Types of SSL Certificates: Compare DV, OV & EV for Your Website’s Security  

Key highlights 

• Different SSL certificate types offer varying levels of security validation and domain coverage. 
• Matching certificate type to your website’s purpose ensures optimal security without overspending. 
• Higher validation levels provide increasing trust signals but require more verification. 
• Domain coverage options determine how many websites you can protect. 
• Bluehost offers seamless SSL integration regardless of which type of SSL certificate you choose. 

SSL certificates are digital security essentials for every website. They encrypt data between your site and your visitor’s browser to stop hackers from stealing passwords, credit card details and personal information. 

Today, SSL is no longer optional. Browsers like Chrome and Firefox show security warnings when a site lacks it. These warnings scare users away – hurting your trust and traffic. 

But here’s what many site owners miss: there are different types of SSL certificates. Each type offers a specific level of protection and identity verification. 

The problem? Many website owners pick the wrong type. They either pay too much for features they don’t need, or they choose too little protection for their business. 

This guide shows you exactly which SSL certificate fits your website. You’ll save money and keep your visitors safe. 

But first, let’s make sure you understand the basics. 

What is an SSL certificate and what does it do? 

A Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate creates a secure connection between your website and your visitors’ browsers. Think of it as a digital ID card that verifies your website’s identity while establishing an encrypted connection that protects all exchanged information. 

When you install an SSL certificate on your website, it enables the HTTPS protocol (that’s the “https://” at the beginning of web addresses) and activates the padlock icon in browsers. These visual indicators show visitors that your site is secure and trustworthy. 

The primary functions of SSL certificates include: 

• Encrypting data transmitted between visitors and your website 
• Verifying your website’s identity to visitors 
• Preventing data theft and unauthorized access 
• Building visitor trust through visible security indicators 
• Improving search engine rankings (Google favors secure sites) 

How do you know when a website is using SSL? 

The most obvious sign of SSL protection appears in your web browser’s address bar. Several visual elements indicate that a website has properly implemented SSL security. 

Look for these SSL indicators: 

• HTTPS prefix before the domain name (instead of HTTP) 
• Padlock icon in the address bar 
• Company name in the address bar (with EV certificates in some browsers) 
• Green text or highlights (in some older browser versions) 
• No security warnings or “Not Secure” messages 

The padlock icon serves as the universal symbol for secure connections. When you see this icon in your browser’s address bar, it confirms that the website has a valid SSL certificate and your connection is encrypted. 

You can examine any website’s SSL certificate details for more information about its security credentials. This inspection reveals who issued the certificate, when it expires and what level of validation was performed. 

To check certificate details: 

1. Click the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar
2. Select “Certificate” or “Connection is secure”
3. Review the certificate information, including:
   • Issuing Certificate Authority (CA)
   • Valid dates and expiration
   • Domain name coverage
   • Validation level
   • Encryption strength

Browsers also alert you when something’s wrong with a website’s SSL implementation. These warnings signal potential security risks that deserve caution. 

Also read: How to Get an SSL Certificate (Free or Paid) for WordPress in 2025 

With these visual indicators in mind, let us now explore the different types of SSL certificates available for your website’s security needs. 

What are the main types of SSL certificates? 

Different types of SSL certificates are available, each designed for specific security needs and website configurations. The following table breaks down the key differences between Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV) and Extended Validation (EV) certificates: 

Validation type	Validation process	Issuance time	Best for
Domain Validation	Email or file verification	Minutes to hours	Blogs, personal sites
Organization Validation	Business verification	1-3 days	Business websites
Extended Validation	Legal verification	1-7 days	eCommerce, banking

As you can see from the comparison, each validation level serves different website needs and security requirements. Higher validation levels require more verification but provide stronger trust signals for your visitors. Your choice should align with your website’s purpose and the sensitivity of the data you collect. 

