Verifiable credentials
Verifiable credentials are pieces of identity data held (and digitally signed) by DIA that can be grouped into a single set for issuing to a user to share as and when they need or want to.
Examples of identity data include someone’s name, date of birth, photo and citizenship status.
Every New Zealander with either a New Zealand passport or a RealMe verified identity has access to a set of verifiable credentials they can use to do specific tasks like travel overseas or apply for a student loan.
Similarly, many agencies, organisations and businesses require online proof of identity from their users, customers and clients.
DIA is looking at how it could broaden the use of these credentials for New Zealanders using a service like Verifiable Credentials.
Identity assurance rating
This service offers DIA’s highest level of identity assurance.
How the service proposes to use personal data
With this service, identity verification will be instant.
It will also be quick and easy to securely share identity data with a third party and provide the assurance the data can be trusted and comes from an authoritative source.
This service removes the need for third parties to store an individual’s identity data.
Instead the data (or verified credentials) remains with whoever owns the data, securely stored on their device.
Ultimately, it will be up to the data owner to decide what data they want to store and share from their device.
How the service might be used
We’re piloting this service as a way for students without a driver’s licence or passport to prove their identity online.
We’re partnering with MyMahi, a commercial e-platform provider. Though, we see much wider application for this service over time.
The pilot follows the publication of whitepapers, trialling the service in a technical sandbox environment, early research and sector engagement.
The goal of the pilot is to test how DIA might give New Zealanders greater control of their identity information by increasing identity data portability and access.
How the service uses biometric technology
The service will use the same biometric technology that New Zealanders use to apply for a passport, citizenship and RealMe.
Technical roadmap: how the service is developing
- 2025
- Technical sandbox trial
- 2026
- Market engagement
- 2027
- Service rollout
Technical requirements to integrate with Verifiable Credentials
Integrating with the service at this pilot stage, requires a digital wallet to store credentials and a VIC API.
We encourage agencies, organisations and businesses to contact DIA to discuss your interest in the pilot and the Verifiable Credentials service.
Email: verifiablecredentials@dia.govt.nz
Further information
Learn more about VCs on YouTube
DIA has set up a Digital Identity Services YouTube playlist with a short video describing how VCs might work.
Read more about verifiable credentials
DIA has been working on a possible approach for issuing verifiable credentials since 2019.
To date, the department has published two whitepapers and one report exploring the approach.
Keep an eye out for more reports due in July 2025.