Google Wallet Is Expanding Digital IDs to More States and the UK

More Android users will be able to use their phones to verify their identities instead of their drivers licenses or passports, as Google Wallet is expanding its digital ID features to more U.S. states and the UK.

In an April 29 blog post, Google announced that residents in Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia will soon be able to add their government-issued IDs—drivers licenses and state identification cards—to Google Wallet. This feature has already rolled out for those who live in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico. ID pass, Google Wallet's digital passport feature, will also be expanded to UK residents.

What you can do with Google Wallet's digital IDs

Digital IDs (in Google Wallet or state-specific apps) can already be used to get through TSA checkpoints at supported airports as long as they are REAL ID complaint. Google Wallet recently added an ID pass feature for U.S. passports, which are also accepted by TSA and can be used in lieu of a REAL ID. With the latest update, residents of Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico will be able to to use digital IDs stored in Google Wallet at the DMV.

Google is also expanding options for using your digital ID online, such as for recovering your Amazon account, accessing online health services through CVS and MyChart, and verifying profiles on digital platforms like Uber. Some apps already permit digital IDs for identity verification, and Google plans to integrate Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) age verification across devices and services that access digital IDs via Google Wallet.

For users in the UK, digital IDs in Google Wallet can be used to verify Railcard eligibility.

Google Wallet will soon be available in 50 additional countries for storing digital passes (like tickets), though Google has not yet indicated where.

How to add a digital ID to Google Wallet

To add your state-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 ID pass via the + icon > ID > ID pass. Hit Get Started and follow the in-app prompts to scan your passport and face for approval.

Finally, while a digital ID is convenient, it isn't a full replacement for your physical ID card or passport. You may still need to present these when traveling or using certain services, so you should still carry them with you.

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