💻 For Software Developers
Buy OV Code Signing Certificates
Sign .exe, .msi & Scripts. Remove "Unknown Publisher."
Looking to buy a cheap code signing certificate to remove Unknown Publisher warnings from your software? We've picked the best OV Code Signing certs from Sectigo, DigiCert, and SSL.com - all with affiliate prices, USB token included.
🛡️ Removes Unknown Publisher Warning
💰 From $64.50/yr
✅ OV Code Signing Only
🔑 USB Token Included
🔄 30-Day Money Back
$64.50
Starting / yr
4
Best OV Picks
1–3 Days
Issuance Time
99.9%
OS Compatibility
// Certificate Store
Best Cheap Code Signing Certificates to Buy Online
Organization Validated code signing - sign your software, drivers & scripts. Affiliate prices via TheSSLStore & SSL.com. No markup.
🥇 Best Value
SectigoStore
Sectigo
Sectigo OV Code Signing
OV Code Signing
$219
$399/yr
per year · save ~43%
- ✔ Sign .exe, .msi, .dll, .cab, scripts
- ✔ Organization identity verified (OV)
- ✔ Removes "Unknown Publisher" warning
- ✔ Windows, Java, Adobe compatible
- ✔ SHA-2 + RFC 3161 timestamp support
- ✔ USB hardware token included
- ✔ Free reissuances · 30-day money back
☁️ Cloud Signing
SSL.com
SSL.com
SSL.com OV Code Signing
OV Code Signing
$64.50
$449/yr
per year · save ~45%
- ✔ Sign .exe, .msi, .dll, .cab, scripts
- ✔ Organization identity verified (OV)
- ✔ eSigner cloud signing - no USB needed
- ✔ CI/CD pipeline & DevOps compatible
- ✔ SHA-2 + timestamp support
- ✔ Windows, macOS PKG, Java JAR signing
- ✔ Free reissuances · 30-day money back
TheSSLStore
DigiCert
DigiCert OV Code Signing
OV Code Signing
$405
$699/yr
per year · save ~42%
- ✔ Sign .exe, .msi, .dll, .cab, scripts
- ✔ Organization validated by DigiCert
- ✔ Widest enterprise platform compatibility
- ✔ SHA-2 + RFC 3161 timestamp
- ✔ 24/7 priority support from DigiCert
- ✔ USB hardware token included
- ✔ Industry-trusted CA since 2001
ComodoSSLStore
Comodo
Comodo OV Code Signing
OV Code Signing
$219
$379/yr
per year · save ~40%
- ✔ Sign .exe, .msi, .dll, .cab, scripts
- ✔ Organization identity verified (OV)
- ✔ Backed by Sectigo root CA infrastructure
- ✔ Compatible with Windows & Java
- ✔ SHA-2 + timestamp support
- ✔ USB hardware token included
- ✔ Free reissuances · 30-day money back
// Why Code Sign?
Why Do Developers Buy a Code Signing Certificate?
Unsigned software loses 70%+ of installs to "Unknown Publisher" warnings. Code signing fixes that permanently.
Remove "Unknown Publisher" Warning
Windows SmartScreen blocks unsigned .exe files. OV Code Signing builds publisher reputation and removes the "Unknown Publisher" dialog over time.
Prove Your Code is Authentic
A digital signature cryptographically proves the software came from your verified organization and hasn't been tampered with post-release.
Higher Install Completion Rates
Security dialogs cause most users to cancel installs. Signed software removes friction and directly improves your software distribution conversion rate.
Sign Any File Type
One certificate signs .exe, .msi, .dll, .cab, .sys drivers, PowerShell scripts, Java JARs, Android APKs, and macOS PKG installers.
// Product Comparison
Compare OV Code Signing Certificate Prices & Features
All four are OV Code Signing - key differences are CA brand, signing method, and price.
| Feature | Sectigo OV | DigiCert OV | Comodo OV | SSL.com OV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price / yr | $219.45 | $405 | $219.45 | $64.50 |
| Validation Type | OV | OV | OV | OV |
| Signs .exe/.msi/.dll | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Signs PowerShell Scripts | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| USB Token Signing | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Cloud / eSigner Signing | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✔ eSigner |
| CI/CD Pipeline Compatible | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✔ Yes |
| Issuance Time | 1–3 days | 1–3 days | 1–3 days | 1–3 days |
| 24/7 Priority Support | Standard | Standard | ✔ Priority | Standard |
| Best For | Best price pick | Enterprise | Budget OV | DevOps / CI-CD |
| Buy | Buy → | Buy → | Buy → | Buy → |
// Who Needs It?
