Use these instructions to choose a different domain conrol validation (DCV) method to prevalidate your domain.
Warning
Changing the DCV method for a domain with pending validation voids any pending verification emails or unique random values and filenames.
In CertCentral, in the left menu, go to Certificates > Domains.
On the Domains page, in the Domain name column, select the link for the domain for which you want to change the DCV method.
On the domain's details page, in the Domain control validation (DCV) method section under User actions, select Change DCV Method.
In the Change DCV Method window, under Domain Control Validation (DCV) Method, select the DCV method you want to use to complete the validation for the domain.
DNS TXT Record
Add a DigiCert generated random value (provided for the domain in your CertCentral account) to the domain’s DNS as a TXT record.
Verification Email
An email recipient follows the instructions in a confirmation email sent for the domain. DigiCert can send three sets of DCV emails: email to DNS TXT record email contact, email to constructed email, and email to WHOIS.
Warning
End of life for the WHOIS-based Email method
On May 8, 2025, DigiCert will end support for the WHOIS-based DCV email method. DigiCert systems will stop querying WHOIS entirely to find email addresses for domain validations.
If you still want to use the Email DCV method, use the DNS TXT record email contact or the Constructed email method.
To learn more about the end of life for WHOIS-based email, see our knowledge base article, End of Life for WHOIS based email DCV method.
DNS CNAME Record
Go to your DNS provider and create a CNAME record. In the hostname field, enter
_dnsauth. Then, add[random_value].dcv.digicert.comin the target host field to point the CNAME record to dcv.digicert.com.HTTP Practical Demonstration
Host a file containing a DigiCert generated random value (provided for the domain in your CertCentral account) at a predetermined location on your website: http://{domain-name}/.well-known/pki-validation/fileauth.txt.
HTTP Practical Demonstration with unique filename
Host a file with a random filename that contains a DigiCert-generated random value (provided for the domain in your CertCentral account) at a predetermined location on your website: http://{domain-name}/.well-known/pki-validation/{unique-filename}.txt.
When ready, select Change DCV Method.
Use the newly selected DCV method to complete the domain control validation (DCV) for the domain. For more information, see Domain prevalidation: Domain control validation (DCV) methods.