QR Code Lifecycle | Activation, Expiration & Revocation

Operational Lifecycle

Govern the QR object across its operational lifecycle, not only at the scan.

Protocol Family: Operations
Status: Published
Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 2026-08-12
Related Department: QRProtocol.us
Scope: All lifecycle states of a governed QR object.
Purpose: Govern the QR object across its operational lifecycle, not only at the scan.
Dependencies: state-control

Protocol follows the QR through its lifecycle.

QR Protocol does not govern only the scan. It can govern the QR object's operational lifecycle:

Initiation→

Creation→

Identity Association→

Registration→

Certification→

Activation→

Active Operation→

Suspension→

Retirement→

Archival

At each applicable state, Protocol establishes entry conditions, authority, permitted actions, restricted actions, transition requirements, and record requirements.

A registered QR identity is not a permanent, unchanging object. It moves through governed states, and the state in force at the moment of interaction determines what the system is permitted to do.

Issued

The registration identity exists and is operationally recognized.

Active

Governed interactions are permitted subject to State Control.

Suspended

Permitted behavior is restricted while the condition persists.

Expired

An authorized period has elapsed and normal execution no longer applies.

Revoked

Authority is withdrawn and the interaction is handled as an exception.

Retired

The identity is closed out while its history and evidence remain.

History survives state change

Expiration, revocation and retirement change what is permitted. They do not erase the object's identity, record or event history.

Definition

QR Protocol does not govern only the scan. It can govern the QR object's operational lifecycle.

Governing Rule

At each applicable state, Protocol establishes entry conditions, authority, permitted actions, restricted actions, transition requirements, and record requirements.

What it governs

— The physical lifecycle of the label
— The operational lifecycle of the QR object
— The lifecycle of the record
— The continuation of the customer relationship

Permitted

— Different lifecycles progressing at different rates for the same deployment
— Completion or archival of the operational object while the record is retained

Not permitted

— Assuming a single universal sequence applies to every QR object
— Treating the destruction of a label as the end of the record

When the condition passes: The object transitions into the next authorized state with the required record.
When the condition fails: The transition is refused and handled under Failures & Exceptions.
Department performing the operation: Protocol governs lifecycle rules. Registration is performed by QRRegistered.us; certification by QRCertified.us; records are held by QRCodex.us.
Record / evidence required: Each transition must produce the record required by the applicable Protocol.
Where the operational record lives: QRCodex.us.

Direct Answers

How many lifecycles does a QR object have?

Four run in parallel: the physical lifecycle of the label, the operational lifecycle of the QR object, the lifecycle of the record, and the continuation of the customer relationship. They can progress at different rates within the same deployment.

Does destroying the label end the record?

No. Treating the destruction of a label as the end of the record is not permitted. The operational object may be completed or archived while the record is retained in QRCodex.