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What are World ID Credentials and how do I use them?

Overview 

World App now allows you to add and see different types of Credentials in your World ID tab (where available).

The World ID Credentials feature allows you to securely verify and store information from your NFC chip-enabled ID on your phone through World App. 

You can use this information via the World ID protocol and its zero-knowledge proof underlying technology to selectively reveal something about yourself without revealing who you are. This can, for instance, be used to prove that you are over 18 years of age without revealing your date of birth or anything else about you. 

 


 

Credential Types

Government IDs

These are IDs that include NFC technology. NFC (Near Field Communication) is a wireless technology that allows your phone to read information from a compatible card, device, or document located in close proximity — for example, when you tap your phone on your passport during verification. Most modern smartphones have NFC built in, and it needs to be turned on in your phone’s settings.

Current ID types supported:

  • National ID Cards.
  • My Number Card (Japan Only).
  • Passports.
    • You can add a valid passport or national ID with an NFC chip as a Credential. The passport must display the following symbol on its cover to be eligible:

 

Steps to Add a Credential

  1. Open the World ID tab and tap Add Credential.
  2. Select your government ID and follow the instructions on the screen.
  3. Once your ID is verified, a confirmation screen will appear.

 


Troubleshooting

I'm having trouble scanning my ID.

Please visit this article to learn how to resolve common scanning issues: I’m having issues verifying my passport, national ID, or My Number Card.

 

I'm seeing errors when I try to scan my ID.

These are common issues experienced when scanning an ID:

  • ID Card Expired: This ID cannot be used as a Credential. You can use a different eligible ID document to try again.
  • Country not Supported: The ID cannot be used as a Credential. Try using a different eligible ID card from a supported country.
  • No Photo Loaded: This means your photo information was not found in the ID's chip when it was scanned, therefore the ID cannot be used as a Credential. You can try using a different eligible document.
  • You must be 18+: Follow the instructions in this article for more details: How do I confirm my date of birth?
  • My Number Card (Japan-only)
    • Card details don’t match: The date of birth, expiry date, or 4-digit number you entered does not match the information on the card. You’ll see how many attempts remain. Select Go Back and fix to review and correct the details before retrying.

    • Your card is locked: After too many failed attempts, the My Number Card becomes locked. It can only be reset by visiting your local municipal office. Once reset, you can try again in the World App.


 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if my device is NFC compatible?

You can get this information from the technical documentation of your device. To turn on NFC on an Android device, follow the steps here: https://support.google.com/wallet/answer/14186809.  On iPhone, NFC is always enabled.

 

What forms of ID can be used to secure World ID Credentials?

At this time, physical NFC-enabled passports, national IDs, and the My Number Card in Japan can be used for the new World ID Credentials. Additional forms of ID may be supported in the future.

 

Can you give me a passport to add as a Credential?

Physical passports are only issued by the governmental entities of a country. 

 

Are verified passport holders eligible for Worldcoin token airdrops?

Yes, where available, World Foundation is making WLD airdrops available to eligible individuals with a World ID Credential. These airdrops are separate from those that can be claimed by Orb-verified World ID holders.


Where does World store data collected during the World ID verification process?

All information required for World ID Credentials remains on the World ID holder’s phone, and nowhere else, as part of the individual’s Personal Custody Package. With World ID Credentials, this encrypted information includes name, age and photo.


Neither World Foundation, TFH, nor any other third party has access to or retains any images or data related to your government ID.


Who has access to my data that is used to validate or verify my World ID Credentials?

Only the World ID holder has access to this information, which remains on the World ID holder’s phone and is not shared with TFH, World Foundation, or any other third party.


Are World ID Credentials available for all countries?

To see the latest list of countries where Credentials are available, open the World ID tab in your World App and select the Add Credential option. 


Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.

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