How do I get an EV SSL certificate?

How do I get an EV SSL certificate?

Before we dive into the process, let's briefly understand what an EV SSL certificate is and why it's essential for your website. EV SSL certificates provide the highest level of security encryption available, ensuring that sensitive customer information remains private and safeguarded. These certificates are recognized by the green address bar in web browsers, indicating that the website has taken extra steps to establish trust.

Now, let's explore the steps to acquire an EV SSL certificate:

1. Determine your SSL certificate needs: Before purchasing an EV SSL certificate, evaluate your website's requirements. Consider factors such as the number of domains you need to secure and the level of customer trust you want to establish.

2. Choose a reputable certificate authority (CA): Selecting a reliable CA is crucial to ensure the validity and credibility of your EV SSL certificate. Look for CAs that are recognized and trusted by major web browsers, such as DigiCert, Comodo, or GlobalSign.

3. Complete the validation process: The EV SSL certificate validation process is more stringent compared to other types of certificates. You will need to provide documentation to verify your organization's identity, such as business registration, articles of incorporation, or any other relevant legal paperwork. The CA will review these documents to ensure the legitimacy of your organization.

4. Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR): To obtain an EV SSL certificate, your webserver needs a CSR, which is a block of encrypted text containing your website's information. You can generate a CSR using your webserver's control panel or with the help of online tools provided by the CA.

5. Purchase the EV SSL certificate: Once you have completed the validation process and generated the CSR, it's time to purchase the EV SSL certificate. Visit the CA's website and follow the instructions to select the appropriate certificate for your needs. Provide the CSR during the purchase process.

6. Install the certificate: After purchasing the EV SSL certificate, you will receive it in the form of a digital file. You need to install this certificate on your webserver, following the specific instructions provided by your CA or web hosting provider. It typically involves uploading the certificate file and configuring the webserver settings.

7. Test and verify: Once the certificate is installed, it's important to test and verify its functionality. Use online SSL checker tools to ensure that the EV SSL certificate is installed correctly and provides the expected security features. Additionally, check if the green address bar appears in supported web browsers.

8. Renew your certificate: EV SSL certificates have a limited validity period, usually ranging from one to two years, depending on the CA's terms. Make sure to renew your certificate before its expiration to maintain the trust and security it provides.

In conclusion, acquiring an EV SSL certificate involves assessing your website's needs, choosing a reputable CA, completing a rigorous validation process, generating a CSR, purchasing the certificate, installing it on your webserver, and testing its functionality. By following these steps, you can enhance your website's security and establish trust with your customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for an EV SSL certificate, you need to choose a reputable Certificate Authority (CA) that offers EV SSL certificates. Then, you need to provide the required documentation to the CA, which typically includes proof of legal entity, domain ownership, and operational existence. Once the documentation is verified, the CA will issue the EV SSL certificate to you.

The time it takes to get an EV SSL certificate can vary depending on the CA and how quickly you can provide the required documentation. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to complete the verification process and receive the EV SSL certificate.

The cost of an EV SSL certificate can vary depending on the CA you choose and any additional features or services you may require. Generally, EV SSL certificates are more expensive compared to regular SSL certificates, as they require more stringent verification processes. Price ranges can vary from around $100 to a few hundred dollars per year.

Yes, it is possible to get an EV SSL certificate that covers multiple domains. This is often referred to as a multi-domain or SAN EV SSL certificate. With this type of certificate, you can secure multiple domains or subdomains under a single EV SSL certificate, which can be more cost-effective and convenient.

While having an EV SSL certificate is not mandatory for every website, it provides the highest level of trust and security for your visitors. EV SSL certificates display a green address bar in web browsers, indicating that the website has undergone thorough verification and is highly secure. This can help build trust with your users and increase conversion rates, especially for websites that handle sensitive user information or engage in e-commerce transactions.