To get a code signing certificate, purchase one from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), complete identity verification, generate a key pair, submit a Certificate Signing Request (CSR), and install the issued certificate for signing your software.
Code signing certificates are essential digital credentials that verify the authenticity and integrity of software applications. They act as a digital signature that assures users your software hasn’t been tampered with and comes from a trusted source. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining and using code signing certificates.
What Is a Code Signing Certificate and Why Do You Need One?
A code signing certificate functions as a digital certificate that implements public key cryptography to authenticate executables and scripts. Your software receives a distinctive hash during digital signing which enables detection of any post-signing code modifications. The signing process protects your software from unauthorized changes while establishing trust with users regarding your applications.
The certificate authority (CA) market has shown substantial expansion because the global certificate authority market size reached USD 173.1 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 192.2 million in 2024. The expanding market demonstrates the rising need for digital security measures in software distribution.
How to Get Code Signing Certificate: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose the Right Certificate Type
- Select a Trusted Certificate Authority
- Prepare Required Documentation
- Generate Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
- Complete the Validation Process
1. Choose the Right Certificate Type
There are two primary types of code signing certificates:
Organization Validation (OV) Code Signing Certificate:
- Standard validation level
- Suitable for most applications
- Pricing starts from $200 per year
- Provides basic software authentication
Extended Validation (EV) Code Signing Certificate:
- Enhanced validation with hardware security requirements
- Immediate Microsoft SmartScreen reputation
- Higher security and trust level
- Pricing typically ranges from $250-$500 annually
2. Select a Trusted Certificate Authority
Choose from reputable certificate authorities that are trusted by major operating systems and browsers:
3. Prepare Required Documentation
To obtain OV certificates you must provide:
- Business registration documents
- Phone verification
- Email verification
- Domain validation (if applicable)
The following documents must be provided for EV certificate issuance:
- Legal existence verification
- Physical address confirmation
- Hardware security module (HSM) or USB token
4. Generate Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
You can generate a CSR through your preferred tool or platform.
The process for Windows users involves either IIS Manager or OpenSSL while macOS users can use Keychain Access or terminal commands and Linux users need OpenSSL command-line tools.
5. Complete the Validation Process
The CA will verify your identity and organization details. The verification process lasts:
- OV certificates: 1-3 business days
- EV certificates: 5-7 business days
How to Purchase a Code Signing Certificate: Pricing and Providers
The process of buying a Code Signing Certificate includes both price considerations and provider selection.
Research and Compare Providers
Research the following factors before you buy:
The standard code signing certificate costs between $200 annually but EV code sign certificates have prices between $250 and $500 annually. The prices differ according to certificate validity duration and validation approach and vendor promotional offers.
The Code Signing Certificate issued to a Subscriber after May 30, 2025 must have a validity period that does not exceed 460 days. The recent industry change affects both certificate pricing and renewal periods.
The purchase of multiple-year certificates from providers allows customers to get discounts reaching up to 32%.
Purchase Process
- Visit the CA’s website and select your desired certificate type
- Configure certificate options (validity period, additional features)
- Submit your CSR and required documentation
- Complete payment using secure payment methods
- Undergo validation process as required by the CA
- Receive your certificate via email or download portal
Where to Buy Code Signing Certificate: Top Providers and Comparison
1. DigiCert
- The company stands as an industry leader because of its outstanding reputation.
- The company provides extensive documentation and complete support to its customers.
- The service quality is premium but the pricing is higher.
- Major software companies have chosen this provider.
2. Sectigo (formerly Comodo)
- The provider offers a suitable combination of price and features.
- The company provides excellent support to its customers.
- The company provides numerous certificate options to its customers.
- The company offers discounts for multiple years of service.
3. Budget-Friendly Options
- SSL.com provides competitive pricing $65 per year along with excellent features.
- The starting price for SectigoSSLStore certificates is $220 per year.
