Skip to main content

Pilot vs Production Mode

Every organization operates in either Pilot or Production mode. This controls how credentials behave when re-issued.

Pilot Mode​

In pilot mode, re-issuing a credential overwrites the existing entry in the Identity Resolver. This means:

  • You can iterate on credential content without consuming new identifiers
  • The resolver always points to the latest version
  • Previous versions are not retained in the resolver (though they remain in storage)
  • Ideal for testing, learning, and refining your credential content

A Pilot Mode banner appears at the top of the application to remind you that you're not in production.

Production Mode​

In production mode, each credential issuance creates a new identifier and a new resolver entry. This means:

  • Every version of a credential is independently addressable
  • Previous versions remain accessible via their original identifiers
  • Identifier consumption is permanent — you can't reuse identifiers
  • This is the mode for real-world, live deployment

Exceptions​

DFR (Digital Facility Records) and DIA (Digital Identity Anchors) always re-issue to the same resolver path, regardless of mode. This is by design:

  • Facilities are physical locations that don't change identity
  • Identity anchors are meant to accumulate history
  • Updating a facility record should update the same entry, not create a new facility

Switching Modes​

Mode changes are managed at the organization level. Contact your administrator or upgrade your tier to transition from pilot to production mode.

caution

Before switching to production mode, ensure your credential content is finalized. Production mode consumes identifiers permanently — there's no going back to "draft" once a production credential is issued.

Visual Indicators​

DPP Kit makes it clear which mode you're in:

  • Pilot Mode — A colored banner at the top of every page indicates pilot mode
  • Production Mode — No banner; the interface looks clean and production-ready
  • Each credential displays whether it was issued_in_mode: pilot or issued_in_mode: production