What is the difference between authorize and authenticate?


Authorization links your identity with rights and permissions to use a service, such as a software program. In this case, your identity is your Patriot Pass credentials. Usually, the owner or an administrator of the service must grant you authorization. Examples of services you need authorization prior to first use are:

In some cases, registering online for a service grants you authorization. Examples are:


Authentication is the process of confirming your identity. Examples of authentication methods are:

Some services may require you be an authorized user AND also authenticate when you use them.

Single Sign-On

Single sign-on, which makes the authentication and authorization processes seamless, offers a secure way to use one set of credentials, such as your Patriot Pass credentials, to log in to multiple services without having to log in and out of each service.