In this Blog, we will explore the concept of OnChain identity and how you can register it for your Polkadot JS account. Polkadot provides a naming system that allows users to add personal information to their on-chain accounts, which is then verified by registrars. Without setting an identity, an account would be represented by a generic alphanumeric string, causing potential trust issues. Users can fill in various fields such as legal name, display name, website, and social media handles to establish their identity.
Understanding OnChain Identity
Polkadot’s naming system allows users to register or set their on-chain identity, providing a way to establish their authenticity.
An on-chain identity distinguishes an account and enables others to identify the owner.
Registering an identity strengthens trust in the network and allows others to verify who is handling an account.
Methods to Set OnChain Identity on Polkadot JS:
Method 1: Setting Identity via Account:
- The easiest way is to set your account’s identity directly by clicking on the three-dot icon in the “Accounts” tab and selecting “Set Identity.”
- This process involves locking a final value in the network to represent your identity.
Method 2: Setting Identity via Developers Tab:
- Another option is to navigate to the “Developers” tab, select the “Extrinsics” submenu, and choose the “Identity” pallet to set your identity.
- This method provides more flexibility and control.
The Process of Setting OnChain Identity
- After choosing the appropriate method, sign and submit the transaction to initiate the validation process.
- Registrars will evaluate your identity and provide a judgment based on six levels, including “Unknown,” “Reasonable,” “Known Good,” “Out of Date,” “Low Quality,” and “Erroneous.”
- The seventh state, “Fee Paid,” indicates that your identity judgment request is in progress.
Registrar Validation and Email Confirmation
- Once your identity submission is complete, registrars validate the information you provided.
- You will receive an email with instructions on how to follow up for validation.
- In case you don’t receive an email or want to choose a specific registrar, you can navigate to the Developers tab and select a registrar from the app chain state.
Requesting Judgement and Paying Registrar Fees
- To request judgment, visit the Polkadot JS Apps UI and navigate to the Developers tab.
- In the Extrinsics submenu, select “Identity” and then “Request Judgement.”
- Pay the fee specified by the registrar. You can choose multiple registrars for judgment if desired.
Email Verification and Account Confirmation
- After submitting the extrinsic transaction, you will receive another email indicating the progress of your judgment request.
- If any issues arise during the verification process, you can contact the registrar for assistance and provide signed details from your account through Elements or other messaging platforms.
Identity Confirmation and Modifying Fields
- Once the judgment process is complete, a green checkmark will be allocated to your account, signifying that your identity has been successfully submitted on-chain.
- During the judgment processing period, you can modify your identity fields.
- However, it’s important to note that changing a single field requires un-verification and following the same procedure again.
Conclusion
Setting an OnChain identity for your Polkadot JS account enhances trust and provides a way for others to verify your authenticity. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can register your identity, undergo registrar validation, and establish a reliable presence on the blockchain. Remember to ensure that the information you provide is accurate and valid. If you have any further queries or require assistance, feel free to comment or reach out via email [email protected]. Stay tuned for more Polkadot-related content.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is the purpose of setting an OnChain identity?
Setting an OnChain identity establishes trust and allows others to identify the owner of an account on the blockchain.
Q: Can I choose my registrar for identity validation?
Yes, you can choose a registrar from the app chain state in the Developers tab to validate your identity.
Q: Can I modify my identity fields after submission?
During the judgment processing period, you can make changes to your identity fields. However, modifying a single field requires un-verification and following the registration process again.
Q: How can I cancel a judgment request?
To cancel a judgment request, choose the “Cancel Request” option and submit the transaction.
Q: What happens if I clear my identity?
Clearing your identity removes it from your account, including any sub-accounts. Make sure to provide accurate and valid information to avoid this situation.
