SSL Certificate Validation Process Guide
The SSL certificate validation process is a mandatory security step required by the Certificate Authority (CA) to verify your identity before an SSL certificate can be issued for your domain. This process ensures that you are the legitimate owner of the domain, which builds trust and secures data for your website's visitors. The level of validation and the required documents depend on the type of SSL certificate you have purchased.
In this article, we will explain the requirements and common issues related to the SSL certificate validation process:
The General Validation Flow: What to Expect
The SSL certificate validation process follows a general sequence of events:
- Initiation: After purchase, you will begin the process through your Account Manager.
- Verification: The CA attempts to verify your domain ownership and identity through automated online checks (like WHOIS) or email-based Domain Control Validation (DCV).
- Documentation (If Required): If automated checks are insufficient, you will be notified via email to submit specific documents to prove your identity or your business's legitimacy.
- Review: The CA reviews the submitted information. If it's correct and matches your application, the validation is approved.
- Issuance: Once approved, the SSL certificate is issued and becomes available for installation.
The time this takes can vary from minutes for simple DV certificates to several days for EV certificates that require extensive business vetting.
Table of Document Requirements
If manual documentation is required to complete your SSL certificate validation process, the specific items depend on whether the certificate is for a business or an individual. Please submit required documents via fax to 866-294-0799 or email to [email protected].
| Validation Type | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| For a Business |
We first attempt online verification via WHOIS, Articles of Incorporation, or a Dun & Bradstreet number.
Note: The WHOIS Registrant information must match the applicant's information.
|
| For an Individual |
You must submit all of the following:
|
| For Xpress Orders (DV) | No documents needed. Validation is done via email to an address associated with the domain (Domain Control Validation). You will receive an email with a confirmation link and validation code. |
Troubleshooting Common Validation Issues
What to Do If Your SSL Validation is Rejected?
If your SSL certificate validation process is rejected, it is typically due to a mismatch of information or incomplete documentation. Common reasons include:
- Information Mismatch: The name or address on your submitted documents does not exactly match the information in your SSL application or WHOIS record.
- Expired Documents: A submitted ID or business license is no longer valid.
- Unreadable Files: The scanned copies or faxes of your documents are blurry or illegible.
If rejected, you will receive an email outlining the issue. The solution is to review the requirements carefully and resubmit the correct, clear, and matching documentation.
What if my status is "Pending Validation" for a long time?
In some cases, the validation process can be delayed. If your SSL certificate status remains "Pending Validation" for more than 48 hours without a request for more information, the best course of action is to contact our Support team. They can investigate the status and escalate the issue with our certificate partner if necessary.
After Validation: Certificate Issuance and Seal
SSL Certificate Issuance
- Upon successful validation, we will notify you via email and in your Account Manager that your SSL Certificate has been issued.
- Your SSL Certificate will be installed automatically if your website is hosted by Network Solutions®.
- If your website is hosted elsewhere, you must contact your current hosting provider to install your SSL Certificate.
Generating Your SSL Seal
After your SSL Certificate has been installed, you can generate and install an SSL Seal on your website. Please see How Do I Manage My nsProtect Assured Site Seal? for instructions.
Review
This guide has outlined the essential details of the SSL certificate validation process. We have explained the overall validation flow, provided a clear table of document requirements for different certificate types, and offered solutions for common troubleshooting scenarios. While this article provides the necessary context, remember to refer to our "How to Get Started with an SSL Certificate" guide for specific Account Manager steps. Understanding these requirements will help ensure your certificate is issued quickly and smoothly.