> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.hosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Ordering an SSL certificate

> Learn how to order and obtain an SSL certificate from hosting.com.

We offer three main types of SSL certificates with increasing levels of validation:

* **DV certificate**: With a Domain Validation (DV) certificate, the issuing authority uses an HTTP or DNS check to verify ownership of a domain.
* **OV certificate**: With an Organization Validation (OV) certificate, the issuing authority validates the domain and the business identity (such as physical address and legal name).
* **EV certificate**: With an Extended Validation (EV) certificate, the issuing authority validates the domain, the business identity, and additional details using a more thorough vetting process.

<Note>
  We also offer wildcard certificates for securing multiple domains. To view our complete SSL certificate offerings, please visit [https://hosting.com/domains/ssl-certificates/](https://hosting.com/domains/ssl-certificates/).
</Note>

## Ordering an SSL certificate

To order an SSL certificate, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Hosting Panel at [https://my.hosting.com](https://my.hosting.com).
2. Click **Place new order**.
3. At the top of the hosting.com page, click **Domains**, and then click **SSL Certificates**.
4. Select the type of SSL certificate you want for your site, and then click **Get started**.
5. Review the **Product configuration** page, and then click **Confirm and proceed**.
6. Click **Proceed to checkout**.
7. Select a payment method, and then click **Place order and pay**.
8. When the **Order complete** dialog appears, click **Go to my account** to view the order.

## Generating an SSL certificate

After you order an SSL certificate, follow these steps to generate the new certificate:

1. Log in to the Hosting Panel at [https://my.hosting.com](https://my.hosting.com).

2. In the left sidebar, under **Products & Services**, click **All Products**.

3. In the list of products, locate the SSL certificate you ordered in the previous procedure, and then click **Manage**.

4. On the **Overview** tab, in the **SSL Certificate Setup** section, specify the email address and domain you want to use with the certificate.

5. By default, we generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) automatically based on the following information you provide:

   * **City**

   * **State/region**

   * **Country code**: This is the two-letter country code for your location.

   * **Business/organization name**: This can be the name of a company, or the name of a person associated with the certificate.

   * **Business/organization department**

   > 📘 Note
   >
   > Alternatively, you can click **Custom** and paste the text of a CSR you have generated yourself. Please do **not** send us your private key!

6. If you are generating an OV (Organization Validation) or EV (Extended Validation) certificate, complete the additional contact information fields.

7. Click **Submit**.

8. We send you a message with instructions on how to validate your domain.

9. After you validate the domain, the certificate and private key appear on the **Overview** tab in the **SSL Certificate Setup** section. You can then install the SSL certificate and private key on your site.

   > 📘 Note
   >
   > * For information about how to install an SSL certificate in cPanel, please see [Installing a third-party SSL certificate with cPanel](/docs/install-a-third-party-ssl-certificate-with-cpanel).
   > * For information about how to install an SSL certificate in the Hosting Panel, please see [Installing an SSL certificate in the Hosting Panel](/docs/installing-an-ssl-certificate-in-the-hosting-panel).
   > * Alternatively, we can help you install the SSL certificate upon request.