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Types of SSL certificates: DV, OV, EV and wildcard

All types give the same encryption. They differ in how much the company checks you and which names are covered.

By checking level

• DV (Domain Validation): only proves you control the domain. Fast, cheap, fine for most sites.
• OV (Organisation Validation): also checks your business. Shows the company name in certificate details.
• EV (Extended Validation): the strictest checks. Suited to banks and big shops.

By coverage

• Single domain: one name, for example www.example.com.
• Wildcard: all subdomains, for example *.example.com.
• Multi-domain (SAN): several different domains in one certificate.

What to pick

A blog or small business: DV. A company that wants to show its name: OV. Many subdomains: wildcard.

See prices on the SSL page. Basics: what is SSL.

More in Domains and SSL

• What is a domain name and how does it work?
• How to point your domain to your hosting
• DNS records explained: A, CNAME, MX and TXT
• How to transfer a domain to us
• What is an EPP code (auth code)?

Still stuck? Open a support ticket.