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A basic wildcard SSL certificate is a small data file that allows you to secure all of the subdomains that exist on a single level for a single domain (e.g., itsatest.site). For example, you can secure all of your first-level subdomains (e.g., mail.itsatest.site, dev.itsatest.site, and store.itsatest.site) using a single certificate.
Here’s an example of what users will see when you install a wildcard SSL certificate on your website:
This certificate enables the use of authentication and encryption for those subdomains, much like a traditional SSL/TLS certificate. However, unlike a traditional SSL/TLS certificate, you must specify the subdomain level you wish to secure in the certificate’s Common Name field when generating your certificate signing request (CSR).
How? By harnessing the power of the asterisk (*).
Aside from looking like a cute little star, the asterisk is a stand-in character that represents all of the subdomain possibilities you want to secure with your wildcard certificate. For example, adding that little star at the front of your primary domain (e.g., *.itsatest.site) secures all of your first-level subdomains under a single wildcard SSL certificate.
Here’s a quick example of what a URL domain’s structure looks like:
It’s amazing how one tiny little character can make all the difference in terms of being able to secure your site’s subdomains.
Join the ranks of savvy businesses securing their domains and first-level subdomains. Get a Comodo Wildcard SSL certificate for unified, cost-effective security starting at just $156.02 per year.
Get a Comodo Wildcard SSL Certificate
When answering a question about what wildcard SSL/TLS certificates are, the location of the asterisk is critical to the conversation. This special character secures a virtually endless number of options for a specific field. For example:
Well, if you’re looking for a solution to secure countless resources across your domain, a wildcard SSL certificate is the solution you need. With just one wildcard SSL certificate, you can secure your main site and an unlimited number of first-level subdomains. Whether it’s your main site, a customer portal, an online store, or an email platform, they’re all covered under this umbrella.
So, why go for a Wildcard SSL certificate?
As previously mentioned, a basic wildcard certificate can only secure all of the subdomains on a single level. So, if you need to secure one or more additional subdomain levels, you must take one of the following approaches:
Basically, a multi-domain wildcard SSL/TLS certificate offers more flexibility in terms of what it can cover than its basic wildcard certificate counterpart. Here’s a quick overview of what you should know:
Basic Wildcard SSL Certificate | Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL Certificate | |
Example Common Name | *.itsatest.site | itsatest.site (NOTE: it must be a fully qualified domain name) |
Primary Domain Coverage | Both the WWW- and non-WWW versions of your primary domain | Includes 3 domains with the ability to cover hundreds of additional SAN domains |
Subdomain Coverage | Unlimited single-level subdomains. For example: *.itsatest.site | Multiple levels of subdomains that are specified as SANs. For example: *.itsatest.site *mail.itsatest2.site *.login.dev.itsatest3.site |
When To Use Each Certificate | When you have many subdomains on a single level of one domain that you want to secure using a single certificate | When you have multiple domains to secure, or want to secure multiple subdomain levels simultaneously using a single certificate |
Certificate Prices | Prices start at $69.78 | Prices starting at $156.02 |
Warranty | Up to $1.5 million | Up to $250,000 |
Shop Wildcard Certificates | Shop Multi-Domain Wildcards |
Wondering what wildcard or multi-domain wildcard SSL/TLS certificates look like in the wild? Wonder no more — we’ve got two real-world examples for you right here:
Want to learn more about how to get a wildcard SSL certificate? Check out our other resource that will walk you step-by-step through the process (with screenshots!)
Check out this related resource to see more wildcard SSL certificate examples.
A Comodo Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL Certificate provides robust protection for your multiple domains and subdomains at an economical price of just $265.78/yr.
Get a Multi-Domain Wildcard Certificate
The price varies based on several key decisions:
Typically, the more years of coverage you purchase, the better the savings. Even with reducing certificate validity rates (which will drop to 47-day validity by March 2029), you’ll be able to re-issue your certificate (at no cost to you when you buy multi-year coverage) once per year.
PositiveSSL Wildcard (DV) | InstantSSL Premium Wildcard (OV) | PositiveSSL Multi-Domain Wildcard (DV) | Comodo Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL (OV) | |
Type of Wildcard Certificate | Single domain | Single domain | Multi domain | Multi domain |
Level of Domain Validation | Domain validation | Organization validation | Domain validation | Organization validation |
Secures How Many Subdomains | Unlimited | Unlimited | Secures up to X domains and unlimited specified subdomains | Secures up to X domains and unlimited specified subdomains |
Price | Starts at $69.78/year | Starts at $102.97/year | Starts at $156.02/year | Starts at $265.78/year |
Add To Cart | Add To Cart | Add To Cart | Add To Cart |
Stop juggling SSL certificates. One wildcard SSL certificate protects all your first-level subdomains, ensuring easy and comprehensive coverage.
Buy a Positive SSL Wildcard Certificate
A versatile SAN-supported wildard certificate, such as the Comodo Wildcard Multi-Domain SSL, enables you to:
This solution is ideal for organizations operating multiple domain names on a single server. It offers a cost-effective and straightforward approach to web security management.
We hope that this article has answered your question, “what is a wildcard SSL certificate?”
If you’re inquiring about a wildcard SSL certificate and are considering buying one, it’s likely you have questions about IP sharing, server, and browser compatibilities. Here’s what you should know to prioritize website security and accessibility when making such an important decision.
Yes, a wildcard SSL certificate allows all of your subdomains to share a single IP address, simplifying your SSL certificate management and reducing costs.
Yes, wildcard SSL certificates are designed to be compatible across virtually all major browsers, ensuring a secure, encrypted connection for users no matter how they access your subdomains.
Wildcard SSL certificates are compatible with most modern servers, services, and devices. However, some specific server types may not support them. Although these issues are rare, always check with your provider to avoid any hiccups.
Like any other digital certificate, a wildcard SSL certificate has an assigned shelf life. Certificate validity is a critical issue, and you have to closely monitor it to stay on top of your certificate lifecycle management to keep your site secure.
But before the clock runs out on your wildcard SSL certificate, it’s time to refresh it via renewal. Without a timely update, your site could start turning away visitors with a glaring security warning instead of welcoming them with open arms.
Is it renewal time for your wildcard SSL certificate? Let’s get you set up.
If you’re ready to renew, simply log in to your ComodoSSLStore account and click the “Renew” button to issue your replacement wildcard certificate swiftly.
What if you’re new to Comodo SSL? Start by getting a wildcard SSL certificate and generating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR). For further assistance, our Comodo SSL support team is here to guide you through the process for a smooth and automated certificate management experience.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on April 11, 2018. It was updated and republished on April 29, 2025 with new content and graphics to provide you with the most up-to-date information on wildcard SSL certificates.