SSL Certificate - Organization Validation (OV) Step 3 - Telephone Verification

Telephone verification is Step 3 of the Organization Validation (OV) process for your SSL certificate. At this stage the Certificate Authority confirms that your business can be reached on a publicly listed phone number before it will issue the certificate. The instructions for completing this step are set out in a short PDF: click here for Telephone Verification.

Why an OV certificate needs a phone check

Not all SSL certificates prove the same thing. A Domain Validated (DV) certificate only confirms control of the domain, while an Organization Validated (OV) certificate also confirms that a real, registered business is behind the site. Telephone verification is one of the checks that lets the Certificate Authority make that stronger claim, so it cannot be skipped.

Where this step fits in OV

Telephone verification does not stand alone. It is one part of an OV run that also covers your organisation details, locality presence, domain authentication and a final verification call. If the earlier steps are complete and accurate, the phone check is usually quick.

What to have ready

• A business phone number that appears in a recognised public directory or listing the Certificate Authority can verify against.
• Someone available at that number who can confirm the certificate request when the call comes through.
• The exact organisation name and address as they were submitted with the order, so the details match across every step.

Tips for a smooth verification

• Follow the linked PDF exactly. It lists the accepted directory sources and how the Certificate Authority will contact you.
• Make sure the listed number is answered during business hours in your time zone.
• Keep the spelling and formatting of your company name consistent with your other records. Mismatches are the most common cause of delay.

If you are still deciding which certificate you need, or want to confirm that OV is the right level for your site, see our SSL certificates page, and the SSL certificates FAQ covers the wider validation process and how each certificate type is issued. Once the certificate is issued, install it and configure your server in line with current TLS guidance, such as the Mozilla SSL configuration generator.