Renew-ify

Document Types Guide

Renew-ify supports tracking a wide variety of document types with expiration dates. This comprehensive guide covers the most common document types, recommended notification periods, and best practices for effective tracking.

Understanding Document Types

Each document type has unique requirements for notification periods and renewal procedures. Use this guide to set up your documents effectively and never miss a critical expiration date. From SSL certificates and passports to subscriptions and contracts, Renew-ify helps you track them all.

SSL/TLS Certificates

Digital certificates that secure websites and APIs with HTTPS encryption

When to Use

For all websites, web applications, and APIs that handle data or require secure connections

Recommended Notification Period

30-60 days

Adjust based on your specific renewal process complexity

Best Practices

  • Track both primary and backup certificates separately
  • Set notification period to 30-45 days minimum for renewal preparation
  • Include domain name and certificate authority in the document name
  • Add renewal URL and account information in notes field
  • Track wildcard certificates for all subdomains

Example Names

example.com SSL (Let's Encrypt - 90 day renewal)*.myapp.com Wildcard SSL (DigiCert)api.service.com SSL Certificate

Driver's License

Government-issued permit to operate motor vehicles

When to Use

Personal identification, vehicle operation authorization, and legal identification

Recommended Notification Period

90-180 days

Adjust based on your specific renewal process complexity

Best Practices

  • Include license class/type and restrictions in notes
  • Add DMV renewal link and required documentation
  • Note any restrictions, endorsements, or special conditions
  • Track licenses for all family members separately
  • Include license number for quick reference

Example Names

John's Driver's License (Class C)Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class A)Motorcycle Endorsement Renewal

Passport

International travel document issued by national governments

When to Use

International travel, visa applications, and official identification

Recommended Notification Period

180-365 days

Adjust based on your specific renewal process complexity

Best Practices

  • Track passports for all family members individually
  • Set long notification period (6-12 months) for renewal time
  • Include passport number and issuing country
  • Note visa requirements for frequent destinations
  • Plan renewal before major travel periods

Example Names

Sarah's US Passport (Adult)Children's Passport (Under 16)Emergency Travel Document

Business License

Government-issued permits to operate a business legally

When to Use

For any business entity, professional practice, or regulated commercial activity

Recommended Notification Period

60-90 days

Adjust based on your specific renewal process complexity

Best Practices

  • Track all business permits and licenses separately
  • Include license type, jurisdiction, and business name
  • Add renewal fees and required documentation in notes
  • Track industry-specific certifications
  • Monitor compliance deadlines

Example Names

General Business License (City of Springfield)Food Service PermitProfessional Contractor LicenseSales Tax Permit Renewal

Professional Certifications

Industry credentials that demonstrate expertise and qualifications

When to Use

Professional development, employment requirements, and industry compliance

Recommended Notification Period

90-180 days

Adjust based on your specific renewal process complexity

Best Practices

  • Track certification number and issuing body
  • Include continuing education requirements in notes
  • Add recertification procedures and exam dates
  • Monitor prerequisite expiration dates
  • Link to renewal portal and study materials

Example Names

PMP Certification (Project Management Institute)AWS Solutions Architect (Amazon)CPA License RenewalMedical Board Certification

Insurance Policies

Coverage contracts for health, life, property, and other insurable interests

When to Use

Protection against financial loss from accidents, illness, death, or damage

Recommended Notification Period

30-60 days

Adjust based on your specific renewal process complexity

Best Practices

  • Track all insurance policies separately by type
  • Include policy number, provider, and coverage amounts
  • Add renewal date, premium amount, and payment method
  • Note coverage changes and deductible information
  • Include agent contact information

Example Names

Home Insurance Policy (State Farm)Auto Insurance - Family PlanHealth Insurance RenewalLife Insurance Policy

Domain Names

Website addresses registered with domain registrars

When to Use

For all owned domains, whether active websites or reserved for future use

Recommended Notification Period

60-90 days

Adjust based on your specific renewal process complexity

Best Practices

  • Track each domain separately with registrar name
  • Set notification period to 60 days before expiration
  • Enable auto-renewal where possible as backup
  • Include DNS and hosting provider information
  • Track premium domains with higher priority

Example Names

example.com (GoDaddy - Annual)myapp.io (Namecheap)brand-name.com (Premium Domain)

Subscriptions & Memberships

Recurring services, software licenses, and membership renewals

When to Use

Track subscription services to avoid unwanted charges and ensure continuous access

Recommended Notification Period

14-30 days

Adjust based on your specific renewal process complexity

Best Practices

  • Track each subscription with service name and billing cycle
  • Include subscription tier/plan and monthly cost
  • Add account email and payment method used
  • Note cancellation deadlines and procedures
  • Review regularly to eliminate unused subscriptions

Example Names

Netflix Family Plan (Monthly $19.99)Adobe Creative Cloud (Annual)Gym Membership RenewalAWS Reserved InstancesSoftware License (Annual)

Visa & Travel Documents

Entry permits for foreign countries and travel authorizations

When to Use

International travel, work abroad, and extended stays in foreign countries

Recommended Notification Period

90-180 days

Adjust based on your specific renewal process complexity

Best Practices

  • Track visa expiration separate from passport expiration
  • Include visa type, issuing country, and entry limits
  • Note visa validity period and allowed stay duration
  • Track related work permits and residence permits
  • Monitor visa-free travel period limits

Example Names

US Work Visa (H-1B)Schengen Tourist VisaUK Residence PermitESTA Travel Authorization

Contracts & Agreements

Legal agreements, service contracts, and lease agreements

When to Use

Any binding agreement with expiration or renewal dates

Recommended Notification Period

60-90 days

Adjust based on your specific renewal process complexity

Best Practices

  • Track contract end dates and auto-renewal clauses
  • Include contract value and parties involved
  • Note termination notice periods in advance
  • Add renewal negotiation reminders
  • Link to contract documents and terms

Example Names

Office Lease AgreementVendor Service ContractEmployment Contract RenewalSaaS Service Agreement

Medical & Healthcare

Medical licenses, prescriptions, and healthcare plan enrollments

When to Use

Healthcare provider credentials, prescription refills, and health plan renewals

Recommended Notification Period

30-60 days

Adjust based on your specific renewal process complexity

Best Practices

  • Track prescription refill dates and quantities
  • Monitor healthcare plan open enrollment periods
  • Include provider license expiration dates
  • Track medical device calibration dates
  • Note prescription transfer procedures

Example Names

Health Insurance Open EnrollmentPrescription Refill - Monthly MedicationMedical License (State Board)HSA/FSA Plan Year

Custom Document Types

Don't see your document type listed? Renew-ify supports tracking any document with an expiration date. Simply choose the closest match from the available types or use the "Other" category and add detailed notes about the specific requirements.

Examples of other trackable items: Equipment warranties, service agreements, API keys, security clearances, pet licenses, vehicle registrations, trademark renewals, and any other time-sensitive documents or subscriptions.

Next Steps

Ready to start tracking your documents? Here are some helpful resources:

Getting Started Guide

Learn how to add and manage documents in Renew-ify

Notification Periods Guide

Understand how to set optimal notification periods

Go to Dashboard

Start tracking your documents now