What is FIPS 201-2?

In support of HSPD-12, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) issued FIPS 201-2, the Personal Identity Verification standard. The standard establishes the high level of specification required for the credentials that would be used to fulfill HSPD-12. In addition, it specifies PIV-I, the interoperable credential that can be used by Federal contractors and issued by non-Federal organizations.