# Introduction - Verifiable Credentials in the DOME Ecosystem

**Verifiable Credentials** are used in the DOME ecosystem as a **trusted mechanism for identity, authentication, and authorization**.  
They ensure that both individuals and services can interact securely across the different DOME components — such as the Issuer, the Marketplace, and external integrations — while maintaining verifiable trust and data integrity.

### Credential Issuance and Management

Credentials are **issued through the [Issuer](https://knowledgebase.dome-marketplace-dev2.org/books/dome-credential-issuer-user-guide) application** and **retrieved and stored in the [Wallet](https://knowledgebase.dome-marketplace-dev2.org/books/dome-digital-wallet-user-guide-ALj) application**.

**When a new company joins** the DOME ecosystem, it must complete the [**onboarding process**,](https://knowledgebase.dome-marketplace-dev2.org/books/company-onboarding-process-guide-for-cloud-service-providers-csp) which concludes with the issuance of a [LEAR Credential Employee](https://knowledgebase.dome-marketplace-dev2.org/books/verifiable-credentials-overview/page/verifiable-credential-types) for the company’s Legal Representative (LEAR). This credential acts as the company’s primary identity within DOME and grants the holder the authority to **create and manage additional credentials** for employees or services using the Issuer.

**If you are a non-LEAR employee**, the LEAR of your organization can issue a Verifiable Credential on your behalf.  
Once your credential has been issued, you can retrieve it by following [these steps](https://knowledgebase.dome-marketplace-dev2.org/books/obtaining-the-verifiable-credentials/page/obtaining-the-verifiable-credentials-step-by-step).