Generating a CSR with SAN at the command line

Lately, I’ve explored creating my own CSRs for use with Let’s Encrypt, so I can control the common name and subject names. I’m neurotic enough that I can’t bear to let Let’s Encrypt decide.

Including additional domains, a technique known as Subject Alternatives Names or subjectAltName (SAN), requires a configuration file to pass the relevant arguments to OpenSSL.

Fill in the above with relevant details and save it as example.com.conf. Then, run OpenSSL using this configuration file:

openssl req -new -config example.com.conf -keyout example.com.key -out example.com.csr

Confirm the CSR using this command:

openssl req -text -noout -verify -in example.com.csr

Aside

The preceding is contingent on your OpenSSL configuration enabling the SAN extensions (v3_req) for its req commands, in addition to the x509 commands.

In /etc/ssl/openssl.cnf, you may need to uncomment this line:

# req_extensions = v3_req # The extensions to add to a certificate request