Let us now cover each type in detail: 

1. Domain Validation SSL certificates 

DV certificates represent the most basic level of validation. They verify only one thing: that you control the domain you’re securing. You typically prove domain ownership through email verification or by uploading a specific file to your web server. The entire process wraps up quickly – often in just minutes to a few hours. 

When visitors land on your DV-secured site, they’ll see the familiar padlock icon in their browser, indicating a secure connection. However, domain validated certificates don’t verify anything about who’s behind the website.  

Key characteristics of DV SSL certificates: 

• Verify domain ownership only 
• Fastest issuance (minutes to hours) 
• Lowest cost option 
• Standard padlock security indicator 
• No organization identity verification 

Use cases: 

• Personal blogs and hobby websites 
• Informational sites not collecting sensitive data 
• Test and development environments 

2. Organization Validation SSL certificates 

Moving up the security ladder, Organization Validation (OV) certificates add an important layer of verification. In addition to confirming domain ownership, the CA also checks your organization’s details – verifying your business address, phone number and legal status in the process. 

This more thorough verification typically takes 1-3 days to complete. The extra steps result in certificates that display your verified organization information when visitors inspect the certificate details. This added layer of legitimacy makes organization-validated certificates well-suited for business websites where establishing trust matters to your customers. 

Also read: Website Security Protection for Small Businesses 

Key characteristics of OV SSL certificates: 

• Verify both domain control and organization existence 
• Moderate issuance time (1-3 days) 
• Mid-range pricing 
• Organization details included in certificate 
• Enhanced trust compared to DV certificates 

Use cases: 

• Business websites and corporate online presence 
• Membership sites collecting user information 
• eCommerce stores with moderate transaction volume 

3. Extended Validation certificates 

At the top tier of SSL security sit Extended Validation (EV) certificates, which involve the most comprehensive verification process available. The CA conducts a thorough examination of your business, checking registration documents, physical location and legal existence through official records. 

This exhaustive process typically takes 1-7 days but results in the highest level of validation possible. When visitors check your certificate details, they see complete verification of your organization’s identity, providing maximum confidence in your website’s legitimacy. 

Key characteristics of EV SSL certificates: 

• Most rigorous identity verification process 
• Longest issuance time (1-7 days) 
• Premium pricing 
• Organization name visible in certificate details 
• Highest trust signals for visitors 

Use cases: 

• Financial institutions and banking websites 
• High-volume eCommerce platforms 
• Healthcare providers handling sensitive patient data 

Your visitors expect different levels of verification depending on what your website does. This is why most hosting providers offer multiple certificate options, but implementation complexity often becomes a barrier for website owners. 

This is where Bluehost’s approach to SSL certificates stands out. We provide free SSL certificates from Let’s Encrypt with every hosting plan. These certificates offer strong encryption for blogs, portfolios and small business websites. You can secure your site with just a few clicks through your Bluehost dashboard. 

Get secure hosting with free SSL certificates included in every Bluehost plan. Start building your protected website today. 

While validation levels are one way to categorize different types of SSL certificates, another important classification is based on domain coverage. 

How do SSL certificates differ by domain coverage? 

Beyond validation levels, the types of SSL certificates also differ in how many websites they can protect. The domain coverage of an SSL certificate determines how many websites or subdomains it can protect. Your choice depends on your website structure, future growth plans and management preferences. 

Here’s how the three main coverage types compare: 

Coverage type	Protects	Example	Ideal for	Management complexity
Single Domain	One domain only	[example].com	Simple websites	Low
Wildcard	Main domain + all subdomains	[example].com	Sites with multiple sections	Medium
Multi-Domain	Multiple different domains	[example].com, [example].org	Businesses with several websites	Medium-high

This comparison highlights how your website structure should guide your certificate selection. Let’s cover each domain coverage certificates in detail: 

1. Single Domain SSL certificates 

As their name suggests, Single Domain certificates protect exactly one website domain or subdomain. If you secure “[example].com,” that certificate won’t cover “shop.[example].com” or any other domain variation. It’s a one-domain, one-certificate relationship. 

