did:ethr

type

DID Method

Specification

Contact Name

uPort

Info

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Description −

The ethr DID method is a lightweight decentralized identifier system built on Ethereum and compatible with any EVM-based blockchain. Based on the ERC1056 standard, it allows any Ethereum address, smart contract, or secp256k1 public key to become a valid identifier without requiring explicit registration.

A key feature of this method is its minimal infrastructure requirements - no transaction fees are needed for identifier creation since DIDs are derived directly from Ethereum addresses or public keys. The method leverages Ethereum's account abstraction while decoupling the DID management from actual blockchain interactions.

The architecture supports:

Multi-signature control through proxy contracts
Delegated signing allowing third parties to sign on behalf of the DID
Meta-transactions enabling third parties to pay gas fees
Flexible key management
Cross-chain compatibility with any EVM blockchain

Technical Implementation:

DID Structure and Generation

Format: did:ethr:<network>:<address/public-key>
Network prefix is optional (defaults to Ethereum mainnet)
Uses either:
- 40-character Ethereum address
- 66-character compressed secp256k1 public key

Resolution Process

Reads state from ERC1056 registry contract
Monitors three key events:
- DIDOwnerChanged
- DIDDelegateChanged
- DIDAttributeChanged
Builds DID Document by processing event history

Key Management

Default controller is the identifier address
Supports delegation of signing rights
Two delegate types:
- veriKey for general signing
- sigAuth for authentication
Multiple verification method types supported:
- EcdsaSecp256k1RecoveryMethod2020
- Ed25519VerificationKey2018
- X25519KeyAgreementKey2019