SSL certificates come in three validation levels: domain validation (DV), organisation validation (OV) and extended validation (EV). All three encrypt traffic with the same strength; they differ only in how much the certificate authority checks about who you are. For most websites a free DV certificate is all you need, and almost every Domain India hosting plan includes one.
This page compares the certificate types. For how certificates work, lifetimes, installation and common errors, read the complete guide to SSL certificates.
DV proves you control the domain and is issued in minutes, often free. OV also checks that your organisation is real, and EV checks it in the most depth. Browsers show the same padlock for all three and the encryption is identical. Domain India doesn't sell SSL certificates: hosting includes a free DV certificate, and an OV or EV certificate bought from a certificate authority can be installed on your hosting.
1. The three validation levels
| Level | What the certificate authority checks | Typical issue time | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DV (domain validated) | That you control the domain, by a DNS record, a file on the site or an email | Minutes | Almost every website, blog, shop and web app |
| OV (organisation validated) | The domain, plus your organisation's registration details | Usually a few working days | When a bank, payment partner or tender asks for verified company details |
| EV (extended validation) | The domain, plus a deeper check of the organisation's legal and physical existence | Longer, with more paperwork | When a partner or regulator specifically requires EV |
Browsers no longer show a green bar or the company name in the address bar for EV. Visitors see the same padlock for DV, OV and EV; the organisation details appear only if someone opens the certificate.
2. Coverage: single, multi-domain and wildcard
Validation level is one choice; how many names the certificate covers is another.
- Single name: one hostname, such as
example.in. Most DV certificates also includewww. - Multi-domain (SAN): a list of hostnames in one certificate.
- Wildcard: every first-level subdomain, such as
*.example.in. Issuing one needs a DNS check.
On cPanel, AutoSSL covers each domain and subdomain on your account that points at the server, so you rarely need a wildcard.
3. Which one should you choose?
- Start with DV.It is free on your hosting and trusted by every current browser.
- Choose OV only when someone asks for it.A bank, payment gateway, partner or tender document is the usual reason.
- Choose EV only when it is explicitly required.It costs more and takes longer, and visitors won't see a difference.
A paid OV or EV certificate encrypts traffic no better than a free DV one. You pay for the identity checks and any warranty, not for security.
4. SSL on Domain India hosting
Domain India does not sell SSL certificates of any type. Almost every hosting plan includes a free Let's Encrypt DV certificate: it is issued and renewed automatically on cPanel (AutoSSL) and DirectAdmin, and you request it once in Plesk. See how to enable free SSL. If you need OV or EV, buy it from a certificate authority, generate the CSR in your control panel (how to generate a CSR) and install it there.
What is the difference between DV, OV and EV SSL?
DV proves control of the domain only. OV also verifies the organisation's registration details, and EV verifies the organisation in the most depth. All three give the same encryption and the same padlock in the browser.
Is a free DV certificate secure enough for an online shop?
Yes. A free DV certificate encrypts payments and logins exactly as strongly as OV or EV. Choose OV or EV only when a payment partner or tender requires verified company details.
Does EV still show a green bar?
No. Current browsers show the same padlock for DV, OV and EV. The organisation name appears only in the certificate details.
Does Domain India sell OV or EV certificates?
No. Domain India does not sell SSL certificates. Almost every hosting plan includes a free DV certificate, and an OV or EV certificate you buy from a certificate authority can be installed on your hosting.
Ready to secure your site? Read the complete SSL guide, check your certificate from My Hosting, or open a ticket if the free certificate won't issue.
Tell us the domain and what your bank, partner or tender asks for, and our support team will explain whether the free certificate is enough.
Open a support ticket