Connect securely. Grow together.Automate your SSL workflows with the API
CERTIFICATE SELECTION

DV, OV or EV: which validation is right for you?

Compare validation levels based on your needs.

Identify your need first

Validating domain control and validating an organization’s identity are different needs. Base your choice on how your website is used, your organization’s requirements and your customers’ expectations.

DV: domain control

With a DV application, you prove control of the domain. It can be a good fit for web projects that don’t also need organization identity validation. The validation method and available options depend on the certificate authority.

OV: organization identity

In addition to domain control, OV includes a review of the organization’s legal existence. Keeping your application details consistent with official records helps the process go smoothly.

EV: extended review

EV requires a more detailed review of the organization and the applicant’s authority. Different validation levels can work with the same TLS technology; choosing EV is not a promise of a green address bar or stronger encryption.

Technical resourceDigiCert — Differences between DV, OV and EV

For product-specific requirements, follow the order screen and the current instructions from the relevant certificate authority.

Back to all guides