Validation Requirements to Get an Individual Code Signing Certificate Issued

Code Signing Certificate Validation Requirements

Are You an Individual Software Developer Who Doesn’t Work for a Company or an Organization? If Yes, Then You Should Look for an Individual Code Signing Certificate

Like a loner wolf, are you among those software developers who work independently instead of being part of a company or an organization?

If yes, you may have one major issue of not being recognized as any significant brand name for the software you develop. You may even have a headache of getting trusted by browsers and operating systems and bypassing ugly warning messages like an unknown publisher.

However, there’s a solution for that and its Individual Code Signing Certificate. You may not know, and you may think you should have a company and organization for a code signing certificate.

Yes, it’s true, but popular CAs (Certificate Authorities) also offer IV (Individual) Code Signing Certificate especially designed for individual software developers, which doesn’t ask you to be part of any organization or company. Instead, CAs verifies you as a single software developer.

Now, if you’re wondering how to get an Individual Code Signing Certificate, what types of documents you’ll require to submit to get it issued or how it differs from a standard code signing certificate, then keep reading further.

What Documents Are Required to Get an Individual Code Signing Certificate Issued?

Before certificate authority like Sectigo issues you an IV Code Signing Certificate, they’ll ask you to submit certain documents that will help them verify you as a genuine individual software developer.

Similarly, it’s divided into three parts:

  • Verification of Identity
  • Verifying Your Telephone Number
  • Final Verification Call From Certificate Authority

Let’s look at each one in detail.

Verification of Identity – To Verify You’re Genuine Software Developer

It doesn’t matter which Certificate Authority (CA) you choose to go with. The first requirement will be to verify your identity.

In this step, CA, like Sectigo, verifies the applicant’s identity by submitting a notarized ID form. Your chosen CA sends you an ID form through email that you need to download. You’ll also need to give other additional documents except for the ID form, and it differs from one certificate authority to another.

Sectigo (Formerly Known As Comodo) – What Documents Are Required?

CAs like Sectigo and Comodo have stricter vetting processes to verify your identity as an individual software developer. You’ll need to provide two extra forms as secondary evidence apart from Government Issued IDs.

Some Government Issued IDs that you can submit:

  • Passport
  • Personal ID Card
  • Driver’s License
  • Military Card

In addition, you’ll also need to provide your financial document that has your full name. Some of the examples are like the statement of your:

  • Bank Account
  • Debit Card
  • Credit Card
  • Mortgage

Also, the non-financial document contains your full name as well. For example,

  • Tax Bill
  • Birth Certificate
  • Utility Bill
  • Lease Agreement

Once you submit all the asked forms and documents, i.e., Government Issued ID and other two additional documents, the first step of the validation process for Individual Authentication is completed. After that, the CA will move to the next step to verify your telephone number.

Verifying Your Telephone Number – To Know Your Provided Telephone Number Is Valid

Here, you’ll be required to show that your provided telephone number is active and valid. Another essential thing to know is that CA like Sectigo and Comodo verify your Telephone number only through accepted third-party telephone directories.

Therefore, the telephone number you provide should be active, listed, and registered in an acceptable third-party telephone directory along with your full name and physical address.

  • Yellow Pages
  • White Pages

Nonetheless, if your telephone number isn’t listed in any accepted third-party directory, then Comodo and Sectigo have one more option. It’ll allow you to use a Legal Opinion Letter, also called POL (Professional Opinion Letter). It’s a document that’s signed by an accountant or attorney that vouches for your personal information.

Final Verification Call

As the name implies, you’ll receive a call from the CA (Certificate Authority). It’ll be one last verification call, and once it’s finished, your Individual Code Signing certificate will get issued to you. They’ll ask few simple questions such as you’ve applied for the digital signing certificate, will ask about your address and other simple details.

Nonetheless, the phone number you gave doesn’t connect to you directly, and you’re using an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) or extensions. So, it’s recommended that you also mention an IVR or extension number in your submitted documents because it’ll be helpful for the CA to reach out to you quickly.

Similarly, if your provided phone number goes through the receptionist or an operator, you should mention it when you submit your documents.

Once the verification call is over, the CA will send you an email with the download link of your Individual Code Signing certificate.

Is Individual Code Signing Certificate Right for Me?

Suppose you aren’t related to any software development company and work independently as an individual software developer, freelance software developer, or consultant. In that case, yes, an Individual Code Signing certificate is a good choice.

By getting an Individual code signing certificate from respected CAs like Sectigo, you’ll be assured that your user’s system will recognize your software or applications. Similarly, third-party websites, browsers, and operating systems will also identify and minimize security warnings that usually scare away potential customers.

You can have 2 options Buy Comodo Individual Code Signing Certificate or Sectigo Individual Code Signing Certificate!

Digitally Sign your Software or Application using IV (Individual Validation) Code Signing Certificate at lowest price.

Janki Mehta

Janki Mehta is a Cyber-Security Enthusiast who constantly updates herself with new advancements in the Web/Cyber Security niche. Along with theoretical knowledge, she also implements her practical expertise in day-to-day tasks and helps others to protect themselves from threats.

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