{"id":35093,"date":"2026-07-17T11:18:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T11:18:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/?post_type=ht_kb&#038;p=35093"},"modified":"2026-07-17T12:43:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T12:43:24","slug":"domain-control-validation-dcv-for-ssl-how-to-complete-1-grid","status":"publish","type":"ht_kb","link":"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/domain-control-validation-dcv-for-ssl-how-to-complete-1-grid\/","title":{"rendered":"Domain Control Validation (DCV) for SSL: How to Complete | 1-grid\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Domain Control Validation (DCV) is a mandatory step in the SSL certificate issuance process. It confirms that you own or control the domain&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;requesting the certificate for. Without successful validation, your Certificate Authority (CA) cannot issue your SSL certificate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide explains the available validation methods, how to complete each one, and what to do if your validation is delayed, and help you complete&nbsp;<strong>Domain Control Validation (DCV)<\/strong>&nbsp;for your SSL certificate so it can be issued successfully.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-grid-Images-for-KB-Articles-1000-x-600-px-81.png\" alt=\"Domain Control Validation (DCV) for SSL: How to Complete | 1-grid\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-35101\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ht-block-toc is-style-rounded htoc htoc--position-wide toc-list-style-plain\" data-htoc-state=\"expanded\"><span class=\"htoc__title\"><span class=\"ht_toc_title\">Quick Links<\/span><span class=\"htoc__toggle\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\"><g fill=\"#444\"><path d=\"M15 7H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><path d=\"M15 1H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1zM15 13H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/span><\/span><div class=\"htoc__itemswrap\"><ul class=\"ht_toc_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-what-this-means\">What This Means&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-steps-to-complete-domain-control-validation-dvc-for-your-ssl-certificate\">Steps to Complete Domain Control Validation (DVC) for Your SSL Certificate&nbsp;<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-step-1-locate-your-ssl-certificate-order\">Step 1:&nbsp;Locate&nbsp;Your SSL Certificate Order&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-step-2-check-for-the-validation-request\">Step 2: Check for the Validation Request&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-step-3-choose-your-validation-method\">Step 3: Choose Your Validation Method&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-step-4-wait-for-validation\">Step 4: Wait for Validation&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-step-5-verify-your-ssl-certificate-status\">Step 5: Verify Your SSL Certificate Status&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-what-this-means\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What This Means<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Domain Control Validation (DCV) is the process used by a Certificate Authority (CA) to verify that&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;authorised to request an SSL certificate for a domain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every publicly trusted SSL certificate requires DCV before it can be issued.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on your SSL certificate and Certificate Authority, you may be able to&nbsp;validate&nbsp;your domain using one of these methods:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-email-validation-approve-the-request-through-a-verification-email\"><strong>Email Validation<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Approve the request through a verification email.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-dns-validation-add-a-verification-txt-record-to-your-domain-s-dns-zone\"><strong>DNS Validation<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Add a verification TXT record to your domain&#8217;s DNS zone.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-http-file-validation-upload-a-verification-file-to-your-website\"><strong>HTTP File Validation<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Upload a verification file to your website.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your Certificate Authority will tell you which validation methods are available for your certificate before completing the verification process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-steps-to-complete-domain-control-validation-dvc-for-your-ssl-certificate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Steps to Complete Domain Control Validation (DVC) for Your SSL Certificate<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h6 id=\"htoc-step-1-locate-your-ssl-certificate-order\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1:&nbsp;Locate&nbsp;Your SSL Certificate Order<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After&nbsp;purchasing&nbsp;or renewing your SSL certificate,&nbsp;locate&nbsp;your order details.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your Certificate Authority will begin the Domain Control Validation process and provide instructions for completing validation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 id=\"htoc-step-2-check-for-the-validation-request\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Check for the Validation Request<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most Certificate Authorities send validation instructions shortly after the SSL order is placed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Check:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-your-inbox\">Your inbox&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-spam-or-junk-folders\">Spam or Junk folders&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-quarantine-folders-for-business-email-systems\">Quarantine folders (for business email systems)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The email will&nbsp;contain&nbsp;instructions for completing one or more DCV methods, thus allowing you to move forward in the process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 id=\"htoc-step-3-choose-your-validation-method\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Choose Your Validation Method<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your Certificate Authority may offer one or more of the following validation methods.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Option 1: Email Validation<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Email validation is often the quickest&nbsp;option.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ll&nbsp;receive an email&nbsp;containing&nbsp;a verification link or approval instructions before you can verify.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Simply:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-open-the-email\">Open the email.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-follow-the-verification-link1\">Follow the verification link.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-approve-the-validation-request1\">Approve the validation request.