These certificates provide a straightforward and cost-effective solution when you have just one website to secure. Since they cover the minimum necessary, they typically come at the lowest price point among coverage options. 

For many website owners, a Single Domain certificate provides all the protection needed without paying for unnecessary coverage.  

Key characteristics of Single Domain certificates: 

• Protect one domain or subdomain 
• Cannot cover additional domains 
• Most affordable certificate option 
• Straightforward implementation 
• Specific, targeted protection 

Use cases: 

• Small business websites with one domain 
• Personal websites and portfolios 
• Professional service sites (lawyers, consultants) 

2. Wildcard SSL certificates 

Wildcard certificates offer much greater flexibility by protecting your main domain and all its first-level subdomains. A certificate for “*.[example].com” automatically covers “shop.[example].com,” “blog.[example].com,” and any other subdomain you might create at that level. 

This versatility allows you to add new subdomains without purchasing additional certificates. For growing websites that frequently expand with new sections or services, Wildcard certificates provide both convenience and cost savings. You’re essentially future-proofing your security setup against expansion. 

Also read: How To Create A Subdomain 

Key characteristics of Wildcard certificates: 

• Cover unlimited first-level subdomains 
• Single certificate for multiple sites 
• Higher initial cost than Single Domain 
• More cost-effective with many subdomains 
• Simplified certificate management 

Use cases: 

• Growing websites adding new sections 
• eCommerce stores with product category subdomains 
• Educational sites with department subdomains 

3. Multi-Domain SSL certificates 

Multi-Domain certificates (also called Subject Alternative Name or SAN certificates) take flexibility even further by protecting multiple domain names with one certificate. A single certificate can secure completely separate domains like “[example].com,” “[example].org,” and “[example].net.” 

These certificates are the ultimate solution for businesses managing several distinct websites. Instead of juggling multiple certificates with different renewal dates and management requirements, you handle everything through one comprehensive certificate. You can typically secure up to 250 different domains, depending on your provider. 

Key characteristics of Multi-Domain certificates: 

• Protect multiple unrelated domains 
• Typically cover 3-250 domains (varies by provider) 
• Highest initial cost but economical for multiple sites 
• Centralized management of all domains 
• Single renewal date for all secured websites 

Use cases: 

• Businesses with multiple brand websites 
• Digital agencies managing client websites 
• Organizations with country-specific domains (.com, .co.uk, etc.) 

Also read: How to Set Up an SSL Certificate for Website Security 

What specialized SSL certificates should you know about? 

Specialized digital certificates expand beyond website protection to secure other important digital assets and communications. Let’s explore these unique certificate types and their specific applications. 

1. Code Signing SSL certificates 

When you download software, how do you know it’s safe? That’s where Code Signing certificates come in. Unlike website SSL certificates that secure data transmission, Code Signing certificates verify the identity of software publishers and guarantee their code hasn’t been tampered with. 

Key benefits of Code Signing certificates include: 

• Verification of software publisher identity 
• Confirmation that code hasn’t been modified since signing 
• Elimination of security warnings during installation 
• Increased user trust and download confidence 
• Protection against malware insertion in distribution 

When developers sign their applications with these certificates, users receive verification of who created the software. More importantly, the signature confirms the code hasn’t been modified since its creation – no malware insertions or other malicious changes. 

Also read: How to Remove Malware From WordPress Site 

This verification creates crucial trust between developers and users. When you see that security prompt confirming a program comes from a verified publisher, that’s a Code Signing certificate at work. For software companies, these certificates transform anonymous code into trusted applications that users feel confident installing. 

2. Unified Communications Certificates 

Unified Communications Certificates (UCC) are specialized Multi-Domain certificates designed specifically for Microsoft Exchange and Office Communications environments. These certificates secure multiple domain names while providing seamless compatibility with communication servers. 

UCC is particularly valuable for organizations with integrated email, messaging and collaboration tools.  

