# Certificate volume Nginx-LE stores certificates on a persistent volume which by convention is called `certificates`. The `certificates` folder is mounted into the container at `/etc/letsencrypt/`. It is critical that this is a persistent volume otherwise Nginx-LE will need to acquire a new certificate every time it starts. `nginx-le config` will automatically create the volume but if you are using docker-compose or creating your own docker container you must create a persistent volume called `certificates`. Lets Encrypt have hard limits (5 per day) on the no. of certificates you can acquire so if you don't have a persistent volume you will very quickly breach this limit. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://nginxle.onepub.dev/certificate-management/certificate-volume.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.