Who Should Buy a Code Signing Certificate?
Any developer distributing software, installers, or scripts to Windows end users.
Windows .exe / .msi Developers
Remove the "Unknown Publisher" dialog and increase your installer completion rates significantly.
Commercial Software Publishers (ISVs)
Distributing paid software through your website? A signed installer increases trust and reduces support tickets.
IT & DevOps Teams
Sign PowerShell scripts, batch files, and deployment packages for enterprise environments that enforce code signing policies.
Java Developers
Sign JAR files and Java applets for trusted enterprise distribution. OV code signing works with Java signing tools.
DevOps / CI-CD Pipelines
SSL.com's eSigner lets you sign software automatically in your build pipeline without a physical USB token.
Open Source Projects
Releasing open source Windows tools? A signed binary ensures users trust your distribution and don't get blocked by antivirus.
// FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions – Buying Code Signing Certificates
Common questions from developers buying their first code signing certificate.
What is the cheapest OV code signing certificate I can buy right now? ▼
The cheapest OV Code Signing certificate available through our affiliate links is Sectigo OV Code Signing at $226/yr via TheSSLStore. Comodo OV Code Signing is also $226/yr. Both include a USB hardware token and are fully trusted by Windows.
What is the difference between OV and EV Code Signing?▼
OV (Organization Validated) Code Signing verifies your organization's identity and reduces SmartScreen warnings over time as your software builds a reputation with Microsoft. EV (Extended Validation) Code Signing provides instant SmartScreen removal from the very first install. If you need immediate SmartScreen bypass - especially for commercial software or drivers - EV is the better choice. This page covers OV only; EV Code Signing certificates are on a separate page.
Do I need a code signing certificate to sign a PowerShell script?▼
Yes - if your Windows environment uses an Execution Policy of AllSigned or RemoteSigned, all PowerShell scripts must be signed with a trusted Code Signing certificate. Enterprise IT environments increasingly enforce this for security compliance. OV Code Signing is fully sufficient for PowerShell script signing.
Why does a code signing certificate require a USB hardware token?▼
Since June 2023, the CA/Browser Forum requires all OV and EV Code Signing private keys to be stored on a hardware security module (HSM) or physical USB token. This prevents private key theft - a common attack where hackers steal signing keys and use them to distribute malware. The USB token ships from the CA to your address. SSL.com offers an alternative: their eSigner cloud signing platform, which stores the key securely in the cloud so you can sign without a physical USB.
Can I use a code signing certificate to sign macOS apps?▼
For macOS App Store distribution, Apple requires their own Developer ID certificates from the Apple Developer Program. For non-App Store macOS distribution, third-party Code Signing certs can sign PKG installers. For Gatekeeper and notarization compatibility, you still need an Apple Developer ID. SSL.com's eSigner supports macOS PKG signing with their certificate.
Which code signing CA is best - Sectigo, DigiCert, SSL.com, or Comodo?▼
All four are trusted CAs recognized by Windows. Sectigo and Comodo are the most affordable options at $226/yr. DigiCert is the enterprise-grade choice with premium 24/7 support and the widest platform compatibility. SSL.com is the best pick if you need cloud-based signing via eSigner - ideal for DevOps teams and CI/CD pipelines who can't plug in a USB token during automated builds.
How long does it take to get a code signing certificate issued?▼
OV Code Signing certificates typically take 1–3 business days. The CA must verify your organization's legal existence and authorized contact. After issuance, the USB hardware token ships to your address - allow 5–10 business days for international delivery (e.g., India). SSL.com's eSigner option skips USB shipping entirely, so you can start signing within 1–3 days of organization validation.
Are these affiliate links? Do I pay the same price?▼
Yes - all product links on this page are authorized affiliate links through TheSSLStore and SSL.com's affiliate program. You pay exactly the same reseller price as going direct - sometimes less than buying straight from the CA. We earn a small commission that helps keep this site running at no extra cost to you.
Stop Losing Installs to "Unknown Publisher" Warnings
OV Code Signing certificates from $64.50/yr. USB token included. 30-day money back. Authorized affiliate reseller pricing.