificate

While free Let's Encrypt works for most sites, you can install your own certificate.

When You Might Need Custom SSL

  • Extended Validation (EV) certificate
  • Organization Validation (OV) certificate
  • Wildcard certificate
  • Specific compliance requirements

What You Need

  • Certificate file (.crt)
  • Private key file (.key)
  • CA Bundle/Chain (if provided)

Installing in DirectAdmin

  1. Log into DirectAdmin
  2. Click SSL Certificates
  3. Select your domain
  4. Choose Paste a pre-generated certificate
  5. Paste your certificate content
  6. Paste your private key
  7. Paste CA bundle if provided
  8. Click Save

Certificate Order

Paste certificates in this order:

  1. Your domain certificate
  2. Intermediate certificate(s)
  3. Root certificate (if needed)

Verify Installation

  • Visit your site with https://
  • Check certificate details in browser
  • Use SSL checker tools online