NIST Special Publication 800-63A

These guidelines provide technical requirements for federal agencies implementing digital identity services and are not intended to constrain the development or use of standards outside of this purpose. This guideline focuses on the enrollment and verification of an identity for use in digital authentication. Central to this is a process known as identity proofing in which an applicant provides evidence to a credential service provider (CSP) reliably identifying themselves, thereby allowing the CSP to assert that identification at a useful identity assurance level. This document defines the technical requirements for each of the three identity assurance levels. This publication supersedes corresponding sections of NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-63-2.

Modules include:

NIST Special Publication 800-63A

NIST 800-63A Compliance Requirements

NIST SP 800-63A compliance is a documentation-centered around the identity proofing process and the reliability of a digital identity. There are three levels of identity assurance, the first being very basic with no hard proof required. The second level requires identifying materials used for remote or in-person identity proofing. The third and highest level of identity evidence is in-person using physical biometric proofing for the greatest assurance.

NIST SP 800-63A offers a digital identity guideline with appropriate levels of identity evidence. In short, it’s a framework for ensuring reliable, secure online interactions for digital identities.

Audit & Assessment Services with NIST 800-63A

The audit and assessment process begins with an overall risk assessment of how the organization handles digital identities. The identity proofing process and authentication methods are reviewed.

The organization’s way of sharing information between different systems is assessed, as well as the security controls for protecting sensitive data. Finally, the organization is audited for how its policies and procedures align with NIST SP 800-63A requirements.

Undergoing an audit and assessment helps with the organization’s cybersecurity posture, builds trust among customers, and ensures you’re in compliance with these regulations around the identity proofing process.

FAQ

What does NIST SP 800-63A cover?

This document defines the digital identity guidelines needed to ensure that digital interactions are accurate, safe, and protected. It outlines the technical requirements for enrollment and identity proofing. It also outlines what Credential Service Providers (CSPs) are responsible for in managing records and official authenticators.

Who needs to comply with NIST 800-63A?

Any organization or Federal agency in the business of using identity proofing services need to be in compliance with these standards. The guidelines cover all aspects of authentication for users interacting with government IT systems. The standards also apply to those who provide identity proofing services.

How can Continuum GRC help with NIST SP 800-63A compliance?

Continuum GRC can ensure that your organization is covered for the specific compliance needs around digital identities and authentication. We’ll assess you organization to uncover any weak spots in your security processes and guide you through the regulations designed to protect these sensitive digital interactions.

Is NIST 800-63A the same as NIST 800-63?

No. NIST 800-63 is a larger set of documents determining the standards and practices around digital identity guidelines. NIST 800-63 covers broader issues like authentication and lifecycle management. NIST 800-63A drills down into the granular specifics around enrollment and identity proofing for digital identities.

What is the purpose of NIST 800-63A?

This document provides the guidelines for services dealing with digital identity, specifically the process of identity enrollment an identity proofing. It give the technical requirements that are needed to verify user identity and the identity of the real person providing that information. It’s meant to ensure that the evidence that’s supplied is authentic.

Benefits of implementing NIST 800-63A?

Utilizing NIST 800-63A demonstrates a commitment to data security and identity protection. It’s a must-have for dealing with Federal entities, but private citizens concerned about identity theft will also feel more confident in your organization when it is compliant in these important requirements.

It’s an extra layer of security in an environment of increasing threats.

What are you waiting for?

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About the Standard

NIST Special Publication 800-63A, part of the NIST SP 800-63 Digital Identity Guidelines, focuses on enrollment and identity proofing for digital authentication. It provides technical requirements for federal agencies implementing digital identity services, though it’s also widely adopted by non-governmental organizations voluntarily. The guidelines emphasize a risk-based approach to identity proofing, ensuring individuals are who they claim to be for secure access to systems. Below is a compliance overview based on the latest revision (SP 800-63A-4, published July 2025), focusing on key requirements and considerations.

Purpose and Scope

Objective: SP 800-63A outlines processes for identity proofing and enrollment to establish a reliable identity for digital authentication. It defines technical requirements for three Identity Assurance Levels (IALs) to balance security, privacy, and usability.
Applicability: Primarily for federal agencies under the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) of 2014, but non-mandatory for non-federal entities. It doesn’t constrain external standards development.
Focus: Identity proofing, where an applicant provides evidence to a Credential Service Provider (CSP) to verify their identity, enabling the CSP to assert identification at a specified assurance level.

