The domain certification ensures that the data in the Whois and the e-mail address given match the details of the SSL application.

In the case of identity certification, a special document (e.g. identity card, extract from the commercial register) is requested for the authentication of the applicant (certificate holder). This is then compared with the details of the domain in the Whois. With some SSL certificates, the applicant is also contacted by telephone in order to obtain confirmation of the process again.

The secure variant of both is the identity certification, since this represents a higher guarantee of the authenticity of the information compared to the domain certification through the presentation of the documents and the additional recall.

Domain certification is usually recommended for small websites, administration interfaces or similar. Identity certification is recommended for online shops and areas where high sales are generated and a high level of trustworthiness must be ensured.