What is Multi Domain SSL (SAN) Certificate?

Multi domain (SAN) is a built-in feature that comes with an SSL certificate which lets users secure multiple domains under a single certificate. Depending on the certificate authority, a user can secure up to 250 domains under a single multi-domain SSL certificate. Securing multiple domains using SAN certificate saves money and SSL management time. Certificate authorities (CAs) such as DigiCert, Thawte etc. allow users to add up to 25 domains.

Multi-Domain/SAN SSL Certificate Structure

Under a multi-domain SSL, the first domain is considered as primary domain and other domains are considered as SAN (Subject Alternative Names) domains. For example, if a user wishes to secure five different domains under a single certificate, the first domain which was added during SSL signup process will be the base domains and other 4 domains will be considered as SAN domains. A multi-domain SSL can be availed with domain validation (DV), organization validation(OV), and extended validation(EV).

In case of DV, the verification process will be completed by verifying domain-registrar’s information or via email/file based verification. Whereas in a case of OV and EV, the verification process involves validating business and personal documents. Here it is worth noting that document requirement policy may differ from one CA to the other.

Mostly all the certificate authorities(CAs) offers unlimited number of server licenses with each SSL certificate. It means that a user can secure his/her domain(s) on unlimited number of servers. A few certificate authorities have come up with single server licenses. In this case, the user needs to purchase an additional license for every additional server.

See Also: What is Wildcard SSL Certificate?

Domains a SAN SSL certificate can secure

Under a single multi-domain SSL certificate, a user can secure any number of domains. The examples of multi-domain are given below.

www.domain-name.com
domain-name.com
domain-1-name.net
blog.domain-name.com
anything.domain-name.com
etc.

Multi Domain SSL Certificate Specifications

Each SAN SSL certificate comes up with a 2048-bit signature which is strengthened with the 256-bit long encryption key. It supports on 99.9% web and mobile browsers and is compatible with all leading desktop and mobile-based operating system. It enables encryption which can secure up to 250 multiple fully-qualified domain names.

Certificate Authority and Multi-Domain Policy

DigiCert Multi-Domain (SAN) Certificate with 25 SAN Domains
Comodo Multi Domain with 250 SAN Domains
GeoTrust True BusinessID Multi Domain with 2500 SAN domains
Thawte Web Server SSL with 250 SAN domains
GlobalSign Multi Domains SSL with 100 SAN Domains
Entrust Multi-Domain SSL Certificates with 250 SAN Domains
GoDaddy Multi-domain SSL with 5 SAN Domains

Multi Domain SSL Key Features:

Can secure up to 250 domain names with single SSL certificate
2048-bit future proof SSL Certificates
A single certificate secures both www.domain.com and domain.com
SHA-256 signed certificates
99% web and mobile browser compatibility
Supports all server types

What’s the Difference? – Single Domain SSL vs Multi-Domain SSL Certificate

Information	Single Domain SSL Certificate	Multi-Domain SSL Certificate
Covered Domains	Single	Multiple
SHA-2 Algorithm Support	Yes	Yes
Fastest Issuance	Yes	Yes
Secure Multiple Websites	No	Yes
Support Additional SAN	No	Yes
99% Browser Compatibility	Yes	Yes
Secure Site Seal	Yes	Yes
Certificate Required	Single Certificate for Single Website	Single Certificate for Multiple Websites

Comparison of Leading Multi-Domain SSL Certificates

Main Features	Comodo Positive Multi Domain SSL	GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium SAN	Sectigo Multi Domain SSL	DigiCert Multi-Domain SSL
Certificate Authority	Comodo	GeoTrust	Sectigo	DigiCert
Domains Included	1 + 2 SAN	1 + 4 SAN	1 + 2 SAN	1 + 3 SAN
Lowest Price	$19.49/yr	$101.50/yr	$137/yr	$305/yr
Domains Secured	blog.domain.com, secure.domain.co.uk, payment.domain.net, www.blog.domain.org	blog.domain.com, secure.domain.co.uk, payment.domain.net, www.blog.domain.org	blog.domain.com, secure.domain.co.uk, payment.domain.net, www.blog.domain.org	domain.com, blog.domain.com, secure.domain.co.uk, payment.domain.net
Best For	Personal Websites/Blogs	Personal Websites/Blogs	Personal Websites/Blogs	Small/Medium Businesses
Additional Domains
Validation Level	Domain	Domain	Domain	Organization
Paperwork
Time to Receive SSL	Within Minutes	Within Minutes	Within Minutes	Minutes
SSL Encryption	up to 256-bit	up to 256-bit	up to 256-bit	up to 256-bit
Key Length	2048 bits	2048 bits	2048 bits	2048 bits
Assurance Level	Medium	Medium	Medium	High
Notification Level in Browsers	Domain name displayed on certificate details	Domain name displayed on certificate details	Domain name displayed on certificate details	Business name displayed on certificate details
Server License	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
SSL Site Seal
Reissue Policy
Warranty by CA	$10,000	$5,00,000	$5,00,000	$1,000,000
Refund Policy	30 days	30 days	30 days	30 days
Organization Name in URL
Wildcard Support
SAN / UCC Support
Browser Support	99%	99%	99%	99.9%
OS Support [Desktop]
OS Support [Mobile]
	Get It Now	Get It Now	Get It Now	Get It Now