Key Components of Compliance

Identity Assurance Levels (IALs): SP 800-63A defines three IALs based on the required confidence in an individual’s identity:
- IAL1: No identity proofing required; suitable for low-risk scenarios where identity verification isn’t critical.
- IAL2: Requires remote or in-person proofing with verification of identity evidence (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
- IAL3: Requires in-person proofing with physical biometric comparison (e.g., fingerprints, facial recognition) for high-risk scenarios. Compliance involves selecting the appropriate IAL based on a risk assessment of the system or service.
Identity Proofing Process:
- Resolution: Collects identity attributes (e.g., name, date of birth) to uniquely identify an individual.
- Validation: Verifies the authenticity of identity evidence using trusted sources (e.g., government databases).
- Verification: Confirms the evidence belongs to the applicant (e.g., via biometrics or knowledge-based questions).
- CSPs must ensure processes are robust, secure, and protect user privacy.
Evidence Requirements:
- Evidence strength varies by IAL:
  - IAL1: No evidence required.
  - IAL2: Requires at least one piece of strong evidence (e.g., government-issued ID) or two pieces of fair evidence.
  - IAL3: Requires superior evidence (e.g., biometrically verified passport) or a combination of strong and fair evidence.
- Organizations must validate evidence against authoritative sources and ensure it’s not fraudulent.
Security and Privacy Considerations:
- Security: CSPs must protect identity data from unauthorized access, using encryption and secure protocols.
- Privacy: Explicit user consent is required for processing identity attributes. The guidelines emphasize minimizing data collection and ensuring transparency.
- Fraud Mitigation: Revision 4 includes expanded guidance on detecting and preventing fraud, such as deepfake detection and addressing identity theft risks.
Usability and Customer Experience:
- Compliance requires balancing security with usability to avoid user workarounds that compromise security.
- Processes should be accessible, with clear instructions and support for diverse user groups.
- Revision 4 removes references to “equity” (present in drafts) but emphasizes “customer experience” to ensure solutions are usable for all populations.
New Technologies:
- Supports modern identity proofing methods, such as mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) and syncable authenticators (e.g., passkeys) for online verification.
- Offers alternatives to biometrics to accommodate privacy concerns or technological limitations.

Implementation Strategies for Compliance

Risk-Based Approach:
- Conduct a Digital Identity Risk Management (DIRM) assessment to determine the appropriate IAL for your services.
- Evaluate risks like identity fraud, data breaches, and user accessibility.
Policy and Process Development:
- Develop clear policies for identity proofing, evidence validation, and user consent.
- Align processes with NIST requirements while considering other frameworks (e.g., PCI DSS) that may have conflicting rules, such as password expiration.
Technology Integration:
- Use automated tools for evidence validation (e.g., checking IDs against DMV records).
- Implement secure storage and transmission of identity data.
- Consider platforms like Cyber Sierra for centralized control, monitoring, and compliance mapping.
Continuous Monitoring:
- Adopt continuous evaluation metrics to assess identity solution performance (e.g., success/failure rates, user drop-off).
- Regularly audit processes to ensure ongoing compliance.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Educate leadership and users on the importance of identity proofing.
- Train staff on NIST guidelines and fraud detection techniques.

Key Updates in SP 800-63A-4 (July 2025):

Enhanced DIRM: A more robust framework for assessing identity-related risks.
Fraud Management: Expanded guidance on mitigating fraud, including deepfake detection.
Syncable Authenticators: Guidance on integrating digital wallets and passkeys.
Customer Experience Focus: Shift from “equity” to ensuring solutions work for all users, addressing usability issues like accessibility and user friction.
Refined IAL Taxonomy: Updated to accommodate varied proofing methods and technologies.

Challenges and Considerations

Balancing Frameworks: Organizations subject to multiple standards (e.g., PCI DSS) may face conflicts, such as password policies. NIST recommends MFA to reduce password-related risks.
Resource Constraints: Smaller organizations may struggle with implementing robust proofing processes. Leveraging automated tools and third-party CSPs can help.
Evolving Threats: The guidelines address emerging threats like deepfakes, but organizations must stay proactive with continuous monitoring.
User Experience: Overly complex processes can lead to user abandonment or insecure workarounds. Test processes with diverse groups to ensure accessibility.

Resources for Compliance

NIST SP 800-63-4 Documents: Available at https://csrc.nist.gov or https://nvlpubs.nist.gov.
Conformance Criteria: NIST provides specific criteria for IAL compliance (SP 800-63A Conformance Criteria).
Digital Identity Risk Assessment (DIRA) Playbook: Guides risk assessment processes.
NIST FAQ and Implementation Resources: Available at https://www.nist.gov.
Feedback Channel: Submit comments to dig-comments@nist.gov for clarifications or updates.

Conclusion

Compliance with NIST SP 800-63A involves implementing robust identity proofing and enrollment processes tailored to the appropriate IAL, balancing security, privacy, and usability. Organizations must conduct risk assessments, validate identity evidence, protect data, and ensure user-friendly processes. Revision 4 adapts to modern technologies and threats, emphasizing continuous evaluation and customer experience. By aligning with these guidelines, organizations can enhance digital identity security while meeting federal requirements and improving user trust.

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