PRE-BINDING AND TIGHT BINDING OF AN ON-LINE IDENTITY TO A DIGITAL SIGNATURE

A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards generating a public/private key pair prior to registration. The generation of the public/private key pair is performed by the entity to which the key pair is to be associated. The entity may then complete n application. The entity may then employ the generated public/private key pair to digitally sign the application. In one embodiment, the public key is provided with the application to a registration authority. Upon request, the public key and at least some of the application information may be provided to requester for use in identification, authentication, integrity, and/or non-repudiation of the registered entity. In another embodiment, the registration authority or other entity may verify the identity of the registering entity using the application. In one embodiment, the registration authority may select to digitally sign the application to indicate that the information has been verified.