Google Wallet Expands Digital IDs to More States and UK
More Android users will be able to use their phones to verify their identity instead of driver’s licenses or passports as Google Wallet expands its digital ID functionality to more states in the US and UK.
In an April 29 blog post , Google announced that residents of Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico and West Virginia will soon be able to add their government-issued IDs—driver’s licenses and state IDs—to Google Wallet. This feature is already available to those living in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland and New Mexico. ID Pass, Google Wallet’s digital passport feature, will also be available to UK residents.
What You Can Do with Google Wallet Digital IDs
Digital IDs (in Google Wallet or state-specific apps) can already be used to clear TSA checkpoints at supported airports as long as they meet REAL ID requirements . Google Wallet recently added an ID feature for US passports, which are also accepted by the TSA and can be used in place of a REAL ID. With the latest update, residents of Arizona, Georgia, Maryland and New Mexico will be able to use digital IDs stored in Google Wallet at the DMV.
Google is also expanding the ways you can use your digital ID online, such as to recover your Amazon account, access online health services through CVS and MyChart, and verify profiles on digital platforms like Uber. Some apps already allow the use of digital IDs for identity verification, and Google plans to integrate zero-knowledge verification (ZKP) age verification into all devices and services that access digital IDs through Google Wallet.
UK users can use digital IDs in Google Wallet to check their Railcard eligibility.
Google Wallet will soon be available in 50 more countries for storing digital passes (like tickets), although Google hasn’t yet indicated where.
How to Add a Digital ID to Google Wallet
To add a government-issued ID to Google Wallet, open the app on your Android device and tap the + icon > ID > Driver’s License or State ID . You can also add your passport to your ID by clicking the + icon > ID > ID pass . Click “Get Started” and follow the instructions in the app to scan your passport and face for approval.
Finally, while a digital ID is convenient, it is not a complete replacement for a physical ID or passport. You may still need to present them when traveling or using certain services, so you should still carry them with you.