W3C's Verifiable Credential Barcodes add real-time revocation for physical IDs

The W3C has introduced Verifiable Credential Barcodes, a specification built on the Verifiable Credentials Data Model v2.0 that secures physical documents like driver's licenses and enables instant revocation of compromised credentials via the Bitstring Status List without contacting the issuer. The open, royalty-free technology has been in production testing at the California DMV since late last year.

• Spec builds on the W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model v2.0 from 2025
• Revocation uses the Bitstring Status List without server retrieval or phoning home
• California DMV has issued licenses with the barcode since late 2025
• Technology is open, public and royalty-free for any issuer