Summary
Determining VMC expiration involves several methods: checking the BIMI record using tools like Redsift, decoding the PEM file with OpenSSL, utilizing online BIMI/SSL checker tools (e.g., BIMI Radar), and inspecting certificate details via online SSL/TLS tools or within email client settings. Some platforms offer built-in monitoring (GlockApps). Regular checks and reminders are crucial. Be aware of potential date format variations (dd/mm/yyyy).
Key findings
- BIMI Record: Check the BIMI record for VMC details using tools like Redsift.
- PEM Decoding: Decode the PEM file using OpenSSL or a text editor to find the expiration date.
- Online Tools: Utilize online BIMI/SSL checker tools for easy VMC inspection.
- Platform Monitoring: Some platforms, such as GlockApps and BIMI Radar, provide built-in VMC monitoring features.
- Manual Inspection: Certificate details can be manually inspected using online SSL tools.
Key considerations
- Date Format: Be mindful of potential date format variations (e.g., dd/mm/yyyy) in different tools.
- Regular Monitoring: Implement regular VMC checks and reminders to prevent disruption.
- Tool Choice: Select the most suitable method based on technical expertise and accessibility to tools/files.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
Several methods exist for determining VMC expiration dates. These include checking BIMI records via tools like Redsift, decoding the VMC's PEM file using OpenSSL or similar tools, utilizing online BIMI checker tools, and setting up reminders for renewal dates. Some tools and platforms, like Redsift, might display dates in a non-standard format (dd/mm/yyyy). Platforms such as GlockApps and BIMI Radar provide built-in monitoring capabilities. Regularly monitoring the VMC status is recommended to avoid disruption.
Key opinions
- BIMI Record Check: VMC expiration can be found in the BIMI record using tools like Redsift.
- PEM File Decoding: Decoding the VMC's PEM file using OpenSSL reveals the expiration date.
- Online Checkers: Online BIMI checker tools provide a straightforward way to inspect VMC details, including expiration.
- Platform Monitoring: Platforms like GlockApps and BIMI Radar actively monitor VMC expiry.
Key considerations
- Date Format: Be aware of potential date format differences (e.g., dd/mm/yyyy) when using certain tools.
- Regular Monitoring: Implement reminders or alerts to check the VMC status regularly.
- Renewal Disruption: Proactive VMC monitoring helps prevent BIMI implementation disruptions.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that if the VMC is linked in the BIMI record, you can check <http://redsift.com/tools/bimi|redsift.com/tools/bimi>. Otherwise, decode the PEM file.
3 May 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from BIMI Radar tool explains you can utilise the BIMI Radar online tool to check the VMC status and expiration dates to see the overall BIMI health status.
7 Oct 2022 - BIMI Radar
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
Experts recommend two primary methods for determining VMC expiration: manual inspection of certificate details via online SSL tools or decoding the certificate file, and utilizing online VMC checker tools for a quick and clear display of the expiry date.
Key opinions
- Manual Inspection: Certificate details can be inspected manually using online SSL tools or by decoding the certificate file.
- Online VMC Checkers: Online VMC checker tools provide a quick and clear way to find the expiration date.
Key considerations
- Tool Choice: Consider the ease of use and accessibility of online VMC checker tools versus the more technical approach of manual inspection.
- Certificate Access: Ensure access to the certificate file for decoding or the ability to perform online checks.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource forum advises that a VMC's expiration can often be determined by manually inspecting the certificate details via online SSL tools or by decoding the certificate file if available.
13 Dec 2022 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise recommends using online VMC checker tools to quickly find the expiration date of a VMC, as these tools are designed to parse certificate information and present the expiry date clearly.
21 Nov 2024 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
Official documentation outlines methods to check VMC expiration including using online SSL/TLS tools, examining certificate details in a browser when accessing BIMI-enabled emails, decoding the PEM file associated with the VMC, and inspecting certificate details via standard certificate inspection tools often available online or in email client settings.
Key findings
- Online SSL/TLS Tools: VMC validity can be checked using online SSL/TLS tools.
- PEM File Decoding: Decoding the VMC's PEM file reveals expiration details.
- Certificate Inspection: Certificate details can be inspected using standard online tools or email client settings.
Key considerations
- Tool Availability: Ensure access to online SSL/TLS tools or PEM file for decoding.
- Email Client Settings: Explore email client settings for certificate inspection options.
Technical article
Documentation from Entrust outlines that the VMC expiry can be looked up by inspecting the certificate details using standard certificate inspection tools which are available online or within email client settings.
24 Aug 2022 - Entrust
Technical article
Documentation from DigiCert explains that to check the validity of a VMC, you can use online SSL/TLS tools or examine the certificate details in your browser after accessing a BIMI-enabled email.
10 Jun 2025 - DigiCert
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