Introduction to Domain Ownership Verification
Domain ownership verification is a crucial security step when obtaining an SSL certificate for your website. This process ensures that only legitimate domain owners can acquire certificates, protecting both website owners and visitors from potential security risks. By preventing unauthorized parties from obtaining certificates for domains they don't control, this verification process plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of secure web communications.
As part of this process, GoDaddy may send a Domain Access Verification email to the domain administrator listed in the WHOIS database. This email notifies you that a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) was submitted for a domain you control, lists the domain(s) included in the request, and explains that the email was sent because a WHOIS lookup returned your name or organization as the administrator. The email includes a domain-approval link to certs.godaddy.com and a verification key, which you can use on the verification page if requested. This extra step helps ensure that only the entity that actually controls the domain can approve issuance of the SSL certificate.
Understanding Verification Requirements
When obtaining an SSL certificate from GoDaddy, you'll need to complete the domain ownership verification process. This typically involves:
A unique verification ID or code provided by GoDaddy
Access to either your domain's DNS settings or your website's hosting account
Completion of the verification process within a specified timeframe (before the verification ID or email expires)
In many cases, you'll also need to approve the Certificate Signing Request (CSR) using the Domain Access Verification email:
Open the Domain Access Verification email from GoDaddy and click the domain-approval link (which points to
certs.godaddy.com). If the link is not clickable, copy and paste the full URL into your browser's address bar.On the verification page, enter the verification key from the email if prompted, then indicate whether you approve or disapprove the certificate request.
Approving the request allows GoDaddy to continue processing the CSR and issue the certificate once domain control is verified; if you do not approve, or explicitly disapprove, the request will be denied and the certificate will not be issued.
The exact method you'll use may depend on your SSL certificate type and hosting provider. Always follow the specific instructions provided by GoDaddy for your situation.
DNS Verification Method
One of the primary methods for verifying domain ownership is updating your domain's DNS settings. This method is compatible with SSL certificates, including Wildcard. To complete DNS verification:
Obtain the unique verification code from GoDaddy
Access your domain's DNS settings
Add the provided verification record
Wait for the changes to propagate
Use GoDaddy's verification website or SSL dashboard to confirm the changes
File Upload Verification Method
The second primary method for domain ownership verification is installing a specific validation file on your website's hosting account. To use this method:
Obtain the unique verification file from GoDaddy
Access your website's hosting account
Upload the file to the specified location, typically
/<yourdomain>/.well-known/pki-validation/godaddy.htmlUse GoDaddy's verification website or SSL dashboard to confirm the upload, and make sure the file is publicly accessible at the URL provided in your instructions
Limitations for Wildcard SSL Certificates
It's important to note that the file upload verification method may not be compatible with Wildcard SSL certificates. If you're obtaining a Wildcard SSL, you'll likely need to use the DNS verification method. Always check the specific requirements for your certificate type before beginning the verification process.
Verifying Successful Completion
After completing either the DNS or file upload verification method:
Log into your GoDaddy account
Navigate to the SSL dashboard or use the provided verification link or tool mentioned in your verification email
Follow the prompts to confirm that your domain ownership has been successfully verified and that the certificate request is approved
If verification is successful, GoDaddy will proceed with issuing your SSL certificate
Troubleshooting and Support Options
If you encounter any difficulties during the domain verification process, GoDaddy offers 24/7 support to assist you. You can contact their support team directly at +1 (480) 463-8887 for help with domain ownership verification and SSL certificate issuance. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need guidance on completing the verification process or resolving any issues that arise.
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