How UCC protects your collaboration platforms: 

• Secure multiple domains and subdomains 
• Optimized for Microsoft communication platforms 
• Support for both internal and external domain names 
• Compatible with Exchange, Skype for Business and other collaboration tools 
• Similar validation options as standard certificates (DV, OV, EV) 

3. Email/client authentication SSL certificates 

Email/client authentication certificates (sometimes called S/MIME certificates) address phishing and spoofing threats by securing email communications and verifying sender identity. 

How email/client authentication certificates protect your communications: 

• Encrypt email contents to prevent unauthorized access 
• Provide digital signatures that verify sender identity 
• Protect against email spoofing and phishing attempts 
• Enable secure sharing of sensitive information 
• Create compliance with data protection regulations 

These certificates serve two vital functions. First, they encrypt the contents of emails, ensuring that sensitive information remains private as messages travel across the internet. Second, they provide digital signatures that confirm emails truly come from the claimed sender, not an impersonator. 

Also read: Enable SMTP Authentication: Email Troubleshooting 

For businesses exchanging confidential information through email, these certificates provide essential protection. 

4. Self-signed SSL certificates 

Unlike the certificates we’ve discussed so far, self-signed certificates aren’t issued by trusted CAs. Instead, as the name suggests, they’re created and signed by the same entity using them. This fundamental difference affects how browsers and users interpret them. 

Appropriate uses for self-signed certificates: 

• Development and testing environments 
• Internal corporate networks and intranets 
• Personal projects not accessible to the public 
• Learning and educational environments 
• Temporary staging servers 

Self-signed certificates provide the same encryption capabilities as CA-issued certificates. Data transmitted between users and websites remains protected from eavesdropping. However, because no trusted third party verifies the certificate creator’s identity, browsers display warning messages when users visit sites using self-signed certificates. 

Also read: How to Install a Third-Party SSL Certificate in cPanel 

Warning: Never use self-signed certificates on public-facing production websites. The browser warnings create immediate distrust and many users will leave rather than proceed past security alerts. For any commercial website, proper CA-issued certificates remain essential for establishing visitor trust. 

Now that you understand all the SSL certificate types available, let’s focus on how to select the perfect one for your specific website needs. 

How do you choose the right SSL certificate for your website? 

With so many different types of SSL certificates available, you might think selection is challenging. However, by focusing on a few key factors, you can identify the ideal certificate for your specific situation.  

Your selection should be SSL certificates based on your specific security needs, website structure and budget considerations 

Quick decision checklist: 

• What type of website am I securing? (personal, business, eCommerce) 
• How many domains and subdomains need protection? 
• What’s my budget for website security? 
• How quickly do I need the certificate issued? 
• What level of visitor trust does my site require? 

1. Consider your website type and purpose 

The nature of your website largely determines what level of validation you need. Different websites require different levels of visitor trust, and your SSL certificate should match those requirements. 

Match your website type to the appropriate validation level: 

• Blogs and personal sites: Domain Validation 
• Business websites and professional services: Organization Validation 
• eCommerce and financial services: Extended Validation 
• Healthcare portals: Extended Validation 
• Educational resources: Domain or Organization Validation 

2. Evaluate your domain structure 

Your website’s current structure and future expansion plans should guide your choice between Single Domain, Wildcard and Multi-Domain certificates. 

Domain structure decision guide: 

• Single website with no subdomains: Single Domain certificate 
• Main domain with multiple subdomains: Wildcard certificate 
• Several different domain names: Multi-Domain certificate 
• Complex mix of domains and subdomains: Combination of Wildcard and Multi-Domain 

3. Balance security needs with budget constraints 

SSL certificates vary significantly in price based on validation level, domain coverage and CA. While security should never be compromised, finding the right balance between protection and cost makes good business sense. 

