Understanding Extended Validation SSL at Bluehost

Here at Bluehost, the security of your website is our first priority! An Extended Validation SSL Certificate is a great security tool that gives robust encryption and provides your visitors with extra confidence in your site's legitimacy.

Bluehost proudly offers Sectigo’s Extended Validation SSL, featuring a 2048-bit signature and up to 256-bit encryption. Installation is free, and your Extended Validation SSL comes with a limited warranty totaling $1,750,000—so you and your customers can browse with peace of mind!

Each Extended Validation SSL Certificate is associated with one hostname.

• Features of an Extended Validation SSL
• How to Purchase an Extended Validation SSL
• Why Choose an Extended Validation SSL?
• Summary

Features of an Extended Validation SSL

• Your Extended Validation SSL Certificate can secure one (1) hostname—this can be your main domain (like yourdomain.com) or a subdomain (such as secure.yourdomain.com).
• When visitors access your site via HTTPS, their browsers will display the highest level of security for your SSL Certificate, giving them extra peace of mind!

How to Purchase an Extended Validation SSL

To help speed up the process, we’ve outlined the steps you’ll need to follow:

• Step 1: Check the domain's WHOIS contact information
• Step 2: List your company on any of the following public-facing directories
• Step 3: Contact Bluehost to start the order process
• Step 4: Provide information regarding the company
• Step 5: Complete the following forms

Step 1: Check the domain's WHOIS contact information

The WHOIS information listed on the domain requesting the Extended Validation SSL certificate is essential. The data contained here will be what is listed on the certificate.

If your WHOIS does not currently display the information you’d like to have listed on the certificate, you’ll need to update the WHOIS contact information at your domain’s current registrar.

For domains with WHOIS Privacy enabled, you can disable privacy or provide us with a screenshot of your domain control panel showing your contact information.

Keep in mind, the SSL will only list your registered company name. If you want your DBA included, it must be registered as part of your legal company name.

Due to new SSL validation methods from our provider, Sectigo, we are required to send an email to one of the following addresses to verify your ownership of the domain:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Step 2: List your company on any of the following public-facing directories

Sectigo will make a call to a number listed in a publicly facing directory. The following are the preferred directory listings to use:

• Dexknows
• Manta
• Whitepages
• Yellowpages

Step 3: Contact Bluehost to start the order process

Once you’ve checked your domain’s WHOIS information and added your company to a public directory, reach out to Bluehost via phone or chat to begin your Extended Validation SSL certificate order.

We’ll create a support ticket for you to track your order and collect the information Sectigo needs to issue your Extended Validation SSL certificate.

Step 4: Provide information regarding the company

When replying to your Bluehost Extended Validation SSL order ticket, please include as much as possible from the following list:

• DBA (Does Business As):
• Company Registration Number (UK):
• DUNS Number:
• Date of Incorporation (YYYY-MM-DD):
• Jurisdiction of Incorporation:
• City / Town:
• State / Province / County:
• Country:

Applicant Representative Details (required for callback)

• Title:
• First Name:
• Last Name:
• Email Address:
• Telephone Number:
• Fax Number:
• Directory Link:
• Days and Times You Are Available to be Reached at the Number in the Directory Listing:

Step 5: Complete the following forms

Depending on how many individuals will be involved in the order process, please fill out one of the two forms from Sectigo and the Certificate Subscriber Agreement:

• If one person is to act as Certificate Requester, Certificate Approver, and Contract (Subscriber Agreement) Signer, please use the form below:
  • EV Certificate Request (short form)
• If more than one individual is acting in the roles of Certificate Requester, Certificate Approver, and Contract (Subscriber Agreement) Signer, please use the form below:
  • EV Certificate Request (standard form)

In addition to the form above, please fill out and return the following:

• Certificate Subscriber Agreement

Once you’ve completed the forms, simply attach them to your Extended Validation SSL order ticket with Bluehost.

Why choose an Extended Validation SSL?

An Extended Validation SSL Certificate offers the same secure connection and strong encryption as other SSLs.

But what makes it special? Extended Validation SSLs are designed to provide a higher standard of assurance for your visitors by positively authenticating the business behind your domain. This means your customers can trust that your website is legitimate, giving them confidence to do business with you. The ultimate goal is to give your website’s online presence a strong sense of security.

Summary

Securing your website with an Extended Validation SSL Certificate from Bluehost is a great way to build trust and confidence with your visitors. The validation process may take some time, but it guarantees that your business meets the highest standards of security and authenticity. If you have questions or need help at any step, our team is always here for you.