🛡️ Sign software as a verified individual developer · IV Code Signing
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Code Signing · Individual Validation

Sign your software as a verified individual developer

Government-ID validated code signing — remove "unknown publisher" as an indie dev.

An IV (Individual Validated) Code Signing certificate verifies your legal identity using government-issued ID and lets you sign Windows installers, macOS apps, PowerShell scripts, and other binaries under your personal verified identity. Without code signing, Windows SmartScreen and macOS Gatekeeper block your software. With it, users see a verified publisher name and can install with confidence.

✓ Government-ID validation ✓ FIPS token or eSigner cloud ✓ Removes 'unknown publisher' ✓ Time-stamping support
sign://yourapp.exe
CIV
Code Signing
SSL.com · IV · Individual developer validated
Signs
EXE · MSI · DLL
Validation
Individual (IV)
Token
✓ Token/eSigner
SmartScreen
Cleared
Removes Unknown Publisher
FIPS token or eSigner
Time-stamping
Get IV Code Signing on ssl.com →
IV Code Signing (Individual)
from $129/yr
Individual identity validated
  • Government-ID validation
  • FIPS token or eSigner cloud for key storage
  • Sign EXE, MSI, DLL, MSIX, PS1
  • RFC 3161 time-stamping support
  • Removes SmartScreen unknown publisher
  • macOS, Windows, Java compatible
Get IV Code Signing → Compare Code Signing tiers
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What is an IV Code Signing Certificate?

An IV (Individual Validated) Code Signing certificate is the developer-grade tier of code signing. The CA verifies your identity using a government-issued ID — passport, national ID, or driver's license — and issues a certificate that lets you cryptographically sign software binaries under your personal verified name. When a user runs your installer on Windows, they see "Verified publisher: Your Name" instead of the red "Unknown Publisher" warning that blocks installation.

Why choose IV Code Signing

Your name on every binary

Remove the "Unknown Publisher" SmartScreen warning
Sign without needing a registered company
Verified personal name in signed binaries
Works on Windows, macOS, Java, scripts
Private key on FIPS hardware — physical token or eSigner cloud HSM
Timestamps keep signatures valid after cert expiry
Who is it for

For independent software developers

Indie & freelance developers

Signing under your own name

Open source authors

Libraries, tools & scripts

Indie game creators

Windows, macOS & mobile releases

Automation & script authors

PowerShell, Python & batch tools

Business impact

Software users trust, from day one

Removes "Unknown publisher"

Windows and macOS no longer flag your software — users install without encountering a security warning or anonymous publisher dialog.

Your name in the signature

Anyone who inspects the signature sees your verified name, not an anonymous publisher — building trust with every download.

Timestamped for longevity

Signatures remain valid even after the certificate expires, protecting your old releases permanently.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a company to get IV Code Signing?
No — IV Code Signing is specifically designed for individuals without a registered company. Your government-issued personal ID is all that's required for validation.
What is the hardware token for?
A FIPS-certified HSM that holds your code-signing private key so it can't be copied or exported. Two options: SSL.com ships a physical hardware token, or you use SSL.com's eSigner cloud HSM and sign without a physical device. Both meet the CA/Browser Forum key-storage rule.
Will this completely eliminate SmartScreen warnings?
IV Code Signing removes the "Unknown Publisher" red warning. SmartScreen reputation builds over time as more users install your signed software. For instant SmartScreen reputation from day one, upgrade to EV or Sole Proprietor EV Code Signing.
Should I always timestamp my signatures?
Yes — always use RFC 3161 timestamps. A timestamped signature remains valid after the certificate expires. SSL.com provides a free timestamp authority.
Can I sign macOS apps with IV Code Signing?
IV Code Signing is primarily for Windows. macOS uses its own code signing ecosystem (Apple Developer ID). Contact SSL.com about cross-platform options if needed.

Ship software users trust — from day one

IV Code Signing — verified individual identity, no company required.

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