Use the DNS CNAME validation method to verify domain control

Use these instructions to first check the status of your SSL/TLS certificate order, and then, to use the DNS CNAME DCV method to demonstrate control over the domains on the order. For more information about this method and other DCV methods, see Demonstrate control over domains on your SSL certificate order.

Step 1: Check the status of your pending order

Go to the SSL/TLS certificate's order page to check its issuance status. You can also see what domain and organization validation needs to be completed before we can issue it.

  1. In your CertCentral account, go to the order's Order # details page.

    1. In the sidebar menu, click Certificate > Orders.
    2. On the Orders page, use the filters and advanced search features to locate the pending certificate order to want to check.
    3. In the Order # column of the certificate order, click the order number link.

  1. On the Order # details page, in the Order Status section, check the order's issuance status (is the order waiting on domain or organization validation to be completed?).

Step 2: Use DNS CNAME to demonstrate control over the domains

  1. On the Order #details page, under You Need To, click the domain link you want to complete the DCV for.

When you have multiple domains (SANs) on an order, each one will be listed. Those with a checkmark next to them are validated. Those with a clock icon next to them still need to be validated.

  1. In the Prove Control Over Domain window, in the DCV Method dropdown, select DNS CNAME Record.

  1. Create the DNS CNAME record

    1. In the Token box, copy your unique token.
      To copy the value to your clipboard, single click in the text field.
      Note: The unique token expires after thirty days. To generate a new token, click the Generate a New Token link.
    2. Go to your DNS provider’s site and create a new CNAME record.
    3. In the hostname field (or equivalent), paste the unique token that you copied from your DigiCert account.
    4. In the record type field (or equivalent), select CNAME.
    5. In the target host field (or equivalent), enter dcv.digicert.com (this points the CNAME record to dcv.digicert.com).
    6. Select a Time-to-Live (TTL) value or use your DNS provider’s default value.
    7. Save the record.

  1. Verify the DNS CNAME record

    1. In your CertCentral account, go to the certificate's Order #details page.
      1. In the sidebar menu, click Certificate > Orders.
      2. On the Orders page, in the Order # column of the certificate order, click the order number link.
    2. On the Order # details page, in the Order Status section, under You Need To, locate and click the domain link.
    3. In the Prove Control Over Domain window, under 2. Check for Token, click Check.

  1. Congratulations! You demonstrated control over the domain and completed its domain validation.

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