Many government processes—from issuing fishing licenses to processing applications for medical assistance—were originally designed around paper records and in-person interactions. Over time, many of these processes were transferred to computerized systems but were not substantively redesigned for use in the digital era. This lack of digital integration ignores part of what made the shift to digital possible: the implementation of new identity-management protocols that link a person’s digital identity to various personal attributes stored in other databases.

When government processes integrate and are built with identity-management tools and workflows in place, everyone wins. Constituents get faster, more accurate, and more secure services. Governments save time, money, and employee hours. Both groups gain the benefit of true digitization so that digital information is collected, processed, and analyzed with less risk of identity theft. 

This guide provides eight recommendations aimed at advancing identity management throughout various levels of government in the U.S. By better understanding the work and strategies currently being successfully employed, we hope data leaders can highlight the importance and implications of data infrastructure and governance in identity management initiatives in their states, agencies, and contribute to national conversations.