---
title: "SecKeychainItemCreatePersistentReference(_:_:)"
framework: security
role: symbol
role_heading: Function
path: "security/seckeychainitemcreatepersistentreference(_:_:)"
---

# SecKeychainItemCreatePersistentReference(_:_:)

Creates a persistent reference for a keychain item.

## Declaration

```swift
func SecKeychainItemCreatePersistentReference(_ itemRef: SecKeychainItem, _ persistentItemRef: UnsafeMutablePointer<CFData?>) -> OSStatus
```

## Parameters

- `itemRef`: A keychain item reference for the item for which you want a persistent reference.
- `persistentItemRef`: On return, a persistent reference for the keychain item. You must call the CFRelease function to release this object when you are finished using it.

## Return Value

Return Value A result code. See Security Framework Result Codes.

## Discussion

Discussion Unlike normal references, a persistent reference may be stored on disk or passed between processes. You can convert a persistent reference into an ordinary keychain item reference (SecKeychainItemRef) by calling the SecKeychainItemCopyFromPersistentReference(_:_:) function.