SSL certificates are used to encrypt data between your website and visitors, but not all SSL certificates provide the same level of validation.
The main difference between DV, OV, and EV SSL is how thoroughly the Certificate Authority (CA) verifies the identity of the website owner.
Domain Validation (DV) SSL
DV SSL is the most basic type of SSL certificate.
The Certificate Authority only verifies that you control the domain — no business identity checks are performed.
Features:
- Fast issuance
- No company verification required
- Displays HTTPS and the padlock in the browser
- Most affordable option
Best For:
- Personal websites
- Blogs
- Small informational sites
- Non-commercial projects
DV SSL encrypts data, but it does not prove who you are to visitors.
Organization Validation (OV) SSL
OV SSL provides a higher level of trust.
The Certificate Authority verifies that your business is legally registered and associated with the domain.
Features:
- Business identity is validated by the CA
- Visitors can view company details in the certificate
- Stronger trust compared to DV SSL
- Usually issued within 1–3 business days
Best For:
- Business websites
- Company portals
- Sites collecting user data (forms, logins)
- Small-to-medium e-commerce sites
OV SSL confirms your organization is real, giving users more confidence.
Extended Validation (EV) SSL
EV SSL provides the highest level of authentication and trust.
The Certificate Authority performs a thorough legal, physical, and operational verification of your organization.
Features:
- Strict validation process
- Displays verified company information in certificate details
- Strongest protection against phishing and impersonation
- Typically takes several days to issue due to manual checks
Best For:
- E-commerce websites
- Financial services
- Enterprises and large organizations
- Websites handling sensitive customer data
EV SSL is designed to clearly demonstrate legitimacy and maximize user trust.
Quick Summary
DV SSL: Confirms you control the domain. Fast and budget-friendly, but offers the lowest trust level.
OV SSL: Confirms your business identity. Suitable for most company websites.
EV SSL: Performs full legal verification. Provides the highest credibility and is ideal for high-trust environments.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose DV SSL if you only need encryption for a basic website.
Choose OV SSL if you run a business and want to show legitimacy to visitors.
Choose EV SSL if trust, branding, and customer confidence are critical to your operations.