Types of SSL certificates (DV, OV, EV, Wildcard, Multi-domain)

Not all SSL certificates are created equal. Just like cars come in different models for different needs, SSL certificates have various types designed for specific situations. Let's break down the SSL family tree.

Domain Validated (DV): The Quick and Easy Option

DV certificates are the Honda Civic of SSL—reliable, affordable, and gets the job done. The certificate authority only checks that you control the domain (usually by sending an email or asking you to upload a file). No paperwork, no waiting around. You can get one in minutes.

Perfect for personal blogs, small businesses, or anyone who just needs basic encryption without the fuss. You'll see the lock icon, but don't expect any fancy green bars or company names in the address bar.

Organization Validated (OV): The Business Professional

Think of OV as the business suit of SSL certificates. The certificate authority actually vets your organization—checking business records, calling your office, the works. It takes a few days, but visitors can click the lock icon and see your verified company information.

Great for businesses that want customers to know they're dealing with a legitimate, verified organization. It's that extra credibility boost without breaking the bank.

Extended Validation (EV): The VIP Treatment

EV certificates are the luxury cars of SSL—expensive, prestigious, and impossible to miss. Remember those green address bars that used to show company names? That was EV in action. (Though browsers have toned down the visual cues recently.)

The vetting process is intense: legal documents, phone calls, background checks. Banks and major e-commerce sites often use EV certificates because they signal maximum trustworthiness, even if the visual indicators aren't as prominent anymore.

Wildcard: The Family Plan

A wildcard certificate is like buying insurance for your entire family with one policy. It covers your main domain and all its subdomains with a single certificate. So blog.yoursite.com, shop.yoursite.com, and mail.yoursite.com are all protected.

The asterisk (*) in *.yoursite.com is where the "wildcard" name comes from. It's cost-effective if you have multiple subdomains, though it does put all your eggs in one basket security-wise.

Multi-domain (SAN): The Overachiever

Multi-domain certificates can protect completely different domains with one certificate. Running example.com, mystore.net, and awesomeblog.org? One multi-domain certificate can cover them all.

It's like having one key that opens multiple houses. Perfect for businesses managing several brands or developers handling multiple client sites. The technical name is Subject Alternative Name (SAN), but multi-domain is much easier to remember.

Choosing your champion

Your choice depends on your needs: DV for quick protection, OV for business credibility, EV for maximum trust signals, wildcard for subdomain convenience, and multi-domain for managing multiple sites. Most small sites start with DV and upgrade as they grow—there's no shame in starting simple.