A multi-domain certificate, also called a SAN certificate (Subject Alternative Name), covers several different domain names, such as yourbrand.in, yourbrand.com and shop.yourbrand.in, on a single certificate, with one expiry date and one invoice.
How a SAN certificate works
The certificate has one primary domain (the Common Name) plus a list of additional SAN domains. You manage and renew one certificate instead of several. The trade-offs: every listed name is visible to anyone who views the certificate, and all the sites share one private key, so a compromise on one server affects them all.
How pricing works
The base price covers the primary domain plus a number of included domains that varies by product. Every domain beyond that has a per-additional-domain price for each year of the plan. Each product also has a maximum number of domains it can carry. On the product page, a domain selector updates the price as you add domains. Extra domains can't be refunded once added.
SAN vs wildcard vs single
- Single-domain: one site. Simplest and cheapest for one name.
- Wildcard: one domain and all its first-level subdomains.
- Multi-domain (SAN): several different domains on one certificate. Some DV and OV products let you add wildcard entries; EV can't include wildcards.
Buying and setting up
Pick a multi-domain product, choose how many domains you need (the buy box prices it instantly), then enter each domain at setup. Each domain completes its own domain validation, and repeats it at reactivation once the previous check is older than the reuse limit (200 days today).
Common questions
Can I add domains later?
Yes, with a reissue. Domains beyond your allowance are charged per domain.
SAN or separate certificates?
SAN means less admin. Separate certificates keep keys and name lists apart, which some security teams prefer.
Does every domain need validating?
Yes. The CA checks control of each name on the certificate.