Typical price ranges and value considerations: 

• Domain Validation: $0-30/year – Best value for basic websites 
• Organization Validation: $40-100/year – Middle ground for business sites 
• Extended Validation: $100-300/year – Premium option for high-trust needs 
• Wildcard certificates: 2-5× the price of Single Domain – Cost-effective with 3+ subdomains 
• Multi-Domain certificates: Base price plus per-domain fee – Economical for multiple websites 

When evaluating costs, consider not just the certificate price but also the potential business impact. 

Disclaimer: 
SSL certificate prices and values mentioned are based on public data as of 2025 and may vary by provider, features and promotions. For the latest pricing, check with the official SSL providers or your hosting company. 

4. Factor in issuance time 

Sometimes security implementation timelines matter, particularly for new websites or those transitioning from HTTP to HTTPS. Different certificate types require varying processing periods. 

Certificate issuance timeframes: 

• Domain Validation: Minutes to hours (fastest option) 
• Organization Validation: 1-3 days (moderate processing time) 
• Extended Validation: 1-7 days (longest verification period) 
• Renewal processing: Usually faster than initial issuance 

Once you’ve determined which certificate type best suits your needs, the next important decision is where to purchase it from. This choice significantly impacts your experience. 

Also read: A Must-Have Website Security Checklist 

Why should you buy your SSL certificate from Bluehost? 

When it comes to SSL certificates, where you purchase them matters almost as much as which type you choose. While many providers sell SSL certificates, buying from your hosting company offers distinct advantages.  

Here’s why Bluehost stands out as your ideal SSL certificate provider. 

1. Seamless integration with hosting 

Purchasing your SSL certificate from Bluehost creates perfect synchronization between your hosting environment, domain and security. This integration eliminates the technical hurdles often encountered when using third-party certificates. 

Benefits of our integrated approach: 

• Automatic configuration with your hosting account 
• No manual DNS verification or technical configuration 
• Immediate compatibility with Bluehost servers 
• One dashboard for managing all website components 
• Streamlined renewal process tied to your hosting 
• No certificate signing request (CSR) generation needed 

Unlike third-party certificates that require complex installation steps, our certificates deploy with minimal effort. The system handles the technical aspects automatically, from domain verification to certificate installation. This seamless experience means your site gets secured without the technical headaches. 

For website owners without extensive technical knowledge, this simplicity is invaluable. You avoid the common pitfalls of misconfigurations that can lead to security warnings or certificate errors. With Bluehost, your certificate just works. 

2. Expert support for implementation 

Even with simplified processes, questions about SSL certificates can arise. We provide dedicated support specifically trained in certificate implementation and troubleshooting. 

How our support team helps with your SSL: 

• 24/7 availability for immediate assistance 
• Step-by-step guidance during installation 
• Troubleshooting for any certificate errors 
• Help with mixed content warnings 
• Expert advice on certificate selection 

This specialized support becomes particularly valuable when migrating existing sites to HTTPS or when dealing with complex website configurations. Instead of searching through online forums for solutions, you have direct access to knowledgeable experts who understand both certificates and the Bluehost environment. 

3. Simplified management through control panel 

Certificate management becomes remarkably straightforward with our intuitive control panel. All aspects of your SSL certificate are accessible through the same interface you use for other website management tasks. 

Management features in the Bluehost dashboard: 

• Certificate status monitoring at a glance 
• Expiration alerts and automatic renewal options 
• One-click installation for new certificates 
• Easy upgrades between certificate types 
• Simplified domain control validation 

Don’t leave your website security to chance. Explore our WordPress hosting options today and secure your online presence with confidence. 

Final thoughts 

The right SSL certificate protects data while signaling trustworthiness to visitors. Your choice should reflect your website’s purpose:  

• DV certificates for personal sites 
• OV for professional businesses 
• EV for financial or eCommerce platforms where trust directly impacts your bottom line.  

Don’t let technical complexity prevent you from securing your site properly. Bluehost transforms SSL implementation from a technical headache into a simple checkbox in your website setup. Our seamless installation, 24/7 expert support and competitive pricing make website security accessible for every site owner, regardless of technical background. 

Secure your website with Bluehost today! 

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