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Perform domain control validation (DCV)

Before DigiCert issues a certificate, you must demonstrate control over the fully qualified domain names or IP addresses included in your request. This process is called domain control validation (DCV).

Per TLS certificate baseline requirements, certificate authorities must verify requester control of all certificate domains and IP addresses before issuance.

You can complete domain validation:

  • Before ordering a certificate by using domain pre-validation

  • During a pending certificate order

  • As part of an Automated Certificate Management Environment (ACME) workflow

DigiCert supports the following DCV methods:

  • Email verification: Email to DNS TXT record contact, Email to DNS CAA record contact, and Constructed Email

  • Persistent DNS TXT record, DNS TXT record, and CNAME record

  • HTTP Practical Demonstration and HTTP Practical Demonstration with unique file name

  • ACME HTTP-01 and DNS-01 challenges

Notice

Domain validation reuse rules vary by certificate type. Organization-validated (OV) and extended validation (EV) certificates support reuse within the allowed period. Domain validation (DV) certificates require validation during each order and don't support reuse.

This chapter explains how to:

  • Select a supported domain control validation method

  • Validate domains before or during certificate orders

  • Complete validation for OV, EV, and DV certificates

  • Resolve common configuration issues that prevent validation