Domain Verification Process - HTTP Verification

Jul 1, 2025

Domain Verification Process - HTTP Verification

This method is applicable to:

• Issuance of DomainSSL (DV) and AlphaSSL certificates
• Adding SANs to CloudSSL certificates 
• Adding OV and EV domains to you mSSL account
• Domain self-validation process for Partner and Retail OV and EV SSL Certificates*

CA/B Forum Changes

The CAB Forum has specified a new standardized location to be used by all Certificate Authorities when performing domain verification using the HTTP Verification Method. GlobalSign has historically referred to this as the Meta-Tag or URL verification method because we allowed users to insert a meta-tag in the head of the main index page. All customers must use the new location, which involves placing the Domain Validation Code (DVC) in this file http(s)://example.com/.well-known/pki-validation/gsdv.txt. Please see the example below for your reference.

Guidelines

1. Start the ordering process for your SSL Certificate. 

2. During the ordering process, select HTTP as your domain verification.
   
   

3. Once you have completed the order process, you will be provided with a Domain Validation Code. 
    
   

   INFORMATION: You can also view the code in your GCC Account via Search Order History > Enter Order Number or click Search to view all orders > Click the order number > Scroll to the bottom and find Approver URL details.

4. Upload the file containing the DVC to your website in this location: <server selected below>/.well-known/pki-validation/gsdv.txt. 
   Note: For this example, the DVC is found here: https://domainssl.globalsign-support.com/.well-known/pki-validation/gsdv.txt
   
   

5. The email you received will also include a link, which once you have inserted the Domain Validation Code should be clicked to complete the verification process.   
   
   

6. Select the details of your domain using the provided radio buttons, then click Verify my Domain.

   IMPORTANT: If the site cannot be verified an error will appear. If you receive an error, check the insertion of the code and try again.

   
   

7. The domain has now been successfully verified, and the certificate will be issued.