Are you thinking about your login experience? 

The login screen is one of the first things every new user sees, and it sets the tone for their interaction with your services. Your goal should be to make your users’ lives easier — and that starts with the login process. Yet, government services often require citizens to navigate multiple portals and create separate accounts for every service. This creates frustration and reduces accessibility.

Enter Single Sign-On (SSO) and OAuth 2.0. Two technologies that government agencies are using unify services, enhance security, and deliver the kind of intuitive experiences residents expect.

What identify systems used to look like

Many government agencies still use standalone identity systems where each application requires its own login. These systems have three distinct characteristics:

• Residents are required to create separate accounts for each service
• Password fatigue increases the risk of security vulnerabilities 
• There are limited to no cross-agency resident experiences due to limited integration capabilities 

The overarching issue? This fragmented approach leads to both a frustrating user experience and creates inefficiencies for government agencies.

A straightforward solution: SSO + OAuth 2.0

Single Sign-On (SSO)

• SSO is like a master key that unlocks multiple doors. It enables users to login once and access multiple related applications without having to re-enter their credentials over and over.

OAuth 2.0

• OAuth 2.0 is a technical standard that allows applications to access specific resources on behalf of a user without sharing the user’s actual login credentials (like their password). It’s like giving a valet a ticket to retrieve your car instead of handing them your car keys. It’s often used in conjunction with SSO.

Combining SSO and OAuth 2.0 paves the way for government agencies to create a unified and secure login experience for residents.

How does a single login across applications look in practice?

Imagine being able to use one account to pay your property taxes, renew a fishing license, or apply for a local permit. With SSO and OAuth 2.0, this vision becomes a reality.

For example, residents in a city could log in once and access various local services (like water and trash), while also accessing state-run services (like the DMV or tolling). These unified logins eliminate repetitive account creation and allow users to move easily between services.

The benefits extend beyond convenience

Increased satisfaction with government services

• When residents can easily navigate websites, complete transactions, and find information without frustration, they feel more valued and confident in their government’s ability to serve them effectively

Reduced IT burden

• With residents managing fewer passwords, IT teams can focus on innovation and system improvements rather than account management and troubleshooting.

Serious security

• Centralized identity management allows for better monitoring, quicker threat detection, and more effective enforcement of security policies across agency systems.

Five steps for modernizing with SSO and OAuth 2.0 

Switching to a modern identity system requires careful planning but offers substantial long-term benefits. Here’s what modernization typically involves:

1. Assessment and planning: Identify current authentication systems and assess their limitations. Map out the services that will benefit most from SSO and OAuth 2.0 integration.
2. Selecting an identity provider: Choose a trusted identity provider that supports SSO and OAuth 2.0. This provider will handle the secure login process and token issuance.
3. System integration: Update applications to recognize and trust the tokens issued by the identity provider. Ensure compatibility across various systems and jurisdictions.
4. Change management: Develop a transition plan for existing users, ensuring a smooth shift to the new login system. Communicate changes clearly, offering support to residents during the process.
5. Continuous monitoring: Regularly monitor and update the system to maintain security and improve performance.

While this modernization effort requires upfront investment, it simplifies ongoing operations, enhances security, and improves resident satisfaction.

Why an upgraded login is essential for government modernization

Governments must balance security, usability, and scalability. Modern identity systems address these needs:

• Enhanced security: Reduces the risk of data breaches by eliminating the need for password sharing and centralizing authentication.
• Flexibility: Works across a wide range of services, from local to state-level applications.
• Consistency: Delivers a uniform user experience, building trust with residents.
• Scalability: Establishes a foundation for integrating additional services in the future.

By adopting modern identity solutions, governments can transition from fragmented, outdated systems to modern platforms that meet the needs of today’s residents.

What does this mean for local and county leaders?

For leaders, modernizing identity systems with OAuth 2.0 is more than a technical upgrade — it’s an opportunity to transform how services are delivered. The switch enhances security, improves efficiency, and builds trust by delivering an intuitive experience.