An EV SSL Certificate provides the highest level of security and trust, its full name is an Extended Validation SSL Certificate. Obtaining one goes beyond simply verifying the domain name and ownership; these certificates require comprehensive validation, ensuring the company or organisation applying for one has undergone several thorough identity checks.
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Documentation Required for an EV SSL Certificate
To apply for an EV SSL, the following documentation is typically required by the Certificate Authority (CA):
- EV Subscriber Agreement: The applicant must complete, sign, and submit this agreement, which is a legal contract between the applicant and the CA.
- EV Authorisation Form: A signed form authorising the CA to issue the certificate for the website.
- Company D-U-N-S Number: A unique nine-digit identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet. If unavailable, alternative documentation, like a letter of attestation from a notary, accountant, or attorney, can be provided.
- Articles of Incorporation: The founding document that establishes the company as a separate legal entity.
- Business License: A document that proves the business is operational and legally permitted to conduct business.
- DBA (Doing Business As) Registration: This is required if the business operates under a name different from the registered company name.
- Partnership Documentation: Proof of shared ownership if multiple individuals or entities own the business.
- Sole Proprietorship Documentation: Proof of ownership if an individual owns the business.
Additional documents may be required if the organisation is less than a year old or if specific agreements from your EV SSL provider need to be signed.
For more information about other types of SSL certificates, or if you have questions about whether you should purchase an EV SSL Certificate or another type, please contact our Sales Team at Domains.co.za. They’ll help guide you through the options.
Additional Information
What is an EV SSL Certificate?
An Extended Validation SSL (EV SSL) Certificate is a high-assurance digital certificate that provides the highest level of validation and identity verification, ensuring the website is authentic and trustworthy.
Like other SSL certificates, it verifies that the applicant owns the domain. However, it meticulously verifies the legal existence and identity of the organization applying for the certificate. This often involves checking official records and other sources. The checks also confirm that the organisation is actively operating and has a physical presence.
This validation process results in a green address bar in a visitor’s browser or displaying the organization’s name and the CA. This visual cue assures users that the website is legitimate and that their sensitive information will be encrypted and protected. This is particularly important for websites that handle sensitive information, such as ecommerce platforms or financial institutions.
To obtain an EV SSL, applicants must submit documentation verifying the entity’s website domain and owner and their legal, physical, and operational existence. The CA will also verify the following information:
- The entity’s compliance with the CA/Browser Forum’s EV Guidelines.
- The legal, physical, and operational existence of the entity.
- The identity of the entity’s officers and directors.
- The entity’s right to use the domain name listed in the Certificate.
- The entity’s exclusive right to use the EV SSL Certificate.
Other types of SSLs besides EV SSL Certificates, are the two other common types below, as well as Wildcard SSLs for subdomains:
DV SSL Certificates – Domain Validated
These offer the most basic level of validation and are typically the least expensive. The CA only verifies that the applicant owns the domain name, and the process is usually automated and quick, often taking just minutes. DV Certificates and provide encryption and the HTTPS prefix in the address bar with a padlock icon.
OV SSL Certificates –Organization Validated
These certificates provide a step up from DV Certificates. The CA verifies the domain name and validates the organisation applying for the certificate. This usually involves checking business registration details and confirming their existence. OV Certificates display the organisation’s name within the certificate details; They are a good choice for businesses that want more online credibility but don’t require an EV certificate. The validation process takes longer than for DV certificates, usually between one to three business days.
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