Google Extends Digital IDs Availability to Additional States within the U.S. and the United Kingdom
Rewritten Article:
Stepping into the Digital Age: Your ID, Now on Google Wallet
Google Wallet is broadening its digital ID capabilities, letting more Android users in the U.S. and UK verify their identities using their phones instead of traditional ID docs like drivers licenses or passports.
In a latest declaration on April 29, Google announced that ID holders residing in Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia will shortly add their state-issued IDs to Google Wallet. This feature has already made its debut for citizens in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico. Google Wallet's ID pass, a digital passport feature, will also extend to UK residents.
What's the Fuss About Google Wallet's Digital IDs?
Digital IDs (in Google Wallet or state-specific apps) have already been used to breeze through ** airport TSA checkpoints at selected airports, provided they are REAL ID compliant**. Google Wallet recently introduced an ID pass feature for U.S. passports, which are also accepted by TSA and can be utilized in place of a REAL ID. As part of the recent update, residents of Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico can now employ digital IDs stored in Google Wallet at the DMV.
Google further intends to widen options for utilizing your digital ID online, such as for retrieving your Amazon account, accessing online health services via CVS and MyChart, and verifying profiles on digital platforms like Uber. Some apps currently allow digital IDs for identity verification, and Google aims to implement 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 show up in 50 additional countries for storing digital passes (such as tickets), although Google hasn't yet disclosed the locations.
How to Secure Your Digital ID on Google Wallet
To add your state-issued ID to Google Wallet, launch the app on your Android device and hit the menu icon > ID > Driver's license or state ID. You can also add your passport to ID pass by tapping the menu icon > ID > ID pass. Tap Get Started and follow the in-app directions to snap your passport and face for approval.
Regardless, a digital ID isn't a full substitute for your actual ID card or passport. Keep those on hand when traveling or employing certain services since you'll still need them.
Enrichment Insights:
Adding a Digital ID to Google Wallet
- Open Google Wallet on your Android device.
- Tap the "+" icon, then select "ID" and opt for "Driver's license or state ID."
- Take pics of your ID card's front and back, and a video shot for verification. One of the video's photos will be submitted to your ID issuer.
- Wait for approval; once granted, your ID will appear in Google Wallet.
Availability by State
- Arizona: Available since October 2023.
- California: Expected to launch in August 2024.
- Colorado: Available since October 2023.
- Georgia: Available since October 2023.
- Maryland: Available since December 2022.
- New Mexico: Expected to launch in December 2024.
- Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia: Coming soon.
Users in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico can also use their digital IDs at the DMV.
International Availability
Google Wallet welcomes residents of the United Kingdom to generate digital ID passes using their U.K. passports. This feature allows users to verify their eligibility for select Railcards in collaboration with Rail Delivery Group.
Using Digital IDs for Verification
- TSA Security: Use a U.S. passport-based ID Pass for domestic flights at participating airports, even without a REAL ID.
- Recover Accounts: Employ your digital ID to retrieve accounts on platforms like Amazon.
- Health Services: Access online health services via CVS and MyChart by Epic.
- Profile Verification: Verify profiles on platforms like Uber.
Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) for Age Verification
Google Wallet has incorporated ZKP technology to verify age without disclosing user identity, elevating privacy and security during age verification processes.
- Google Wallet is expanding its digital ID capabilities, allowing residents in Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia to add their state-issued IDs to the Wallet, following the lead of users in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico.
- Google's digital ID pass feature, which includes digital passports, will be available for UK residents, enabling them to verify Railcard eligibility.
- Besides airport TSA checkpoints, digital IDs can be used for various purposes online, such as retrieving Amazon accounts, accessing online health services via CVS and MyChart, and verifying profiles on digital platforms like Uber.
- Google aims to implement Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) age verification across devices and services that access digital IDs via Google Wallet, ensuring privacy and security during age verification processes.
