# SecCertificateCopyNormalizedSubjectContent(_:_:) Returns a normalized copy of the distinguished name (DN) of the subject of a certificate. ``` func SecCertificateCopyNormalizedSubjectContent(_ certificate: SecCertificate, _ error: UnsafeMutablePointer?>?) -> CFData? ``` ## Parameters `certificate` The certificate from which the subject’s distinguished name should be copied. `error` A pointer to a variable where an error object is stored upon failure. If not `NULL`, the caller is responsible for checking this variable and releasing the resulting object if it exists. ## Return Value A data object containing a DER-encoded X.509 distinguished name suitable for use with [`SecItemCopyMatching(_:_:)`](/documentation/Security/SecItemCopyMatching(_:_:)). Returns `NULL` if an error occurred. In Objective-C, free this object with a call to the function when you are done with it. ## Discussion To obtain a copy of the subject’s distinguished name in a format suitable for display purposes, call [`SecCertificateCopyValues(_:_:_:)`](/documentation/Security/SecCertificateCopyValues(_:_:_:)) instead. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)