After you request an SSL certificate, you need to verify that you control all domain names listed in your request.

STANDARD SSL#

In order to verify the DV SSL request, the client needs to prove that they control the domain and manually validate it:

Validation methods to prove you control the domain(s):

• We’ll send a verification link to a list of email addresses on the domain(s). The email address must be one of the following: admin@, administrator@, hostmaster@, postmaster@, or webmaster@. If you don’t have one of these set up already, create one and we’ll send you that link within 24 hours. Clicking the link proves you have domain control.
• If you cannot set up an email address on the domain(s), you need to verify you control the domain name(s) via DNS or HTML. For information on that process,see here.

After you complete one of the domain control proof options, your certificate will be issued within 1 business day. Keep in mind that manual verification processes are dependent on you completing the task, and the certificate will not be issued until you prove that you have control of the domain name(s).

Next step#

After we verify you have control of the domain name(s) and issue your SSL certificate, your next step is to download a certificate .

OV & EV SSL#

After you request an Organization Validation SSL certificate, follow these steps:

1. Prove you control the domain name(s).
2. Verify your identity, address, and telephone number.

If you have requested an Extended Validation certificate, you will also need to verify that your company is eligible for extended validation.

Validation methods to prove you control the domain(s):

• We’ll send a verification link to a list of email addresses on the domain(s). The email address must be one of the following: admin@, administrator@, hostmaster@, postmaster@, or webmaster@. If you don’t have one of these set up already, create one and we’ll send you that link within 24 hours. Clicking the link proves you have domain control.
• If you cannot set up an email address on the domain(s), you need to verify you control the domain name(s) via DNS or HTML.For information on that process, see here.

Prove your identity

You prove your identity by sending on the SSL Authority(Starfield) documents containing the following information:

• Yours or the organization's name
• Address
• Telephone number (which we call before issuing your certificate)

Which kind of documents the SSL Authority(Starfield) accept depends on whether the certificate is being issued to an individual or an organization. A member of our verification team will reach out to you for this documentation.

Individuals

• Government-issued photo ID
• Utility bill, or bank or credit card statement that displays address and phone number

Organizations

• Business license
• Sales & Use Tax certificate (neither the number or the FEIN alone are acceptable)
• "Doing Business As" (DBA) documentation
• Fictitious-name documentation
• Occupational Tax Certificate/License
• Non-profit organization tax exemption certificate
• Articles of Incorporation
• Utility bill, or bank or credit card statement that displays address and phone number
• A letter of attestation from an attorney or CPA

How long does the process take for an Organization Validation certificate?

After receiving your documentation, we process the request within 3 business days.

Verify your eligibility for Extended registration

A member of our verification team will contact you for documentation required to issue your certificate. Documentation requests may include:

• Business license
• "Doing Business As" (DBA) documentation
• Fictitious-name documentation
• Articles of Incorporation
• Certificate request signed by certificate requestor and certificate approver your SSL certificate is not in the same account as your domain(s) and
• Signed contact agreement for all initial requests and changes to authorized signer
• Notarized personal statement attestation (for non-LLC or Inc. businesses)
• Notarized face-to-face attestation statement (for non-LLC or Inc. businesses)
• Notarized copy of the photo ID used for identity validation (for non-LLC or Inc. businesses)
• Verified legal opinion or certified public accountant letter, depending on results from other validation methods

How long does the process take for an Extended validation certificate?

The entire process of verifying your business registration can take a few weeks.

Need help?

If you're looking for help understanding how to complete the domain control options or what documentation is needed, contact customer support.

Next step

After verifying you control the domain name, your next step is to download your certificate .