Login.gov integration lets you outsource authentication to a federally managed identity provider while keeping authorization and entitlements in your application. Here is how it improves digital experience:

• Consistent sign-in: Users see the same, familiar Login.gov flow across services, which reduces friction and password fatigue.
• Security built in: Multifactor authentication is enforced by default; when required, identity proofing aligns to NIST SP 800-63 guidance on assurance.
• Account consolidation: One account works across participating services, cutting duplicate registrations and support requests for password resets.
• Standards-based: Integrates over OIDC or SAML, so teams can use existing libraries and gateways.
• Lower maintenance: The identity provider manages credential lifecycle, MFA methods, fraud controls, and ongoing compliance.

At a high level, the user flow is:

1. User starts at your app and selects "Sign in with Login.gov."
2. Your app redirects the browser to Login.gov with an OIDC or SAML request that may specify requested assurance levels.
3. User signs in, completes MFA, and, if required, completes identity proofing.
4. Login.gov returns the user to your redirect URL with a signed assertion or ID token that includes standardized attributes.
5. Your app validates the response, creates or links a local account, and applies authorization and analytics.

To implement confidently, focus on three areas: protocol choice, assurance levels, and attributes.

1) Choose your protocol

• OIDC: Modern OAuth 2.0–based identity layer. You will validate ID tokens, handle authorization codes, and use well-known discovery and JWKS for keys.
• SAML: XML-based federation. You will exchange signed assertions and manage metadata between your service provider and Login.gov.

Pick the protocol that best fits your stack and existing federation tooling. Both are first-class and supported.

2) Request the right assurance

• Authentication Assurance Level (AAL): Governs MFA strength. Request higher AAL when risk or policy require stronger authenticators.
• Identity Assurance Level (IAL): Governs identity proofing. Request IAL only when your service needs verified identity attributes. Higher IAL leads to additional verification steps for the user.
• ACR values: In OIDC and SAML, use authentication context class references to express the needed IAL/AAL in the authentication request.

Right-sizing assurance reduces friction while maintaining compliance.

3) Handle attributes deliberately

• Map attributes: Decide which attributes are required for account linking and authorization. Examples include subject identifier, email, and, when proofed, verified first and last name.
• Minimize scope: Request only what you need to deliver the service. This shortens consent prompts and improves user trust.
• Plan for change: Treat the subject identifier as the durable key and avoid using mutable attributes like email as the primary identifier.

Configuration steps typically include setting up a service provider in the Login.gov portal, registering redirect URLs, uploading metadata or client credentials, and validating signatures or tokens.

Make the experience smooth for users and maintainable for your team.

• User experience: Provide a clear "Sign in with Login.gov" entry, explain why users are being redirected, and outline what information will be shared. For new users, describe the time required if identity proofing is needed.
• Account linking: On first successful sign-in, link the federated subject identifier to a local profile. If an email match exists, confirm ownership before merging.
• Session management: Use short-lived tokens and server-side sessions. Implement nonce/state checks, clock skew tolerance, and proper logout redirects.
• Analytics: Log protocol-level events such as ACR requested vs. achieved, MFA method used, and attribute bundles returned to measure conversion and assurance coverage.
• Error handling: Gracefully handle cancelled authentication, missing attributes, or assurance not met. Provide retry paths and helpful support copy.
• Security hygiene: Pin to Login.gov metadata or JWKS, validate signatures, enforce TLS, rotate secrets, and monitor for replay or token misuse.
• Go-live readiness: Test in sandbox, document your requested assurance levels, and verify that authorization rules use attributes correctly before requesting production access.