#### Help Me Choose The Right Type of Certificate

While the need for online security is universal, not all SSL Certificates are created equal. The guide below is designed to help you decide which type of certificate is right for you.

#### Domain Validation (DV)
- Verifies ownership and control of the domain name only
- Issued in minutes
- Maintains browser compliance

Ideal for non-critical web pages

Think of DV like getting a library card—no confirmation of who you really are, very minimal requirements to obtain and issued very quickly.

[Browse Domain Validation Certificates](/content/whmc/index.php?rp=/store/ssl-certificates/go/dv/index.html)

#### Organization Validation (OV)
- Enhanced validation including authenticating the identity of the applicant
- Issued within one day
- Maintains browser compliance

Ideal for more sensitive webpages such as login pages

Think of OV like getting a driver’s license—more hoops to jump through than a library card but more trusted as a form of identification.

[Browse Organization Validation Certificates](/content/whmc/index.php?rp=/store/ssl-certificates/go/ov/index.html)

#### Extended Validation (EV)
- Standards-based approach to authentication, representing the highest level of authentication for SSL Certificates
- Typically issued within 1-3 days
- Maintains browser and other industry compliance

Ideal for sensitive webpages including ecommerce, online banking, account signups

Think of EV like getting a passport—much more stringent processes, longer lead times and more verification of who you are than with a library card or driver’s license. Recognized internationally as the most trusted way to verify your identity.

[Browse Extended Validation Certificates](/content/whmc/index.php?rp=/store/ssl-certificates/go/ev/index.html)

#### Multi-Year SSL Certificates

Multi-year certificates allow you to pay a single discounted price for two or three years of SSL certificate coverage. When you purchase a multi-year SSL certificate, you lock in a single price for up to 3 years of coverage.

Initially, you will receive a certificate that is valid for the Certificate Authority Browser Forum's maximum allowed term (1 year and 1 month) with the right to unlimited certificate reissues during the order period.

Automated reissuance will occur automatically throughout the term to ensure continued protection for your website.

### Benefits
- Enjoy increasing discounts for each year of coverage that you purchase.
- Remove the hassle of annual billing.
- Annual validation. Yearly validation of identity in shorter validity certificates prevents potential fraud and spoofing.

#### What is an SSL Certificate?

SSL Certificates enable data encryption on the internet and allow data to be transmitted securely from a web server to a browser. With SSL, your website can use the https protocol and will display a padlock in end users web browsers to indicate the connection is secure.

#### Why do I need an SSL Certificate?

SSL Certificates are an essential part of the internet. They not only encrypt communication between your computer and the server where a website is located, but they also provide verification that a site is what it claims to be.

#### What are the different types of SSL?

There are 3 different levels of vetting that SSL Certificates are based upon. Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), and Extended Validation (EV). The major difference between the types of certificate relates to the information the Certificate Authority requires and validates in order to issue a certificate. The higher levels of certificate require more information, and often is displayed in the browser bar. EV SSL for example turns the browser bar green and displays the organization name to visitors to generate more trust.

#### What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?

A Wildcard SSL certificate provides the same encryption and authentication features as other SSL certificates but can also be applied to an unlimited number of subdomains of a website. A Wildcard SSL certificate supports the root domain (example.com) as well as its subdomains. [Learn more](/content/whmc/index.php?rp=/store/ssl-certificates/go/wildcard/index.html)

#### What are the advantages of an EV SSL Certificate?

EV or Extended Validation certificates are the highest class of SSL available and give the most credibility and trust to your website. EV assures consumers that their personal and financial information is protected at the highest levels of authentication. Additional verifications are performed, such as corporate agency record checks, applicant contact info, and whether the business has existed for a minimum of 3 years. EV certificates are best suited for business-critical webpages.