Code Signing Certificates

A code signing certificate is a file containing a digital signature that can be used to sign executables and scripts in order to verify your identity and ensure that your code has not been tampered with since it was signed. This helps your users to determine whether your software can be trusted. Scroll to the chart below to compare cheap code signing certificates.

A code signing certificate allows you to sign code using a private and public key system similar to how an SSL certificate secures a website. When you request a code signing certificate, a public/private key pair is generated. The certificate authority will then issue a code signing certificate that contains the public key. A certificate for code signing needs to be signed by a trusted certificate authority so that the operating system knows that your identity has been validated. You could still use the code signing certificate to sign and distribute malicious software but you will be held legally accountable for it.

You can sign many different types of code. The most common types include Windows applications such as .exe, .cab, .dll, .ocx, and .xpi files (using an Authenticode certificate), Apple applications (using an Apple code signing certificate), Microsoft Office VBA objects and macros (using a VBA code signing certificate), .jar files (using a Java code signing certificate), .air or .airi files (using an Adobe AIR certificate), and Windows Vista drivers and other kernel-mode software (using a Vista code certificate). In reality, a code signing certificate can sign almost all types of code as long as you convert the certificate to the correct format first.

Use the following comparison below of code signing certificates to compare prices, compatibility, provider reviews and ratings, support, and other features to find the best code signing certificate provider that meets your needs. After clicking the Buy Now button, you can select the type of certificate you need (Authenticode, Java, Adobe AIR, etc.) and the provider will walk you through the process of receiving the code signing certificate. To learn more about code signing, read What is Code Signing?

Certificate Name GlobalSign's ObjectSign Code Signing Certificate Trustwave's Code Signing VeriSign's Code Signing Certificate GoDaddy's Code Signing Certificate
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Certificate Authority
GlobalSign
Trustwave
VeriSign
GoDaddy
Certificate Authority Rating
From 13 reviews
From 22 reviews
From 7 reviews
From 28 reviews
Price For 1 Year
$229
$329
$499
$199
Price For 2 Years $442.00 $579.00 $895.00 $359.98

Supports Windows Authenticode Signing 		Yes Yes Yes Yes

Supports Apple OS X Signing 		Yes Yes Yes Yes

Supports Microsoft Office VBA Signing 		Yes Yes Yes Yes

Supports Sun Java Signing 		Yes Yes Yes Yes

Supports Adobe Air Signing 		Yes Yes Yes Yes

Supports Windows Vista x64 Kernel Mode Signing 		Yes No Yes No
Multiple Year Options Up to 3 Years Up to 2 Years Up to 3 Years Up to 3 Years
Issuance Speed 1 business day Less than 2 days 2-4 business days 1 business day
Validation Required Organization Validation Organization Validation Organization Validation Organization Validation
Number of Free Reissues Allowed Unlimited until expired Unlimited until expired Unlimited for 30 days Unlimited until expired
Support Options Free phone and email, Mon to Fri - 8am to 6pm EST + limited evening and weekend support Free Phone and E-mail, 24/7 Free Chat, Phone and E-mail, Monday-Friday 5AM-6PM PST, Multi-lingual Free Phone and Email, 24x7
Support Reviews Read reviews Read reviews Read reviews Read reviews
Refund Policy Full refund within 7 days of issuance Full refund within 30 days of issuance Full refund within 30 days of issuance Full refund - $15 within 30 days of issuance. No refund after 30 days.
Warranty $250,000 $100,000 $0 $0
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