Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates
Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates
Extended Validation certificates represent the gold standard of SSL certification, requiring the most rigorous verification process in the industry. Beyond the checks performed for OV certificates, EV validation includes extensive vetting of the organization's operational history, legal standing, and physical presence. The CA verifies that the organization has been operational for at least three years (or provides additional documentation for newer companies), confirms the employment and authorization of the person requesting the certificate, and may even conduct site visits for verification.
Historically, EV certificates provided the most visible trust indicator: the green address bar displaying the organization's name. While modern browsers have moved away from this green bar display, EV certificates still provide the highest level of verified information when users examine certificate details. This maximum transparency makes EV certificates the preferred choice for financial institutions, large e-commerce operations, healthcare providers, and any organization handling highly sensitive data or high-value transactions.
The extensive validation process for EV certificates typically takes 1-2 weeks and involves significant documentation. Organizations must provide articles of incorporation, business licenses, bank statements, and other official documents. A verified phone call to the organization using a number from an independent source confirms the certificate request. This thorough process, while time-consuming, virtually eliminates the possibility of fraudulent certificate issuance, providing the highest level of assurance to website visitors.
The investment in EV certificates extends beyond the higher purchase price to include the time and effort required for validation. However, for organizations where trust directly impacts revenue—such as online banks, payment processors, or luxury e-commerce sites—the enhanced credibility can justify the additional cost. Studies have shown that EV certificates can increase conversion rates by up to 17% compared to DV certificates, particularly for new visitors who rely heavily on trust signals when making purchasing decisions.