Fix Lotus Notes Server Error Your Certificate has Expired

  

Mark Regan
Published: February 17th, 2026 • 4 Min Read

If you see a “Lotus Notes Certificate Expired” warning message, it means your client no longer connects to your company server. Now, you can’t send or receive emails or access a shared team database. Don’t worry! Your emails and data remain safe.

Lotus Notes works differently from modern email clients, which typically use only a username and password. It uses special security features called an ID file to prove you are the owner of this account. It works like a keycard used to enter an office building. For security reasons, this digital keycard has an expiration date. When the date expires the building doors simply won’t open until your IT department updates the dates on your card.

Because fixing this error requires coordination with your IT department, this guide is divided so each user gets the right instructions. We will also touch on why so many companies are finally deciding to move away from Lotus Notes altogether.

Why Did My Lotus Notes Certificate Expire?

Lotus Notes starts showing warning messages about 90 days before your ID expires. However, because we are all busy and used to clicking OK on annoying computer pop-ups, it is incredibly common for people to accidentally dismiss these warnings until it is too late.

Method 1. How to Renew an Expired Lotus Notes Certificate?

1. Open your Lotus Notes program.
2. Click on file then hit on Security.
3. Select User Security(if you are on a Mac, click Notes and hit on Security > User Security).
4. Enter your Lotus Notes password.
5. In the window that opens, check the left menu and make sure you are on Security Basics.
6. On the right side, look for the section called Under Your Identity click Renew.
7. This sends a renewal request to your IT administrator. Once approved, access is restored.

Method 2. Fix the Error When Renew Button Does Not Work

1. Save the certificate file sent to your desktop.
2. Click on file and hit on Security and then select User Security in Lotus Notes.
3. On the left menu, click on Add icon and next to your Identity and select your Certificates.
4. Locate the certificate file saved on your Desktop, select it, and after import, the server will recognize your certificate.

Method 3. Administrator Guide to AdminP Recertification

1. Open the HCL Domino Administrator client.
2. Navigate to People and Groups tab.
3. Select the user or multiple users who need recertification.
4. On the right hand tools pane, expand Tools and select People and tap on Recertify.
5. Choose Certifier ID and enter the Password. In the file dialogue box, locate and select the Safe_ID file the user provided. Update the expiration date and click Certify.

Business Advantages of Migrating from Lotus Notes

• Moving from the old system reduces maintenance costs and dependence on priority support. Companies spend less on system maintenance.
• Modern systems have stronger protection against hackers and data loss. They also make it easier to follow company rules and legal requirements.
• Employees can send emails faster, share files easily and work together in real time even when you are home or on mobile devices.
• New platforms offer cloud services and modern business apps. They are flexible and can grow with the company.
• IT teams can manage everything in one place without technical issues. Updates and maintenance happens more smoothly.

Conclusion

If your Lotus Notes certificate has expired, you need to renew it to access your emails and shared databases. For users who are looking for a long term solution, switching to modern platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace will be a smart choice and can make email management easier. On the other hand, for organizations planning to migrate, they can transfer all their Lotus Notes data using the optional approach as discussed in the article. It will help to safely migrate Lotus Notes to Office 365, Google Workspace and more, without facing any data loss issues.