In a recent client call, we were asked whether our platform could help a local government issue digital IDs.
To answer that, Richard Esplin (Head of Product) put together a live demo.
Instead of complex architectures or long timelines, he showed how a city could issue a digital residency credential and use it instantly across departments. From getting a library card to scheduling trash pickup.
The front end for the proof-of-concept was spun up in an afternoon with an AI code generator.
Behind the scenes, we handled verifiable credential issuance, verification, selective disclosure, revocation, and ecosystem governance, proving that governments can move from paper processes to reusable, privacy-preserving digital IDs in days, not months.
Watch the demo
The demo in action
Richard walked us through what this might look like in practice:
- A city clerk checks a resident’s ID and proof of address, then issues a digital residency credential on the spot.
- The resident picks it up via a password-protected QR code and drops it straight into their ID wallet. The wallet can be white-labeled or embedded into an existing city app.
- That same credential can then be used immediately for everyday services, whether that’s signing up for a library card or proving eligibility for city programs.
Key concepts highlighted
- Less data, more privacy: When the library only needs to know you live in the city, they don’t need your full address. Selective disclosure makes that possible.
- Use the wallets people already have: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and soon Samsung. No need to ask residents to download yet another app.
- Start small, grow later: Digital credentials can slot into existing processes, whether that’s today’s in-person checks or tomorrow’s automated workflows.
- Real revocation: If a credential like a library card is revoked, it shows up in the wallet within seconds and without exposing who the holder is.
- Simple governance: Admins can decide who issues and who verifies, and keep the ecosystem limited to approved participants.
- Privacy by Design: Data flows directly via API; the system does not track citizen activity.
The takeaway?
Cities don’t need to rip and replace existing systems to go digital.
With Truvera, they can issue, verify, and manage reusable credentials in days, improving services for residents while maintaining privacy, compliance, and governance.
