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Also known as: RP
An application or service that consumes identity assertions from a trusted provider to authenticate and authorize users.
DESCRIPTION
In federated identity, the relying party receives tokens or assertions from an identity provider to authenticate users. It validates signatures, checks claims, and applies access policies. OpenID Connect defines RP as the OAuth 2.0 Client interacting with the OpenID Provider. Proper RP implementation includes nonce, state, audience, and redirect URI checks. Security risks include token leakage, incorrect validation, and replay attacks. Compliance involves privacy notices, consent, and data minimization.
ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS
OpenID Foundation
Relying Party (RP): An OAuth 2.0 Client application requiring End-User authentication from an OpenID Provider.
Formal standard definition mapping RP to OAuth 2.0 Client.
NIST SP 800-63-3
Relying party: Entity that relies upon a subscriber’s authenticator(s) and credentials to control access to its services.
Highlights reliance on subscriber authentication in digital identity.
Microsoft Learn
In OpenID Connect, the client application (relying party) requests tokens from the identity provider to authenticate users.
Clarifies RP behavior in Microsoft identity platform flows.
RELATED TERMS
OpenID Connect OAuth 2.0 SAML Federated Identity Assertion OIDC Client Authorization Server ID Token Service Provider
COMPETING TERMS
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
Data Security Data Privacy & Compliance Platform & Tooling Data Services
TARGET AUDIENCE
Security Architect Cybersecurity Engineer Software Architect Software Developer Application Administrator Chief Information Security Officer
EXTERNAL SOURCES
- Wikipedia - Relying party
- OpenID Foundation - Core spec defining RP in OIDC
- NIST - Digital identity guidelines
- Auth0 - OIDC protocol and RP role
TOP QUESTIONS
What does a Relying Party validate in OpenID Connect?
It validates token signatures, issuer, audience, nonce, expiry, and scopes. It also enforces session management and consent.
Category: Requirements
What is the biggest risk for a Relying Party?
Token leakage or improper validation can allow unauthorized access. Use HTTPS, secure storage, and strict validation.
Category: Risks
How does a Relying Party differ from an Identity Provider?
RPs consume assertions to make access decisions; IdPs issue assertions after authenticating users.
Category: Example
Why is the Relying Party concept still relevant?
Federated identity scales across ecosystems, enabling SSO and secure delegation using modern standards.
Category: Relevancy
What is currently a hot topic around Relying Parties?
Token exchange, DPoP, and mTLS improve RP security in zero-trust architectures.
Category: Topic
How should a Relying Party handle logout?
Use front-channel or back-channel logout specifications, clear sessions, and revoke tokens if supported.
Category: Management
What is the role of scopes for a Relying Party?
Scopes limit requested permissions and claims, supporting least privilege and consent.
Category: Example
How do Relying Parties address privacy concerns?
Minimize data, honor consent, and maintain transparency via notices and data retention controls.
Category: Requirements
Which standards define Relying Party behavior?
OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.0, and NIST 800-63 specify RP responsibilities and security requirements.
Category: Overview