Microsoft Entra Verified ID

Microsoft Entra Verified ID is a managed verifiable credentials service that enables organizations to issue and verify digital identity credentials based on open standards. Launched in August 2022, it is part of Microsoft's broader identity and access management portfolio.

The service implements several key technical standards and protocols:

• W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model
• W3C Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)
• DIF Sidetree Protocol
• DIF Well Known DID Configuration
• OpenID Connect

Key technical capabilities include:

• Credential Issuance: Organizations can design and issue verifiable credentials representing proofs of employment, education, or other claims
• Credential Verification: Applications can verify credential authenticity using standardized APIs
• Privacy-Preserving Presentation: Users control credential sharing through the Microsoft Authenticator digital wallet
• Recovery Mechanisms: Mnemonic-based recovery for lost credentials
• Interoperability: Standards-based interop profile developed with IBM, Workday, Ping, and Mattr

Notable implementations include:

The UK National Health Service (NHS) uses it to enable rapid staff movement between hospitals, reducing administrative time from days to minutes
LinkedIn integrated it to allow members to verify their workplace credentials
Keio University in Japan uses it to manage digital transcripts for over 400,000 students

The service represents Microsoft's implementation of Self-Sovereign Identity principles, allowing individuals and organizations to own and control their digital identity credentials while maintaining interoperability through open standards. It is available as part of Microsoft Entra Suite subscriptions and can integrate with existing identity infrastructure.