Methods and systems for direct, machine-to-machine authentication through a trusted chain of ownership are disclosed. One method includes receiving, at a first device from a second device, a request for a certificate proof. The method also includes transmitting, to the second device, and in response to the request, the certificate proof from the first device, an entry of the proof being recorded on a distributed ledger. The certificate proof is useable by the second device to authenticate the first device based on a comparison of the proof and the entry on the distributed ledger, thereby establishing trust with the first device at the second device.