Where to Use Google Wallet Digital IDs on Android

More and more states are introducing the ability to store your driver’s license or state ID directly within the Google Wallet app on Android. This digital transformation allows you to present identification conveniently from your phone, starting with verification at airport security checkpoints.

To add your state ID, open the Google Wallet application on a device running Android 9 or a more recent version. Tap the “Add to Wallet” button located in the lower-right corner, then select “ID” followed by “Driver’s license or state ID.” After choosing your state, you will be guided through a setup process. This involves capturing images of both the front and back of your physical ID card. You will also need to record a brief video of your face; a still frame from this recording is sent to your ID issuer for verification purposes.

Once your application receives approval, the digital ID will appear in your Google Wallet, typically below your payment cards. You can rearrange the order of your passes. Should your phone become lost, you have the option to remove the ID remotely by visiting your Google account online, navigating to Personal Info, and selecting “Manage IDs.”

Supported states and future availability for Google Wallet digital IDs are expanding. Google has announced upcoming support for several regions, including Arkansas, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia, with specific launch dates scheduled for 2024 and 2025.

The most common use for this digital ID is at TSA checkpoints in participating US airports. You can present your ID in two ways. The first method involves tapping your phone on an NFC reader. You will then review the specific information being shared with the TSA and authenticate using your device’s unlock method. The second option utilizes a QR code, which you can generate by opening the ID within the Google Wallet app. It is important to note that official guidelines still require you to carry your physical ID card with you at all times.

Beyond airport security, certain applications are beginning to accept digital IDs. Car rental services, for instance, may use them for identity and age verification. When using a mobile app or website that requests your age, a system-level prompt will appear, allowing you to confirm and authenticate the sharing of your information. On a desktop computer, the process typically involves scanning a QR code with your phone.

Looking to the future, Google is developing a privacy-focused technology known as Zero-Knowledge Proof. The goal is to enable verification without linking back to any personal user identity. This technology will eventually be made open-source for broader adoption. Digital IDs are also planned for use at DMV locations in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico to create more efficient customer experiences. Google is also collaborating with companies like Amazon, CVS, MyChart by Epic, and Uber to allow digital IDs for account recovery and profile verification.

For those without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, Google has highlighted an alternative. You can create an ID pass using a U.S. passport for domestic air travel ahead of the May 2025 REAL ID deadline. To add your passport, go to Google Wallet, select “Add to Wallet,” and then choose “ID pass.” The setup requires you to photograph your passport’s information page and scan the security chip embedded in the back cover. A facial video is also required so Google can verify you are a real person and confirm your identity matches the passport photo.

The methods for using this digital passport at TSA, either via NFC tap or QR code, are identical to those for a state ID. Remember, you must still carry your physical passport when traveling, and this digital version is not valid for international flights.

(Source: 9to5 Google)