A DV SSL (Domain Validation) certificate only verifies that you control the domain. It needs no documents, is issued within minutes and is enough for most websites.
- Encryption strength is the same for DV, OV and EV; the difference is what is validated.
- DV validates only the domain; OV and EV also validate company details.
Certificate types compared
| Type | What is validated? | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DV | Domain ownership | Minutes | Blogs, company sites, small shops |
| OV | Domain + the company exists | 1–3 business days | Companies, online shops, membership sites |
| EV | Domain + company, detailed review | 3–7 business days | Banks, finance and large online shops |
When is DV SSL enough?
- Personal blogs, company and small business websites
- Sites with a contact form
- Test and development environments
With OV and EV certificates, company details appear in the certificate details when you click the padlock. DV certificates only show the domain.
To get a DV certificate: How do I get a DV SSL certificate?