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once completed, the Certificate Authority will continue issuing your SSL certificate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Option 2: DNS Validation (TXT Record)<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DNS validation requires you to add a TXT <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/understanding-dns-records-and-how-to-check-these\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">record<\/a> <\/strong>to your domain&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/?s=DNS+Zone&amp;ht-kb-search=1&amp;lang=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>DNS zone<\/strong><\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your Certificate Authority will provide:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-the-record-name-host\">The record name (Host)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-the-txt-value\">The TXT value&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-any-additional-instructions\">Any&nbsp;additional&nbsp;instructions&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Once you have added the record:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-save-your-dns-changes\">Save your DNS changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-allow-time-for-dns-propagation1\">Allow time for DNS propagation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-the-certificate-authority-will-automatically-verify-the-record\">The Certificate Authority will automatically verify the record.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Option 3: HTTP File Validation<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some Certificate Authorities allow validation by uploading a verification file to your website once this has been verified.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You&#8217;ll&nbsp;receive:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-a-verification-file\">A verification file&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-the-required-upload-location-typically-well-known-pki-validation\">The required upload location (typically&nbsp;\/.well-known\/pki-validation\/)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Uploading the file exactly as instructed using your hosting File Manager or FTP client matters.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the file is publicly accessible, the Certificate Authority will verify it automatically.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 id=\"htoc-step-4-wait-for-validation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 4: Wait for Validation<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After completing your chosen validation method:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-the-certificate-authority-verifies-your-domain-before-issuing-your-certificate\">The Certificate Authority verifies your domain before issuing your certificate.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-your-ssl-certificate-is-issued-automatically-once-validation-succeeds\">Your SSL certificate is issued automatically once validation succeeds.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most validations complete within minutes, although DNS-based validation can sometimes take longer due to DNS propagation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 id=\"htoc-step-5-verify-your-ssl-certificate-status\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 5: Verify Your SSL Certificate Status<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Once validation is complete:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-confirm-that-your-ssl-certificate-has-been-issued\">Confirm that your SSL certificate has been issued.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-install-the-certificate-if-manual-installation-is-required\">Install the certificate if manual installation is&nbsp;required.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-test-your-website-using-https\">Test your website using&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/<\/strong><\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-important-things-to-know\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Important Things to Know<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-domain-control-validation-is-mandatory-for-all-publicly-trusted-ssl-certificates\">Domain Control Validation is mandatory for all publicly trusted SSL certificates before they can work.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-the-validation-method-available-depends-on-your-certificate-authority-and-certificate-type\">The validation method available depends on your Certificate Authority and certificate type.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-dns-validation-can-take-longer-if-dns-changes-are-still-propagating\">DNS validation can take longer if DNS changes are still propagating.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-http-validation-requires-the-verification-file-to-remain-publicly-accessible-until-validation-is-complete\">HTTP validation requires the verification file to remain publicly accessible until validation is complete.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-email-validation-requires-access-to-the-authorised-mailbox-specified-by-the-certificate-authority\">Email validation requires access to the authorised mailbox specified by the Certificate Authority.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-enter-dns-txt-records-exactly-as-provided-because-even-small-mistakes-can-cause-validation-to-fail\">Enter DNS TXT records exactly as provided because even small mistakes can cause validation to fail.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-before-you-move-on\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Before You Move On<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before assuming validation has failed, confirm that:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-you-re-using-the-correct-validation-method\">You&#8217;re&nbsp;using the correct validation method.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-any-dns-txt-records-have-been-entered-exactly-as-provided-before-saving\">Any DNS TXT records have been entered exactly as provided before saving.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-dns-changes-have-had-enough-time-to-propagate\">DNS changes have had enough time to propagate.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-the-verification-email-hasn-t-been-filtered-into-spam-or-junk\">The verification email&nbsp;hasn&#8217;t&nbsp;been filtered into Spam or Junk.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-the-http-validation-file-has-been-uploaded-to-the-correct-location\">The HTTP validation file has been uploaded to the correct location.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-your-domain-resolves-correctly\">Your domain resolves correctly.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-common-mistakes-to-avoid\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-entering-an-incorrect-dns-txt-record-before-saving\">Entering an incorrect DNS TXT record before saving.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-removing-the-dns-record-before-validation-is-complete\">Removing the DNS record before validation is complete.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-uploading-the-http-validation-file-to-the-wrong-directory\">Uploading the HTTP validation file to the wrong directory.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-ignoring-the-validation-email-because-it-was-delivered-to-spam\">Ignoring the validation email because it was delivered to Spam.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-expecting-dns-validation-to-complete-immediately-after-adding-the-txt-record\">Expecting DNS validation to complete&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;after adding the TXT record.