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Credentials Types

In the Hovi platform, Credential Types define the structure and format of the digital credentials issued and verified across ecosystems. These credential types ensure that credentials can be interoperable, secure, and verifiable across different identity systems, platforms, and services.

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To view a complete list of supported credential types per ecosystem, please visit Hovi Support Matrix.

Supported Credential Types​

AnonCreds​

  • A widely used credential format, especially known for its privacy-preserving features. AnonCreds allows credentials to be verified without revealing unnecessary information, enhancing user privacy.
  • Use Case Example: Ideal for issuing academic qualifications or government IDs where only essential details need to be shared.

JSON-LD​

  • A flexible and standardized format that leverages Linked Data principles. JSON-LD is great for structuring data and making credentials easily interoperable across different systems.
  • Use Case Example: Used for credentials that need a rich data structure, like employment certificates or detailed medical records.

SD-JWT (Selective Disclosure JWT)​

  • This type of credential allows selective disclosure of information, enabling users to share only parts of their credentials, preserving privacy while still offering verifiability.
  • Use Case Example: Helpful in scenarios like age verification where users only need to prove their age without sharing their entire identity.

Communication Protocols​

Credentials in Hovi are exchanged using secure Communication Protocols. These include:

  1. DIDComm V1, Out-of-Band: A versatile protocol used for secure, private communication between decentralized identities. It is commonly used for credential exchange in formats like AnonCreds and JSON-LD. DIDComm ensures encrypted, peer-to-peer messaging without intermediaries.
  2. OID4VC (OpenID for Verifiable Credentials): A protocol that integrates OpenID Connect standards to issue and verify verifiable credentials. It is widely used for verifying OpenID-related credentials, allowing seamless interoperability across various systems.
  3. OID4VP (OpenID for Verifiable Presentations): This protocol allows the presentation of verifiable credentials using OpenID Connect standards, enabling the easy exchange of credentials between users and systems.
  4. Iden3: A protocol primarily focused on privacy-preserving identity verification, leveraging zero-knowledge proofs. It’s designed for blockchain environments such as PolygonID, ensuring users can prove their identity without revealing sensitive data.
  5. SIOPv2 (Self-Issued OpenID Provider): A decentralized identity protocol where users can issue their own verifiable credentials using an OpenID provider. This approach supports self-sovereign identity and allows users to control their data while interacting with various applications and platforms.
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Some technologies like JWT-VC, LDP, and DID are still evolving and have not been fully integrated into Hovi. These features might be supported in the future as the technology matures and gains broader industry adoption.

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