In recent months, Google has been working to let you store more types of IDs in Wallet. Currently, users in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland can save their local digital IDs. The company is working on extending support to more states, but the process can take time. In the meantime, Google Wallet will receive a feature to digitize your US passport as an alternative ID card.
Google Wallet will create a digital ID based on your passport in the US
Soon, the app will get a new “Passport” option under Add to Wallet > ID. To digitize your passport, you must take photos of the personal information and photo pages. Next, you must scan the rear security chip. Lastly, you will need to take a short video of your face. Wallet will process the data to make sure everything matches, probably assisted by some AI magic. Then, it will generate your passport-based digital ID, which will appear below the classic card carousel.
It’s noteworthy that the digital ID is not a replacement for a physical document or your driver’s license. However, it can be used at some TSA checkpoints to make things easier for you while traveling. Google is working with the TSA to extend support to more checkpoints in supported states. In terms of security, to access your new digital ID, Wallet will require biometric identification or a PIN. There are also tools to remotely wipe it if you lose your device.
Google wants to bet on a digital approach to facilitate your identity verification in multiple contexts. For example, in the future, you could use your digital ID as a method to recover accounts or even rent cars. Google Wallet’s passport scanning is expected to enter beta soon. The option will allow you to not have to wait for your state to add support for local digital IDs on the platform. Regarding the latter, Iowa, New Mexico, and Ohio are expected to receive local digital ID support in the “coming months.”