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 CertificateDriver'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 RenewalPassport
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 DocumentBusiness 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 RenewalProfessional 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 CertificationInsurance 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 PolicyDomain 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 AuthorizationContracts & 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 AgreementMedical & 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 YearCustom 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:
Learn how to add and manage documents in Renew-ify
Understand how to set optimal notification periods
Start tracking your documents now