Let's Encrypt issues its first IP address certificate
The first issuance in 2025 was a milestone, distinct from general availability in 2026.
Contents of this article
What happened
On July 1, 2025, Let's Encrypt announced its first IP address certificate, extending issuance beyond domain names. This was the first-issuance announcement; general availability of short-lived and IP certificates was announced separately in January 2026.
Implications for website operations
An IP certificate authenticates the IP address for TLS; it does not automatically cover a business domain. Clients connecting by hostname still check that hostname against the certificate. IP certificates fit specific connection patterns and are not a universal replacement for domain certificates.
Operational next steps
Before deployment, establish whether clients connect by hostname or IP and verify certificate identity and server selection. If addresses can change, include reissuance in the same deployment workflow as the address change.