The Three Validation Levels Explained
- Domain Validation (DV): Automated verification that the applicant controls the domain (via HTTP-01 or DNS-01 challenge). Fast, free (Let's Encrypt / ZeroSSL), and standard.
- Organization Validation (OV): CA verifies legal business registration documents in addition to domain control.
- Extended Validation (EV): Extensive background checks, physical business verification, and phone audits. Historically cost $200–$1,000/year.
Why EV Certificates Are No Longer Worth Buying
In 2019, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and Mozilla Firefox removed the visual green address bar and company name display from browser UIs. All certificates (DV, OV, and EV) now display the identical lock / tune icon.
From a cryptographic perspective, DV and EV use the exact same 256-bit AES encryption. Unless required by legacy compliance mandates, free automated DV certificates are the modern recommended standard.
⚡ Inspect Your Certificate's Validation Level
Check your issuer authority, organization details, and validity parameters.
Check Certificate Details →