What is ISO 18013-7 Remote Presentation?

ISO 18013-7 Remote Presentation is a global technical standard defining how mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) can be securely and privately verified remotely over the internet. It extends digital identity verification beyond physical proximity (like NFC or QR scanning) to enable trusted remote authentication of identity credentials, such as driver’s licenses, via digital channels.

ISO 18013-7 Remote Presentation specifically provides:

• Secure Remote Verification: Allowing identity verifiers (e.g., banks, governments, service providers) to authenticate users remotely without compromising security.
• Cryptographic Protection: Using advanced cryptographic techniques to ensure integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality of identity information.
• Privacy and User Control: Users maintain complete control over their identity data, selectively disclosing only necessary attributes.
• Global Interoperability: Ensuring consistent remote verification processes across different countries and jurisdictions.

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ISO 18013-7 is part of the broader ISO 18013 standard set, focusing specifically on enabling secure remote verification of mobile driver's licenses (mDL). This standard addresses critical needs for digital identity in an increasingly remote and digital-first world.

ISO 18013-7 outlines the processes for securely verifying mDLs remotely, typically involving these key parties:

1. Credential Holder (User): Users store their mobile driver’s license securely on their smartphones or mobile devices within specialized wallet applications that adhere to ISO standards.

2. Verifier (Service Provider): The entity requiring identity verification (e.g., online banks, government services, or rental car providers) securely requests the necessary identity data from the user's device.

3. Secure Remote Verification Protocol: Upon receiving a verification request, the user's mobile device securely transmits a cryptographically signed subset of identity data (e.g., name, birthdate) required for verification. The verifier cryptographically validates this data remotely, ensuring authenticity and integrity without direct physical contact.

ISO 18013-7 is designed around strict privacy and security principles:

• Selective Disclosure: Users can disclose only specific identity attributes requested by the verifier, ensuring minimal data exposure and strong alignment with privacy laws such as GDPR.
• Robust Cryptography: Advanced cryptographic methods, such as digital signatures and secure channels (TLS), protect transmitted data, preventing interception or unauthorized access.
• User Consent: Users explicitly authorize each identity data request, providing transparency and control over their personal information.

ISO 18013-7 Remote Presentation is increasingly relevant in scenarios where in-person verification is not possible or practical:

• Online Banking and Finance: Banks verify customers' identities remotely for account opening or high-value transactions, ensuring secure remote KYC processes.

• Government and e-Government Services: Secure remote identity verification for citizens accessing government services online, reducing bureaucracy and streamlining service delivery.

• Travel and Hospitality: Secure remote identity checks for car rentals, hotel check-ins, or airline boarding procedures, simplifying operations and enhancing user experience.

• Remote Age Verification: Online age verification for age-restricted purchases or services, maintaining compliance and safeguarding privacy.

ISO 18013-7 complements cutting-edge authentication approaches, such as Passkeys (WebAuthn/FIDO2), providing an additional layer of trusted identity verification. By combining ISO-standardized remote identity verification with passkey-based authentication, organizations can significantly enhance both security and convenience, establishing phishing-resistant, robust digital identity frameworks.

In conclusion, ISO 18013-7 Remote Presentation is a foundational technology for secure and privacy-oriented remote digital identity verification, critical for today's digital-first world.

ISO 18013-7 allows secure and privacy-preserving remote verification of digital driver’s licenses (mDLs), ensuring trusted digital identity authentication online without physical presence.

It uses advanced cryptographic protocols and digital signatures, ensuring authenticity, data integrity, and preventing unauthorized access during remote verification.

Yes, users can selectively disclose only requested attributes (e.g., just name or age), providing enhanced privacy and data minimization.

Governments, financial institutions, travel companies, and online service providers benefit significantly by securely verifying users remotely, reducing fraud, and enhancing user experience.

ISO 18013-7 complements passkey (WebAuthn/FIDO2) authentication by providing secure, remote identity verification, enhancing overall digital authentication security and usability.