How to find the thumbprint/serial number of a certificate?

Please be aware this article assumes you have access to: the CRT file, the certificate via IIS,
Internet Explorer (IE), Microsoft Management Console (MMC), Firefox or OpenSSL.

Option #1: Windows (MMC, IE, IIS)

• Open Certificate to the General Tab

  IIS 5.x & 6.x:
  Right-Click website -> Left-Click Properties -> Directory Security -> View Certificate

  MMC (Microsoft Management Console):
  File -> Add/Remove Snap-in -> Certificates -> Add -> Close -> Expand (Click ‘+’ Sign)
  Certificates – Local Computer -> Personal -> Certificates -> Double-Click on a
  certificate to open or right-click on the certificate and left click on Open.

  Internet Explorer:
  Tools -> Internet Options -> Content -> Certificates

• Click on Details
• Be sure that the Show drop down displays <All>
• Click the word Serial number or Thumbprint. Depending on what you’re looking for.
• Your selection will display in the big text area below the box where you made your choice.
  Note: Right-Clicking to access the Cut, Copy, Paste menu does not work in this area.
  Only CTRL+C to copy does.

Option #2: Firefox

Firefox 3 (Digital ID/Code Signing):

• Windows: Tools -> Options
  Linux: Edit -> Options
  Mac: Firefox -> Options
• Navigate to Advanced -> Encryption and then click on View Certificates.

  Enter Mozilla Certificate Manager

• Click the tab Your Certificates or the tab of your choice.
• Then click the line containing your selection, which the certificate should be highlighted thereafter.
• Click View to open the Mozilla Certificate Viewer.

  Enter Mozilla Certificate Viewer

Firefox 3 (SSL Certificate):

• Click the favorite icon (to the left of the address bar). It should have a blue or green background.
• Now click View Certificate button.

  Enter Mozilla Certificate Viewer

  If the favorite icon/address bar is not present:

• Windows: Tools -> Page Info -> Security -> View Certificate

  Enter Mozilla Certificate Viewer

Mozilla Certificate Viewer

• Inside here you will find the data that you need.
  Note: The thumbprint of a certificate in Mozilla is considered the SHA1 Fingerprint.

Option #3: OpenSSL

• Serial Number:
  -> openssl x509 -in CERTIFICATE_FILE -serial -noout
• Thumbprint:
  -> openssl x509 -in CERTIFICATE_FILE -fingerprint -noout
  Note: Please replace CERTIFICATE_FILE with the actual file name of the certificate.

  More information on OpenSSL’s x509 command can be found here »