- TheSSLStore offers certificates starting at $290 per year.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Provider
- The industry recognizes the provider through its trust and reputation.
- The quality of customer support together with its availability stands as a crucial factor.
- The pricing structure together with renewal costs should be evaluated.
- The validation process should be efficient and the time required for validation should be short.
- The service provides timestamping capabilities and supports multiple platforms in addition to its standard features.
Code Signing Certificate Implementation by Platform
Windows Code Signing
For Windows applications:
- Use SignTool.exe from Windows SDK
- Import your certificate into the Windows certificate store
- Sign your executables and installers
- Test with Microsoft SmartScreen
How to Get Apple Code Signing Certificate
For macOS and iOS applications:
- Enroll in Apple Developer Program
- Generate certificates through Apple Developer portal
- Use Xcode for automatic signing
- Submit to App Store or notarize for distribution
PowerShell Get Code Signing Certificate: Commands and Setup
# Get available code signing certificates Get-ChildItem -Path Cert:\CurrentUser\My -CodeSigningCert # Sign a PowerShell script Set-AuthenticodeSignature -FilePath "script.ps1" -Certificate $cert
Code Signing Certificate Cost Analysis and Market Trends 2024-2025
| Certificate Type | Price Range | Typical Use Case |
| Standard OV | $350 | Small to medium applications |
| EV Code Signing | $500 | Enterprise applications |
| Multi-year OV | $200 – $350 | Long-term projects |
| Multi-year EV | $250 – $500 | Enterprise long-term |
Market Growth Statistics
The Certificate Authority Market CAGR for the forecast period 2024-2032 is 11.4%, with the market expected to grow to USD 442.2 Million by 2032. This growth indicates increasing adoption of code signing practices across the software industry.
Code Signing Certificate Best Practices for Security and Performance
Security Recommendations
- Protect your private key using hardware security modules
- All signatures should be timestamped to prove their validity after the certificate expires.
- All executables including installers, drivers, and scripts should be signed.
- Implement proper key management procedures
- Regular certificate renewal to maintain continuous protection
Performance Optimization
- Sign during build process automation
- Sign multiple files at once using batch signing.
- Implement certificate management in CI/CD pipelines
- Monitor certificate expiration dates
Final Words
Software security and user trust depend heavily on code signing certificates. The adoption of digital security continues to grow because 87.6% of websites now use valid SSL certificates in 2024 compared to 18.5% six years ago. The investment in code signing produces both user trust and security benefits regardless of whether you select budget-friendly options starting at $220 per year or enterprise-grade EV certificates.
The successful implementation of code signing depends on selecting appropriate certificate types and reputable CAs while following security protocols and conducting periodic certificate renewal. Code signing certificates function as fundamental security elements for software distribution in the evolving digital environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get a code signing certificate?
The process to obtain a code signing certificate involves selecting a trusted Certificate Authority followed by choosing between OV or EV certificate types and preparing documentation and generating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) before completing validation and installing the issued certificate.
How to get Apple code signing certificate?
The process for Apple platforms starts with joining the Apple Developer Program followed by accessing the Apple Developer portal to generate certificates from the Certificates section and then download and install them in Keychain Access while setting up Xcode for automatic signing.
How to get code signing certificate Windows?
The purchase of a code signing certificate from DigiCert or Sectigo represents the first step for Windows users who then need to generate a CSR through IIS Manager or OpenSSL before completing validation to receive their certificate which they must import into Windows certificate store and use SignTool.exe for signing.
How to get free code signing certificate?
Free code signing certificates exist in very few instances and should not be used for production environments. Some options include:
- Self-signed certificates (limited trust)
- Open source project certificates (specific eligibility requirements)
- Trial certificates from some CAs (temporary use only)
Priya Mervana
Verified Web Security Experts
Priya Mervana is working at SSLInsights.com as a web security expert with over 10 years of experience writing about encryption, SSL certificates, and online privacy. She aims to make complex security topics easily understandable for everyday internet users.
