This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Eden Allen
Getting a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is essential if you want your brand’s logo to appear next to authenticated emails. This enhances trust and combats phishing. Here’s a simplified overview of the process in six key steps:
1. Become DMARC Compliant
Before applying for a VMC, your domain must have DMARC set up. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) helps stop email spoofing. You must first:
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Set up SPF (Sender Policy Framework) by listing all IPs allowed to send emails from your domain.
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Configure DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) to ensure email integrity using cryptographic signatures.
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Add a DMARC TXT record in your DNS with a policy like
p=quarantineorp=rejectand monitor reports to fine-tune your email authentication.
2. Trademark Your Logo
To be eligible for a VMC, your logo must be a registered trademark.
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Search for your logo in WIPO or your national trademark database.
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Register it with official trademark offices (USPTO, EUIPO, etc.) if not already done.
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If registration is difficult, a Common Mark Certificate (CMC) may work but is less preferred.
3. Format Your Logo Properly
Your logo must follow BIMI standards and be saved as SVG Tiny 1.2 (SVG-P/S) format.
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Use tools like Adobe Illustrator to save it in the correct format.
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Ensure the SVG includes attributes like
xmlnsand<title>for accessibility. -
The logo should have a 1:1 aspect ratio, centered, with a transparent background.
4. Purchase a VMC from a Trusted CA
Buy your Verified Mark Certificate from a trusted provider like DigiCert.
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Prepare trademark proof and identification documents.
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You may undergo video or in-person validation.
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For multiple logos or domains, you may need Multi-SAN VMCs.
5. Upload Your VMC
Once issued:
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Upload the PEM file to your public web server.
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Ensure any intermediate certificates are appended if needed.
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Keep the URL handy for DNS configuration.
6. Add the BIMI Record
Finally, add a BIMI TXT record to your DNS:
v=BIMI1; l=https://yourdomain.com/logo.svg; a=https://yourdomain.com/cert.pem
This tells mailbox providers where to find your logo and certificate.
Validate your setup with a BIMI checker tool to ensure it works as expected.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Eden Allen
Eden Allen | Sciencx (2025-07-22T07:07:35+00:00) Verified Mark Certificate Guide. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/07/22/verified-mark-certificate-guide/
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