Personalization refers to the process of encoding and configuring a card or credential with unique user-specific information to enable secure authentication, access control, and identity verification. This process is critical in ensuring that each credential is securely bound to an individual, making it an essential step in the issuance and lifecycle management of the credentials.

Personalizing in PIV IDs

Personalization of a PIV credential involves embedding user-specific identity and security attributes onto the credential. This includes:

• Personal Identifiable Information (PII): Name, agency affiliation, and unique identifiers.
• Digital Certificates and Cryptographic Keys: Used for authentication, card authentication, encryption, and digital signatures.
• Biometric Data: Fingerprints and optional facial images for biometric verification.
• Security Features: PINs, security keys, and access policies for controlled use.

This personalization process is guided by FIPS 201-3, the federal standard for PIV credentials, and aligns with NIST guidelines for secure identity management.

Evolving Personalization: Non-PKI, Derived PIV, FIDO2 Credentials

As mobile and cloud-based authentication solutions evolve, Derived PIV Credentials (DPIV) have been introduced to extend PIV functionality to mobile devices without requiring a physical card. In addition, Non-PKI credentials, such as FIDO2 passkeys and Derived FIDO2 credentials based on an existing PIV card, provide alternative identity verification methods while maintaining strong security standards.

By implementing a structured personalization process, agencies can ensure that PIV credentials—along with their derived and alternative forms—deliver secure, reliable, and standardized identity authentication across federal environments.