ECA Certificates Step-by-Step Overview

ECA certificates are specific to you and the computer you use. You need to complete the steps below using the browser on the computer where you will use ECA authentication and encryption services.

Step 1: Enrollment
Initiate a request for an ECA digital certificate by completing the enrollment process. You will be asked to provide identity information online, print and complete enrollment forms, have them notarized, and mail them to VeriSign.

VeriSign, Inc.
Attn: Enterprise Authentication Team
487 E Middlefield Road
M/S MV3-2-1
Mountain View, CA 94043
Fax: 650-237-8860
eca-authentication@verisign.com

NOTE: New regulations require proof of citizenship prior to obtaining a certificate from the VeriSign ECA. At least one of the two forms of identification provided must be a government issued photo ID. To use auto-enrollment for renewals, users will need to have validated citizenship information in place.

Digital certificates are verified using a chain of trust. The trust anchor for the ECA digital certificate is the ECA Root Certificate Authority (CA). The next link in the trust chain is the VeriSign ECA CA. You need to install both to verify VeriSign-issued ECA certificates.

• Install CAs Using Internet Explorer
• Install CAs Using Netscape - Mozilla Firefox - Mozilla
• To exchange secure email with the DOD, Install the DOD Root CAs

Step 3: Pick Up Your ECA Certificates
Your ECA certificates are bundled as a set: one used for signing and authentication and the other for encryption. You will receive an email from VeriSign containing your PIN and a pickup URL for your ECA digital certificates. Be sure to pick up both certificates.

Step 4: Support
Go to VeriSign ECA customer support to learn how to use your ECA certificates for signing and encrypting email by configuring your email program or browser.

Backup your ECA digital certificates in case you need to move them to a new computer, replace a corrupted ID, and for safe keeping. Store the floppy disk or CD in a secure place such as a safe or lockable cabinet.

• Back Up Your ECA Certificate Using Internet Explorer
• Back Up Your ECA Certificate Using Netscape