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What is a Multi-Domain (SAN/UCC) SSL Certificate? | Wikicert
Learn what a Multi-Domain (SAN/UCC) SSL Certificate is, how it works, and how it secures multiple domains with a single SSL certificate.
A Multi-Domain SSL Certificate, also known as a SAN (Subject Alternative Name) or UCC (Unified Communications Certificate), allows you to secure multiple domain names with a single SSL certificate.
Instead of purchasing separate certificates for each website, a Multi-Domain SSL protects several domains under one certificate, simplifying management and reducing administrative overhead.
A Multi-Domain SSL certificate allows multiple domain names to be listed within a single certificate.
For example:
example.com
example.net
example.org
mybusiness.co.za
shoponline.com
All of these websites can be secured using one SSL certificate.
SAN stands for Subject Alternative Name.
It is a field within the SSL certificate that stores every additional domain name protected by the certificate.
Each SAN entry represents another website covered by the same certificate.
UCC stands for Unified Communications Certificate.
The name originated with Microsoft Exchange environments, where one certificate was used to secure multiple services such as:
Outlook Web Access
Exchange Server
Autodiscover
Mail Services
Today, UCC and SAN SSL certificates generally refer to the same type of certificate.
A Multi-Domain SSL can secure completely different domain names, for example:
example.com
example.net
company.co.za
business.org
webshop.io
Unlike a Wildcard SSL, the domains do not need to share the same root domain.
A Multi-Domain SSL is ideal for organisations managing multiple websites.
Common examples include:
Businesses with several brands
Hosting providers
Digital agencies
Enterprise organisations
Microsoft Exchange environments
Companies managing multiple country domains
A Multi-Domain SSL offers several advantages:
Secure multiple domains with one certificate
Simplified certificate management
Reduced renewal administration
Flexible SAN additions
Lower management overhead
Trusted encryption across all protected domains
Multi-Domain SSL certificates are available in several validation levels.
DV Multi-Domain
Ideal for developers and businesses requiring fast issuance.
OV Multi-Domain
Adds verified business identity alongside encryption.
EV Multi-Domain
Provides the highest level of business identity verification and is commonly chosen by organisations that require maximum customer trust.
The validation time depends on the certificate type.
DV Multi-Domain
Usually issued within minutes after domain ownership verification.
OV or EV Multi-Domain
Business verification typically takes 1–3 business days.
However, with Wikicert's boutique SSL validation specialists, we often help organisations complete the validation process in half a day or even faster by preparing documentation correctly and guiding every step.
Yes.
A Multi-Domain SSL provides the same strong encryption as any standard SSL certificate.
The primary advantage is convenience, allowing multiple domains to be managed under one certificate while maintaining industry-standard security.
Most certificates include several SAN entries by default, with the option to add additional domains depending on the certificate provider.
Yes.
Many Multi-Domain SSL certificates allow additional SAN entries to be added before the certificate is reissued.
Yes.
Each domain included in the certificate must complete the appropriate validation process.
For organisations managing multiple websites, a Multi-Domain SSL often simplifies administration and certificate renewals while reducing operational complexity.
Not sure whether a Single Domain, Wildcard, Multi-Domain, or OV SSL Certificate is the right fit for your website?
Contact Wikicert, and our boutique SSL validation specialists will recommend the most suitable certificate based on your infrastructure, growth plans, and security requirements without any obligation.
