What is Certificate Validation Type?

Certificate Validation Type refers to the level of identity verification performed by a Certificate Authority (CA) before issuing an SSL/TLS certificate. This verification process determines how thoroughly the CA validates the certificate applicant’s identity and authority over the domain, with different validation types offering varying levels of assurance and trust.

Types of Certificate Validation

There are three primary validation types, each with different verification requirements:

Domain Validation (DV): Basic validation confirming domain control only
Organization Validation (OV): Enhanced validation including business identity verification
Extended Validation (EV): Highest level validation with comprehensive legal entity verification
Code Signing: Specialized validation for software publishers and developers

Choosing the Right Validation Type

The appropriate validation type depends on your website’s purpose, audience expectations, and security requirements. Higher validation levels provide greater user trust but require more documentation and longer issuance times. Most websites use DV certificates for basic encryption, while e-commerce and financial sites often choose OV or EV certificates for enhanced credibility.