In today’s software ecosystem, trust is everything. Whether you’re an independent developer, a growing software company, or an enterprise publisher, protecting your software and your brand reputation is non-negotiable.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to build this trust is by using a Code Signing Certificate. It proves to users and systems that your software is legitimate and hasn’t been tampered with.
Among the world’s leading Certificate Authorities, DigiCert stands out for its high-assurance code signing certificates trusted by thousands of developers worldwide.
But what does a DigiCert Code Signing Certificate cost in 2025? How does renewal work? And how can you get the best deals without overpaying?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down:
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The current pricing for DigiCert Standard and EV Code Signing Certificates
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How renewals work
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The best deals & tips to save money in 2025
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FAQs to clear common doubts
What is a DigiCert Code Signing Certificate?
Before we jump into numbers, let’s quickly recap why a DigiCert Code Signing Certificate matters.
A Code Signing Certificate is a digital certificate that lets you:
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Digitally sign your software (applications, drivers, executables, scripts).
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Prove that the software comes from you — a verified publisher.
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Show end-users that your code hasn’t been modified or infected.
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Avoid “Unknown Publisher” security warnings during installation.
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Build SmartScreen reputation with Microsoft, especially with EV certificates.
DigiCert offers two main types of code signing certificates:
1️⃣ Standard (OV) Code Signing Certificate – Organization Validation
2️⃣ EV (Extended Validation) Code Signing Certificate – Higher trust, stricter vetting, hardware security token, and SmartScreen boost.
How Much Does a DigiCert Code Signing Certificate Cost in 2025?
1️⃣ DigiCert Standard (OV) Code Signing Certificate
This is the most common option for signing desktop applications, software installers, Java apps, and macros.
👉 Typical Prices in 2025:
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Direct from DigiCert: Around $500–$600/year.
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Reseller pricing: Typically $369–$438/year for a single year.
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Multi-year deals: Prices drop to $406–$416/year if you buy 2- or 3-year packages through competitive resellers.
What affects the price?
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The term length (longer terms = lower yearly rate)
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Who you buy from (DigiCert direct vs trusted reseller)
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Occasional coupon codes or seasonal discounts
2️⃣ DigiCert EV (Extended Validation) Code Signing Certificate
This is the premium option, required for signing Windows kernel-mode drivers and for developers who want maximum trust out of the box.
It includes:
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Stricter business validation
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Private key storage on a hardware USB token
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Instant Microsoft SmartScreen reputation boost (no waiting to build reputation manually)
👉 Typical Prices in 2025:
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Direct from DigiCert: $800–$900/year.
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Reseller pricing: Around $519–$625/year for a single year.
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Multi-year deals: Drop to $499–$583/year with 2- or 3-year packages.
✅ Pro Tip: EV certificates always come with a hardware token, which is included in the price and shipped to your verified address.
Best Deals for DigiCert Code Signing in 2025
Where can you find the best discounts?
Here’s what works in 2025:
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Buy from trusted resellers: Reputable SSL resellers like SSL2BUY, SignMyCode, CheapSSLsecurity, and RapidSSLonline consistently offer discounts of 10–25% off DigiCert’s retail price.
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Go multi-year: The longer the term, the bigger the discount. For example:
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1 year OV: $420
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3 years OV: $406/year (~$1,218 total) — saving you ~$42–$75 over 3 years.
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Use coupons: Resellers and SSL directories like AboutSSL regularly share promo codes for additional 5–15% off.
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Bundles: Some SSL resellers bundle code signing with other SSL products (like a DigiCert Wildcard SSL) at a reduced combo price.
✅ Example Best Deal (OV):
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3-year Standard DigiCert Code Signing Certificate at ~$406/year
✅ Example Best Deal (EV):
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3-year EV DigiCert Code Signing Certificate at ~$499–$583/year including token and shipping.
How to Renew a DigiCert Code Signing Certificate
Like other SSL/TLS or security certificates, a Code Signing Certificate has an expiration date. DigiCert’s Standard and EV certificates typically last 1–3 years, depending on what you choose at checkout.
How Renewal Works
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Standard (OV):
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Renewals are straightforward. You’ll receive reminders from DigiCert or your reseller.
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You may need to complete business re-validation if your business details changed.
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You’ll download the renewed certificate and import it to your signing machine.
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Your old signed code remains valid IF you used timestamping when signing.
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EV:
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Same idea, but you’ll also need a new hardware token if DigiCert requires it for the new certificate.
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EV re-validation is more rigorous — so allow enough time (~1–2 weeks) before expiry.
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A new token is usually shipped for each new EV certificate term for maximum private key security.
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✅ Pro Tip: Always timestamp your signatures! This ensures that code signed during your certificate’s valid period stays trusted by systems and users even after your certificate expires.
How to Save on Renewals
1️⃣ Renew early — some resellers offer early renewal discounts or lock in the multi-year price even if you re-validate.
2️⃣ Use the same reseller — many provide loyalty discounts if you renew with them.
3️⃣ Stay organized — mark your expiry date on your project management calendar so you don’t pay rush fees or risk users seeing warnings.
4️⃣ Consider bundling — if you also need SSL/TLS, some providers will package deals together.
DigiCert Code Signing: Is EV Worth the Higher Price?
Many developers wonder: Is the EV version really worth the extra $100–$200/year?
The answer: It depends on your use case.
👉 If you’re distributing Windows kernel-mode drivers: EV is mandatory — Microsoft requires it for drivers starting with Windows 10.
👉 If you want to avoid Microsoft SmartScreen filter warnings immediately, EV is the faster path — you don’t have to build reputation from scratch.
👉 If you’re signing only regular desktop apps, scripts, or Java files, and your download volume is moderate, the Standard (OV) certificate is sufficient — more affordable and faster to issue.
FAQs: DigiCert Code Signing Price, Renewal & Deals
Q1. Can I switch resellers for renewal?
Yes. You’re free to renew with any trusted reseller, but keep your business validation info handy — switching may require new identity checks.
Q2. Does EV come with a hardware token?
Yes, always. This token stores your private key securely — it’s required for EV code signing.
Q3. What happens if my certificate expires?
Already signed code stays trusted if you used timestamping. You’ll need a valid certificate to sign new releases.
Q4. Can I get a refund if I cancel early?
Most resellers don’t offer refunds once your certificate is issued, because it’s tied to your identity. Always check refund terms.
Q5. Do discounts apply to renewals too?
Yes! Many resellers offer the same multi-year discounts for renewals as for new purchases.
Key Takeaways
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DigiCert remains a top choice for code signing in 2025 due to its global trust and SmartScreen boost (for EV).
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Prices for Standard (OV) typically range from $369–$438/year, with deals around $406/year for 3-year terms.
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Prices for EV are higher, at $519–$625/year, but 3-year deals can drop that to around $499–$583/year.
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Renewal is simple — just plan ahead to avoid interruptions.
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Use trusted resellers, multi-year packages, and promo codes to get the best price.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a solo developer or an enterprise publisher, a DigiCert Code Signing Certificate is one of the smartest investments you can make for your software and your users.
🔒 It keeps your code trusted.
🔒 It protects your reputation.
🔒 And in 2025, you can save money if you know where to look!
