Verifying self-hosted wallet ownership is a critical step in ensuring regulatory compliance while maintaining user trust and convenience.
At Notabene, we offer 4 proof methods, each tailored to different needs and scenarios.
Read on to learn more about these options, how they work, and why a user might choose each method depending on their circumstances.
1. Digital Signature: The Gold Standard for Blockchain Verification
Digital signatures use cryptographic algorithms to prove ownership of a blockchain address directly from the wallet. This method is highly secure, seamless, and widely supported across blockchains. While the specific signature standards vary by blockchain, the overall logic and flow remain similar, ensuring consistent user experience.
Advantages
- Highly secure and proof
- Fully automated for faster verification
Supported Wallets
- EVM-Compatible: MetaMask, WalletConnect, Ledger, Trezor, etc.
- Bitcoin: Electrum, Ledger, Trezor, BlueWallet, etc.
- Solana: Phantom, Solflare, etc.
- Other Blockchains: TronLink (Tron), Daedalus (Cardano)
Digital signatures are the gold standard for wallet ownership proof when security, versatility, and compliance are critical.
2. Microtransaction: Blockchain-Recorded Proof
Microtransaction (often referred to as the Satoshi Test) involves sending a small transaction from the wallet to confirm ownership. This method relies on blockchain records and is particularly useful for wallets that do not support signing messages.
Advantages
- Transparent proof recorded on the blockchain
- Works for any wallet capable of making transactions
- Ideal for cases where digital signature is unavailable
Supported Wallets
- No restrictions, if wallet cable to send transactions :)
Microtransactions provide a robust alternative when digital signatures are unavailable, offering trustless verification through the blockchain.
3. Screenshot: Quick and Visual Proof
The screenshot method involves capturing the wallet interface to visually prove ownership of the wallet. This method is simple and accessible, especially for non-technical users.
Advantages
- Quick and easy to perform
- Works for any wallet with a graphical user interface
- Accessible for less tech-savvy users
Supported Wallets
- Any wallet with a GUI, including mobile and desktop wallets.
4. Self-Declaration: Simple and Declarative Proof
Self-declaration involves a user’s assertion of wallet ownership through a signed checkbox. While less secure than other methods, it’s useful for jurisdictions or cases with no strict compliance requirements