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-if-this-didn-t-work\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>If This Didn&#8217;t Work<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your SSL certificate&nbsp;hasn&#8217;t&nbsp;been issued after completing Domain Control Validation, please gather the following before contacting 1-grid Support:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-your-domain-name\">Your domain name&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-your-ssl-certificate-order-number-if-available\">Your SSL certificate order number (if available)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-the-validation-method-you-re-using\">The validation method&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;using&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-a-screenshot-of-any-validation-error\">A screenshot of any validation error&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-the-dns-txt-record-you-added-if-using-dns-validation\">The DNS TXT record you added (if using DNS validation)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-the-validation-email-if-applicable\">The validation email (if applicable)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This information will help us investigate your validation status more quickly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-related-articles\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Related Articles<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/ssl-validation-processes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Understanding SSL Validation Processes<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-how-to-generate-a-certificate-signing-request-csr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/?s=CSR&amp;ht-kb-search=1&amp;lang=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>How to Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-can-you-reuse-an-existing-csr-when-renewing-your-ssl-certificate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/reusing-an-existing-csr-ssl-certificate-renewal-1-grid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Can You Reuse an Existing CSR When Renewing Your SSL Certificate?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-how-to-install-an-ssl-certificate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/?s=SSL&amp;ht-kb-search=1&amp;lang=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Understanding SSL Certificates<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-how-to-redirect-your-website-to-https\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/how-to-redirect-your-website-to-https-with-1grid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Redirecting Your Website to HTTPS&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"htoc-troubleshoot-common-ssl-certificate-errors\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/?s=SSL+Certificate+Error&amp;ht-kb-search=1&amp;lang=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Troubleshoot Common SSL Certificate Errors&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>What is Domain Control Validation?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"htoc-what-is-domain-control-validation\">Domain Control Validation (DCV) is the process used to verify that you own or control the domain before an SSL certificate can be issued.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>How long does Domain Control Validation take?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"htoc-how-long-does-domain-control-validation-take\">Email and HTTP validation often complete within minutes. DNS validation may take longer depending on DNS propagation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Which validation method is the fastest?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"htoc-which-validation-method-is-the-fastest\">Email validation is usually the quickest, provided you have access to the authorised email address.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Can I change my validation method?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"htoc-can-i-change-my-validation-method\">In many cases, yes. The available options depend on your Certificate Authority and SSL certificate type.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Why hasn&#8217;t my SSL certificate been issued yet?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"htoc-why-hasn-t-my-ssl-certificate-been-issued-yet\">The most common reasons include incomplete validation, DNS propagation delays, incorrect DNS records, inaccessible HTTP validation files, or unapproved validation emails.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Do I need to complete Domain Control Validation every time I renew my SSL certificate?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"htoc-do-i-need-to-complete-domain-control-validation-every-time-i-renew-my-ssl-certificate\">In most cases, yes. Certificate Authorities typically require domain validation each time a publicly trusted SSL certificate is issued or renewed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-empowering-insight\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Empowering Insight<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1-grid-Images-for-KB-Articles-1000-x-600-px-1600-x-300-px.png\" alt=\"Empowering Insight\" class=\"wp-image-34464\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Domain Control Validation is designed to protect website owners and visitors by ensuring SSL certificates are only issued to authorised domain owners. Completing the validation accurately the first time helps avoid delays and gets your website secured faster.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"htoc-need-additional-support\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Need Additional Support?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If&nbsp;you&#8217;ve&nbsp;completed the validation steps and your SSL certificate is still pending, our Support Team is here to help.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Contact us <\/strong><\/a>with your domain name, SSL order details, validation method, and any error messages or screenshots ready. This will help us investigate your request as quickly as possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Domain Control Validation (DCV) is a mandatory step in the SSL certificate issuance process. It confirms that you own or control the domain&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;requesting the certificate for. Without successful validation, your Certificate Authority (CA) cannot issue your SSL certificate.&nbsp; This guide explains the available validation methods, how to complete each one,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"ht-kb-category":[1177,21],"ht-kb-tag":[1919,1917,307,1918,493,891,950,1416],"class_list":["post-35093","ht_kb","type-ht_kb","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","ht_kb_category-domains","ht_kb_category-ssl-certificates","ht_kb_tag-certificates","ht_kb_tag-dcv","ht_kb_tag-dns","ht_kb_tag-domain-validation","ht_kb_tag-https","ht_kb_tag-security","ht_kb_tag-ssl","ht_kb_tag-validation"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Domain Control Validation (DCV) for SSL: How to Complete | 1-grid\u00a0 - 1-grid Knowledge Base<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to complete Domain Control Validation (DCV) for your SSL certificate using Email, DNS, or HTTP validation for successful issuance.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/knowledge\/domain-control-validation-dcv-for-ssl-how-to-complete-1-grid\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Domain Control Validation (DCV) for SSL: How to Complete | 1-grid\u00a0 - 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