The transition toward decentralized digital identity is accelerating globally. In Europe, the eIDAS 2.0 regulation mandates that all Member States provide a European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet to citizens by 2026.

This regulation fundamentally changes how government agencies handle identity and professional certifications. For public sector buyers in the US and Europe, procurement decisions now require a focus on interoperability, legal certainty, and privacy.

Selecting an eIDAS compliant credential verification solution is no longer an optional upgrade. It is a necessary step for regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

eIDAS 2.0 and the EUDI Wallet Framework

The revised eIDAS regulation introduces a framework for the “Electronic Attestation of Attributes” (EAA). This allows citizens to store digital versions of diplomas, licenses, and permits in a mobile wallet.

Public sector bodies act as both issuers and verifiers in this ecosystem. When a citizen presents a digital document, the government agency must verify its authenticity instantly.

A core component of this system is the use of verifiable credentials. These are digital representations of physical documents that are cryptographically secured. Unlike static PDF files, verifiable credentials allow for automated, real-time credential verification without contacting the original issuer every time.

This reduces administrative overhead and eliminates the risk of document forgery.

Technical Standards for Public Sector Buyers

Public sector buyers must evaluate platforms based on their adherence to open technical standards. The European Commission’s Architecture and Reference Framework (ARF) outlines specific protocols for the EUDI Wallet.

W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) provides the global standard for how these digital claims are structured. A platform must support the W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model v2.0 to ensure that credentials issued in one jurisdiction are readable in another. This interoperability prevents vendor lock-in and allows government agencies to interact with various wallet providers.

Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)

DIDs are a new type of identifier that enables verifiable, decentralized digital identity. They allow individuals and organizations to prove ownership of their data without relying on a central authority. EveryCRED utilizes a unique “evrc” DID method to establish a secure trust layer for all participants. This method ensures that the credential verification process remains secure and private.

Selective Disclosure and SD-JWT

Privacy is a primary concern for government entities. Selective disclosure allows a user to share only the necessary information. For example, a citizen can prove they are over 18 without revealing their full birth date. Modern systems use Selective Disclosure JSON Web Tokens (SD-JWT) to achieve this. Buyers should prioritize solutions that implement these privacy-preserving technologies to meet GDPR requirements.

Critical Evaluation Factors for Procurement

When evaluating an eIDAS compliant credential verification platform, public sector buyers should focus on these five specific areas.

1. Level of Assurance (LoA)

Government services require high levels of assurance. The platform must support rigorous identity proofing before issuing a credential. This often involves biometric binding, where the digital credential is tied to the user’s face or fingerprint. This ensures that only the rightful owner can present the credential for credential verification.

2. Trust Service Provider Status

Under eIDAS, certain services are classified as “Qualified Trust Services.” These include qualified electronic signatures and qualified electronic seals. Buyers must confirm if a provider aligns with these standards to ensure the credentials have the same legal weight as paper documents. You can explore how these components fit together in our Verifiable Digital Credential Ecosystem guide.

3. Real-Time Revocation Checks

Credentials can become invalid before their expiration date. A professional license might be suspended, or a permit might be revoked. An eIDAS compliant credential verification system must check the revocation status in real-time. Blockchain technology provides a transparent and tamper-proof ledger for these status checks. EveryCRED uses blockchain to ensure that every credential verification reflects the current status of the document.

4. API Integration and Ease of Use

Government IT infrastructures are often complex and rely on legacy systems. A verification solution should offer robust REST APIs for easy integration. “One-click verification” features allow staff to verify documents without specialized training. This reduces the technical debt associated with adopting new identity frameworks.

5. Data Sovereignty and Security

Public sector agencies handle sensitive citizen data. The architecture of the chosen platform should follow “Privacy by Design” principles. This includes decentralized storage, where the user holds their own data in a wallet rather than the government maintaining a massive, centralized database. This approach significantly reduces the impact of data breaches.

Evaluation Criteria for Public Sector Buyers

The following table summarizes the technical and regulatory requirements that buyers must evaluate during the procurement process.

Evaluation Category	Requirement	Why It Matters
Regulatory Compliance	eIDAS 2.0 / ARF Alignment	Ensures legal recognition across the EU and US.
Data Standards	W3C Verifiable Credentials	Enables interoperability with different wallets.
Identity Proofing	High Level of Assurance (LoA)	Prevents identity fraud in government services.
Verification Speed	Real-time Revocation (Blockchain)	Ensures the credential is still valid and active.
Privacy	Selective Disclosure (SD-JWT)	Minimizes data collection and follows GDPR.
Infrastructure	API-First Architecture	Simplifies integration with existing government portals.

Case Study: Government Implementation in Action

Practical application is the best way to judge the effectiveness of an eIDAS compliant credential verification system. The Raigad Police Force implemented a digital trust solution to improve public safety and identity management. By moving away from physical ID cards and manual checks, they achieved faster response times and higher data accuracy. This case demonstrates that verifiable credentials are not just theoretical; they provide tangible benefits to law enforcement and public administration.

You can read the full Case Study: How Raigad Police Force Improved Safety with EveryCRED for more information.

The Role of Blockchain in Modern Verification

Blockchain serves as the “trust anchor” for decentralized identity. It does not store personal data. Instead, it stores cryptographic hashes and revocation statuses. This creates a tamper-proof audit trail.

When a government agency performs a credential verification, they check the blockchain to ensure the issuer’s signature is valid and the credential has not been altered.

EveryCRED’s blockchain infrastructure is designed for scalability and transparency. It provides a secure foundation for verifiable credentials across various industries, including healthcare and education.

The EveryCRED FAQ provides deeper insights into how blockchain secures the issuance and verification process.

Prepare for the 2026 Mandate

Government agencies must act now to prepare for the full implementation of eIDAS 2.0. This involves assessing current identity workflows and identifying areas where manual processes can be replaced by automated credential verification.

1. Audit Current Systems: Determine which public services require identity or attribute verification.
2. Verify Standards Compliance: Ensure any new procurement aligns with W3C and eIDAS ARF standards.
3. Pilot Digital Wallets: Begin small-scale pilots using verifiable credentials for internal employee certifications or professional licenses.
4. Engage with Stakeholders: Collaborate with other government departments to ensure cross-border and cross-departmental interoperability.

The European Commission provides official guidelines on the implementation of these digital identity standards. These resources are essential for buyers who need to understand the legal deadlines and technical specifications of the mandate.

Conclusion

The move to an eIDAS compliant credential verification model is a fundamental shift in how trust is managed in the public sector. By adopting verifiable credentials, government agencies can provide more secure, private, and efficient services to citizens.

Buyers must evaluate platforms based on their adherence to global standards, their ability to provide real-time credential verification, and their commitment to data sovereignty.

EveryCRED offers a robust, blockchain-powered solution that aligns with these requirements. Whether for local government records or cross-border professional certifications, EveryCRED provides the tools needed for a digital-first public sector.

Contact us now for a complimentary consultation.