W3C Verifiable Credentials 2.0
W3C Verifiable Credentials 2.0 is a data model by the World Wide Web Consortium for digital credentials that an issuer signs and a holder presents to verifying parties.
The data model describes the issuer, holder, validity and the actual claims of a credential in JSON-LD. Version 2.0 has been a W3C Recommendation since May 2025. How a credential is secured is defined by complementary specifications, such as Data Integrity with embedded proofs or securing as JOSE or COSE.
Alongside W3C Verifiable Credentials, the IETF's SD-JWT VC has become widespread; it builds on JSON Web Tokens and brings selective disclosure built in. Government wallets in Switzerland and the EU rely heavily on SD-JWT VC; both formats have their fields of use.
Example
A university issues diplomas as W3C Verifiable Credentials with a Data Integrity proof. An employer verifies the diploma against the university's key. For an agent mandate in Switzerland, SD-JWT VC would rather be used, because the e-ID infrastructure builds on it.
How it differs
W3C Verifiable Credentials are a data model in JSON-LD with various securing mechanisms; SD-JWT VC is a compact format based on JWT with built-in selective disclosure. A detailed comparison is offered by the page “SD-JWT VC or W3C Verifiable Credentials?”.
In practice
- Choose the format by context: SD-JWT VC for the Swiss e-ID and the EUDI wallet, W3C VC where ecosystems build on it.
- With W3C VC, pay attention to which securing mechanism is used, because verifying parties must support it.
- For agent mandates, plan a format that allows selective disclosure.
Role in KYA
KYA verifies credentials in the SD-JWT VC and JWS formats. W3C Verifiable Credentials with Data Integrity proofs are not recognized by the engine as a supported format, and the certificate says so instead of assessing them wrongly.
Related check: Format and schema (parse_schema). Is the format recognized, are required fields present, is the version supported?
Frequently asked questions
What are W3C Verifiable Credentials?
A W3C data model for digital credentials that an issuer signs and a holder presents. Version 2.0 has been a W3C Recommendation since May 2025.
What is the difference from SD-JWT VC?
W3C VC describes credentials in JSON-LD and allows various securing mechanisms. SD-JWT VC builds on JWT and brings selective disclosure built in.
Which format do government wallets use?
The Swiss e-ID relies on SD-JWT VC; the European framework for the EUDI wallet provides for SD-JWT VC and ISO mdoc.
Does KYA verify W3C Verifiable Credentials?
KYA verifies SD-JWT VC and JWS. W3C VC with Data Integrity proofs are reported by the engine as an unsupported format instead of being assessed silently.