SSL certificate types: DV, OV and EV

When it comes to website security, the first thing that comes to mind is an SSL certificate. But did you know that not all SSL certificates are created equal? Choosing between the types of SSL certificates can have a direct impact on user trust, SEO rankings, and even sales conversion rates. In this article, we aim to explain in simple language with practical examples the differences between the three main types of certificates—Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV)—and help you understand which one is best suited for your website.

Many people assume that any padlock they see in the browser address bar means complete security. But the reality is that the level of validation behind that padlock can range from a simple domain check to a multi-day legal process. In the following sections, we will examine each type in detail.

What is an SSL certificate and why does the validation level matter?

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital file that verifies the identity of a website and encrypts the connection between the user's browser and the server. But here's the key point: an SSL certificate only provides encryption, not identity validation. That validation is performed by a Certificate Authority (CA), and its level determines which type of SSL certificate you are dealing with.

The main difference between DV, OV, and EV lies in the amount of checks the CA performs before issuing the certificate. These checks determine what information the browser displays to the user and what level of assurance it conveys.

Why does the validation level affect user trust?

Modern browsers like Chrome and Firefox no longer display a green address bar for EV, but they still show the organization's name next to the padlock. This visual difference, along with the difference in the issuance process, makes professional users and large organizations trust higher-level certificates more.

DV (Domain Validation) Certificates; Fast and Affordable for Small Websites

DV certificates are the simplest and most common type among SSL certificate types. In this method, the CA only verifies that you own the domain. This verification is usually done through one of the following three methods:

• Sending an email to the admin address registered in the domain's WHOIS
• Placing a specific text file in the website's root directory (HTTP File Validation)
• Adding a TXT record in the domain's DNS settings

The DV issuance process typically takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, which is why it is so popular. For example, if you use Let's Encrypt, you can obtain a DV certificate in less than 5 minutes using the certbot tool:

sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-apache
sudo certbot --apache -d example.com -d www.example.com

This command automatically places the validation file on your server and issues the certificate.

Pros and Cons of DV Certificates

• Advantage: Fast issuance, low cost (even free with Let's Encrypt), easy installation
• Advantage: Suitable for blogs, personal websites, and test projects
• Disadvantage: Displays no information about the organization behind the website
• Disadvantage: Does not generate sufficient trust for online stores and corporate websites

OV (Organization Validation) Certificates; A Balance Between Trust and Speed

OV certificates sit one step above DV. In this type, in addition to verifying domain ownership, the CA also verifies the existence and legitimacy of the requesting organization. This verification includes the following:

1. Checking the company's registration documents with official authorities (such as company registration in Iran or Companies House in the UK)
2. Calling the organization's official phone number to confirm the request
3. Verifying the physical address and contact information on the organization's website

The OV issuance process usually takes between 1 to 3 business days. Once issued, the browser displays the organization's name next to the padlock. For example, if you click on the padlock on Bank Mellat's website, you will see the phrase "Bank Mellat," indicating the use of an OV or EV certificate.

Who should choose OV?

OV certificates are a good choice for organizations that want to show their identity to users but do not need the complex EV process. This type of certificate is especially recommended for:

• Medium and large companies with official websites
• B2B websites that need to build trust with corporate clients
• Cloud services and hosting providers that process user data

If your website has a registration form, user login, or online payment, OV is a more reasonable option than DV. Users feel more secure when they see your organization's name in the address bar.

EV (Extended Validation) Certificates; The Highest Level of Trust

EV certificates offer the highest level of validation among SSL certificate types. The EV issuance process is very strict and involves deep legal and financial checks. The CA must verify the following:

• The legal existence of the organization in official registries
• The organization's legal right to use the domain in question
• The real and active physical address of the organization
• Final approval by a responsible authority within the organization (such as the CEO or CTO)

This process can take between 3 to 7 business days and requires submitting multiple documents such as official gazette notices, certificate of incorporation, and identity documents. As a result, EV prices are significantly higher than DV and OV.

Is EV still worth it?

In the past, browsers turned the address bar green for EV. However, since 2019, Chrome and Firefox have removed this feature and only display the organization's name as text. Nevertheless, EV still offers important benefits:

• Displays the full organization name in the address bar, which is critical for banks and financial institutions
• Reduces the likelihood of phishing attacks, as attackers cannot easily obtain an EV certificate for a fake domain
• Increases conversion rates for large online stores; research has shown users trust EV-enabled websites more

Comparison Table of SSL Certificate Types

For better decision-making, here is a summary of the key differences in the table below:

Please note that prices are approximate and will vary depending on the CA and the validity period (1 or 2 years).

Which Type of SSL Certificate Is Right for Your Website?

The answer to this question depends on several factors. Here is a practical guide based on website type:

Personal Blog or Portfolio Website

If your website is purely informational and does not collect any sensitive data from users, a DV certificate using Let's Encrypt is the best choice. Not only is it free, but it also renews automatically. All you need is to set up a cron job:

0 0 * * * certbot renew --quiet

Online Store or Website with Payment Gateway

For online stores, at least an OV certificate is recommended. If your store has a well-known brand or high transaction volume, EV can increase conversion rates. Remember that Iranian payment gateways like Shaparak usually require an SSL certificate, but they do not mandate a specific type.

Corporate and Organizational Website

For corporate websites that want to show their identity to customers, OV is a smart choice. This type of certificate strikes a good balance between cost and trust. If your company operates in the financial, legal, or healthcare sectors, consider EV.

Cloud Services and APIs

If you provide an API service or user panel used by other developers, DV is sufficient. Developers typically do not pay attention to the certificate's content and only care that it is valid.

Common Mistakes in Choosing and Installing SSL Certificates

Finally, let's point out a few common mistakes that can jeopardize your website's security:

• Using self-signed certificates: These certificates are flagged as insecure by browsers and trigger warnings for users. Never use this type for a public website.
• Incomplete certificate chain installation: If you do not install the Intermediate Certificate, some browsers will show a validation error. Always install the ca-bundle file along with the main certificate.
• Failure to renew on time: Expired certificates cause security warnings and can hurt your SEO rankings. Plan for automatic renewal.
• Choosing an EV certificate for a small website: The high cost of EV is not economically justified for a small blog. Choose based on your needs, not just for show.

Ultimately, the choice between types of SSL certificates should be based on your actual needs, not marketing hype. If you are unsure, you can start with a DV and later upgrade to OV; this process is usually done without service interruption. Web hosting services like ServerNet typically offer free DV certificate installation in the user panel, which can be a great starting point.

We hope this guide has helped you gain a clearer perspective on the types of SSL certificates. If you have any questions about choosing the right type, feel free to ask in the comments section, and we will respond as quickly as possible.