Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates

Organization Validated certificates take security verification a step further by validating not just domain ownership but also the legitimacy of the organization behind the website. This additional validation involves the Certificate Authority verifying your organization's legal existence, physical address, and phone number through government databases, third-party business listings, and direct contact. The CA may call your organization to confirm the certificate request and verify that the person requesting it has the authority to do so.

The enhanced validation process for OV certificates typically takes 1-3 business days, as it requires human verification rather than purely automated checks. This additional scrutiny provides website visitors with greater assurance about who they're interacting with online. When users click on the padlock icon and examine the certificate details, they'll see your organization's name and location, not just the domain name. This transparency becomes particularly valuable for businesses operating in industries where trust is paramount.

OV certificates strike an excellent balance between security, trust, and cost for established businesses. They're particularly well-suited for corporate websites, e-commerce sites that want to display company credentials, and organizations that need to demonstrate their legitimacy to partners or customers. While they don't provide the visual distinction of EV certificates in the browser address bar, they offer substantially more credibility than DV certificates at a reasonable price point.

The business case for OV certificates extends beyond just security to encompass brand protection and competitive advantage. In industries where multiple companies compete for customer trust, displaying verified organizational information can differentiate legitimate businesses from potential imitators or fraudulent sites. This verification becomes especially important for companies operating in regions with high levels of online fraud or industries frequently targeted by phishing attacks.