---
title: "Data Exchange Protocols"
description: "Overview of the different data exchange protocols used in digital identity."
stack: "Concepts (stack-agnostic, applies to both Community and Enterprise Stack)"
stack_comparison: https://docs.walt.id/community-vs-enterprise.md
canonical_url: https://docs.walt.id/concepts/data-exchange-protocols
generated: 2026-07-20
---
# Data Exchange Protocols for Digital Identity (SSI)

Different authentication and data exchange protocols are used to securely transfer identity data (e.g. VCs, VPs) between
parties (e.g. from an Issuer to a Holder). They typically establish a mutually authenticated and encrypted data channel
between the communicating parties.

### Protocols

- **OpenID4VCI (Issuance)**: [What is OpenID4VCI? The Developer's Guide](https://docs.walt.id/concepts/data-exchange-protocols/openid4vci.md)
- **OpenID4VP (Presentation)**: [What is OpenID4VP? The Developer's Guide](https://docs.walt.id/concepts/data-exchange-protocols/openid4vp.md)
- **DC-API (Browser-Based)**: [What is DC-API? The Developer's Guide](https://docs.walt.id/concepts/data-exchange-protocols/dc-api.md)
- **HAIP (High Assurance Profile)**: [What is the HAIP Profile? The Developer's Guide](https://docs.walt.id/concepts/data-exchange-protocols/haip.md)
- **DCQL (Query Language)**: [DCQL: The Developer's Guide](https://docs.walt.id/concepts/data-exchange-protocols/dcql.md)