initial-state.md

Extension DID Parameter: initialState

This specification defines a new DID parameter, to be included in the DID Spec Registries.

Status

Work-in-progress

Syntax

The parameter name is initialState. The range of possible values is method-specific and MUST be defined by the applicable DID method specification.

Definition

This DID parameter is used to include data in a DID URL that makes it possible to resolve a DID in situations when the DID method's Create operation has not been completed yet. Many DID methods require a period of time (which may be indefinite) between the generation of a DID and the DID being anchored/propagated in the underlying ledger system, and other layers for which propagation delays may apply. This DID parameter enables resolution of unpropagated and unpublished DIDs.

Examples

• did:example:123?initialState=eyJkZWx0YV9oYXNoIjoiRWlDUlRKZ2Q0U0V2YUZDLW9fNUZjQnZJUkRtWF94Z3RLX3g...
• did:example:123?initialState=eyJkZWx0YV9oYXNoIjoiRWlDUlRKZ2Q0U0V2YUZDLW9fNUZjQnZJUkRtWF94Z3RLX3g...#keys-1

Interaction with other DID Parameters

TODO

Related Resources

• https://identity.foundation/sidetree/spec/#long-form-did-uris

Contribute

Contributions to this document can be discussed in the DIF I&D Working Group:

• https://identity.foundation/working-groups/identifiers-discovery.html
• https://dif.groups.io/g/id-wg/