What is domain control validation?

Domain Control Validation (DCV) is the process of issuing a Sectigo server authentication certificate only after the applicant’s control of the domain(s) listed in the certificate subject has been successfully validated.

Sectigo refers to this process as Domain Control Validation (DCV).

DCV can be performed using one of three methods:

  • The email challenge-response.

  • HTTP-based — The creation of a file on the domain’s HTTP/HTTPS server.

  • DNS-based — The creation of a DNS record for that domain via CNAME or TXT.

The methods to validate control of a domain described in this document are automated.