About Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates

About Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates

Zane Lucas

An Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate is the most thoroughly checked type of SSL Certificate. Before issuing one, the Certificate Authority (CA) verifies the legal identity of the organization behind the website, not just control of the domain. That deeper check is what sets it apart.

The encryption itself is the same as any other modern SSL Certificate. An Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate does not encrypt more strongly than a Domain Validation (DV) or Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificate. The difference is the identity work behind it. Learn About Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates 🔗

What the Validation Confirms

For an Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate, the Certificate Authority (CA) checks that the organization is a real, registered legal entity and that it is the party requesting the SSL Certificate. This follows a defined industry procedure and takes longer than a domain-only check.

The verified organization details are written into the SSL Certificate itself. Anyone inspecting the SSL Certificate can see the confirmed legal name and location of the business. Learn About SSL Certificate Validation 🔗

The Modern Trust Indicators

Older browsers once showed a green address bar with the company name for an Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate. Major browsers removed that prominent display some years ago, so there is no longer a green bar to look for.

Today the verified identity sits in the SSL Certificate details rather than in the address bar. The value of an Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate now lies in the recorded legal identity and the depth of the check, which some sectors and partners still require.

Where an Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate Fits

An Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate suits organizations that want their confirmed legal identity recorded in the SSL Certificate, such as financial services, large retailers, and businesses with compliance obligations.

It is available as a Single Site or Multi-Domain SSL Certificate, but not as a wildcard, since Extended Validation (EV) is not offered on wildcard coverage. Explore the Trustico® Extended Validation (EV) Range 🔗

Obtaining and Installing One

Ordering starts with a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) generated on your server, after which the organization verification is completed with the Certificate Authority (CA). Because that verification is more involved, allow extra time compared with a Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificate.

Once issued, the SSL Certificate is installed like any other, together with its Private Key and the intermediate files that complete the chain. Learn About SSL Certificate Installation 🔗

Keeping It Current

An Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate is issued for a fixed period and must be replaced before it expires to avoid a lapse in cover. The organization details are confirmed again for each new term.

A reissue remains free during the life of the SSL Certificate, for a Private Key change or a configuration move, and keeps the same verified identity. Learn About the Reissue Process 🔗

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Most Popular Questions

Frequently asked questions covering Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates, what the validation confirms, the modern trust indicators, where they fit, and how to order, install, and maintain one.

What Sets an Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate Apart?

An Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate is the most thoroughly checked type, because the Certificate Authority (CA) verifies the legal identity of the organization behind the website, not just control of the domain. That deeper identity check is what sets it apart.

Does an Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate Encrypt More Strongly?

The encryption is the same as any other modern SSL Certificate, so an Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate does not encrypt more strongly than a Domain Validation (DV) or Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificate. The difference is the identity work behind it, not the strength of the connection.

What Does the Validation Confirm?

The Certificate Authority (CA) checks that the organization is a real, registered legal entity and that it is the party requesting the SSL Certificate. This follows a defined industry procedure and takes longer than a domain-only check.

Where Do the Verified Details Appear?

The verified organization details are written into the SSL Certificate itself. Anyone inspecting the SSL Certificate can see the confirmed legal name and location of the business.

What Happened to the Green Address Bar?

Older browsers once showed a green address bar with the company name, but major browsers removed that prominent display some years ago. Today the verified identity sits in the SSL Certificate details rather than in the address bar.

Where Does an Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate Fit Best?

It suits organizations that want their confirmed legal identity recorded in the SSL Certificate, such as financial services, large retailers, and businesses with compliance obligations. The value now lies in the recorded legal identity and the depth of the check.

Can a Wildcard Carry Extended Validation (EV)?

An Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate is available as a Single Site or Multi-Domain SSL Certificate, but not as a wildcard. Extended Validation (EV) is not offered on wildcard coverage.

How Does Someone Order an Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate?

Ordering starts with a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) generated on your server, after which the organization verification is completed with the Certificate Authority (CA). Because that verification is more involved, allow extra time compared with a Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificate.

How Does Installation Work?

Once issued, the SSL Certificate is installed like any other, together with its Private Key and the intermediate files that complete the chain. The process is the same as for any modern SSL Certificate.

How Should Someone Keep One Current?

An Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate is issued for a fixed period and must be replaced before it expires, with the organization details confirmed again for each new term. A reissue remains free during the life of the SSL Certificate and keeps the same verified identity.

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