Security, Legal & HRFree plan

Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates

Let's Encrypt is a free, automated Certificate Authority run by a nonprofit. It issues free TLS certificates for any domain you can show you control.

Let's EncryptUpdated monthly · checked 26 h ago

Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates is a security, legal and HR perk from Let's Encrypt, offering free TLS certificates (90 days), with no funding required.

Value
Free
Who qualifies
No funding needed
Benefit type
Free plan
Apply at Let's Encrypt

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While you apply

Also useful for authentication and security

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What you get

Inside Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates

Let's Encrypt does not charge a fee for its certificates. Its default certificates are valid for 90 days, and it recommends renewing them every 60 days. Up to 50 certificates can be issued per registered domain every 7 days. Wildcard certificates must be issued with the DNS-01 challenge. Hosting providers that integrate Let's Encrypt may charge a nominal fee of their own.

Source: The provider's official program page

Eligibility

Who it's for

Free planAny startup
Funding / backing
No funding needed
Geography
Global
Recurring / expiry
Certificates are valid for 90 days and must be renewed.
Other requirements
You must demonstrate control of the domain. Let's Encrypt does not issue Organization or Extended Validation certificates.
How to claim

How to apply for Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates

What to have ready
  • A company email on your own website domain (not a personal address)
Steps to apply
  1. 1Install an ACME client such as Certbot
  2. 2request a certificate for your domain.
  3. 3No application is needed.
Good to know: Plans read on letsencrypt.org on October 28, 2026.
Apply at Let's Encrypt

Source: The provider's official program page

Value is the headline maximum Let's Encrypt advertises. What your company actually receives depends on your eligibility and how you use the program, and terms can change. A comparison, not endorsed by the programs listed. A link labeled as a referral link may earn us a commission, and a program labeled Same owner comes from the company that runs StartupPerks. Confirm current terms on the provider's page.
Questions

Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates: common questions

What do you get with Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates?

Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates offers free TLS certificates (90 days).

Who qualifies for Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates?

Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates is open to any startup, with no funding required. You must demonstrate control of the domain. Let's Encrypt does not issue Organization or Extended Validation certificates.

Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates?

No. Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates is open to any startup that meets the stated criteria, no investor or accelerator backing required.

How do I apply for Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates?

Install an ACME client such as Certbot, then request a certificate for your domain. No application is needed.

How long do I have to use Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates, and does it expire?

Certificates are valid for 90 days and must be renewed.

Is Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates available outside the US?

Let's Encrypt free TLS certificates is available globally, subject to the provider's terms.

Free SSL certificates, comparedLet's Encrypt's free plan next to every other free certificate serviceWhat each certificate service gives you free today, its main limit and what the first paid plan costs, read from each provider's own page.
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