W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model 2.0
A W3C Recommendation defining a standard way to express credentials in a cryptographically secure, privacy-respecting, and machine-verifiable manner.
Core Concepts
The Verifiable Credentials Data Model defines a standard way to express credentials on the web. Unlike traditional credentials (physical cards, PDFs), verifiable credentials are cryptographically secured, machine-readable, and can be verified without contacting the issuer.
Claim
An assertion made about a subject. Example: 'Alice's date of birth is 1990-01-15'.
Credential
A set of one or more claims made by a single issuer about one or more subjects.
Verifiable Credential
A credential with a cryptographic proof that can be verified.
Verifiable Presentation
Data derived from one or more VCs, presented to a verifier.
Credential Lifecycle
A verifiable credential goes through four distinct phases: issuance, holding, presentation, and verification.
1 Issuance Phase
The issuer examines the holder's qualifications, creates a credential object with metadata and claims, then secures it cryptographically using a digital signature.
2 Holding Phase
The holder stores the credential in a repository (digital wallet), maintaining access control and privacy boundaries. The holder decides what to share and with whom.
3 Presentation Phase
The holder selectively extracts claims relevant to a verifier's requirements, creating a presentation that might combine multiple credentials.
4 Verification Phase
The verifier validates the structure, verifies cryptographic proofs, checks temporal validity, queries status if present, and applies business rules.
Decentralized Trust Model
Unlike federated identity models where subjects are tied to identity providers, the VC model separates issuance from presentation. Holders control credential distribution independent of issuer preferences.
Real-World Implementations
W3C Verifiable Credentials are being deployed across industries for various use cases.
Supply Chain Credentials
GS1 Digital Link
Product authenticity verification using VCs linked to GS1 barcodes, enabling consumers to verify product origin and authenticity.
- Product traceability
- Counterfeit prevention
- Sustainability claims
Education Credentials
Digital Credentials Consortium
MIT, Harvard, and other universities issuing verifiable academic credentials that students can share with employers.
- Instant verification
- No transcript fees
- Learner-controlled sharing