Google Wallet Expands In US With Digital ID Feature

New Mexico has become the latest state in the US to allow residents to save their IDs like driver’s license on Google Wallet. California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland are the other states that have adopted Google’s digital identification technology. 

This new feature on Google Wallet will make travelling less stressful by storing the IDs you usually carry in your wallet in a digital version on your phone. 

Adding ID to Google Wallet is simple. Just open the app, tap “Add to Wallet,” pick “ID,” and follow the prompts. You will be asked to take photos of both sides of your ID and record a quick selfie video for authentication. In a few minutes, you’ll receive a notification that your digital ID is ready to use. Once it’s set up, you can use  it just like your payment cards.

Additionally, Google Wallet is also expanding  support for digital passport IDs in the coming weeks. This new feature, being accessible to eligible users, lets you store a digital version of your US passport in the app, making it convenient to get through certain TSA checkpoints.

Currently, 27 states across the U.S. have airports equipped to recognize these new digital IDs, including major hubs like New York’s JFK and LaGuardia, Los Angeles International, and Miami International airports. It will be expanded to wider areas as the technology becomes more commonplace. 

Also Read: How To Secure Your Google Account With The Advanced Protection Program

Citizens in the US are recommended to carry physical IDs for law enforcement and age checks. But, they can use their digital IDs on businesses and TSA checkpoints are using the NM Verifier app, allowing Americans to verify their IDs with just their smartphones.

Google has also suggested carrying your physical ID, especially when traveling, until digital IDs become more widely accepted.