What are SSL Authentication Levels?
SSL certificates are offered in three different levels of validation: DV (Domain Validation), OV (Organization Validation) and EV (Extended Validation).
DV (Domain Validation) SSL Certificate
DV SSL Features
- Verification time: Within minutes (5-15 minutes)
- Verification method: Email, DNS record or HTTP file verification
- Encryption: 256-bit
- In certificate details:Only domain name information is visible
Who is DV SSL Suitable for?
- Personal blogs and portfolio sites
- Informational websites
- Development and testing environments
OV (Organization Validation) SSL Certificate
OV SSL Features
- Verification time: 1-3 business days
- Verification method:Incorporation documents, phone verification, official registration check
- Encryption: 256-bit
- In the certificate details:Company name, address and country information appear
Who is OV SSL Suitable for?
- Corporate websites
- Small and medium-sized e-commerce sites
- Government and public institutions
EV (Extended Validation) SSL Certificate
EV SSL Features
- Verification time: 3-7 business days
- Verification method:Comprehensive organization verification, legal document check
- Encryption: 256-bit
- In certificate details:Full organization information
Who is EV SSL Suitable for?
- Large scale e-commerce platforms
- Banking and financial institutions
- Sites that process payments
DV vs OV vs EV: Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | DV SSL | OV SSL | EV SSL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verification Level | Domain name only | Domain + Organization | Domain + Organization + Extended |
| Delivery Time | 5-15 minutes | 1-3 business days | 3-7 business days |
| Encryption Strength | 256-bit | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Wildcard Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Guarantee Amount | Varies by product | Varies by product | Varies by product |
| Ideal Use | Blog, personal site | Corporate, SME | E-commerce, finance |
Is the Encryption Strength the Same?
Yes! DV, OV, and EV SSL certificates have exactly the same encryption strength. They all use 256-bit encryption. The difference is in authentication level.
Which SSL Certificate Should You Choose?
Choose DV SSL if:
- If you want quick installation
- If you have a personal or informational site
- If you have a limited budget
Choose OV SSL if:
- If you have a corporate website
- If you want to show your corporate identity to your customers
Choose EV SSL if:
- If you are making online payment transactions
- If you want the most thorough verification of your organization's identity
To choose the SSL certificate that best suits your needs, check out our products or consult our expert team.
