Google Wallet isn’t just Android’s mobile payments platform. It’s meant to be a full-on digital wallet, storing not only your payment methods but also documents like travel and event tickets, and even, in some cases, your identification. In 2023, beginning with Maryland, Google started collaborating with US states to provide digital versions of official government identification. Since then, a handful of states have joined the initiative to offer digital IDs in Google Wallet. Here are the states that support digital IDs in Google Wallet and what you can actually do with those IDs.
1. Which states let you add your digital ID to Google Wallet?
So far, Google Wallet’s digital ID compatibility is somewhat limited, as only six US states have joined up to offer digital IDs within Google Wallet over the past couple of years. The states where you can currently add your driver’s license or state ID to Google Wallet are Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico. Additionally, in September, Google announced that users in Iowa and Ohio would also be able to add state-issued IDs to Wallet “in the coming months.” Given that New Mexico’s participation was announced at the same time and has already gone live, it is anticipated that Iowa and Ohio will soon follow suit.
The introduction of digital IDs in these states is a significant step towards the future of digital identification, but it’s important to note that there are still limitations to consider. Despite the convenience of having a digital ID, it doesn’t completely eliminate the need for carrying your physical ID just yet. Various regulations and restrictions remain in place, making it necessary to carry a physical ID for certain purposes. However, the inclusion of even a few states in this initiative demonstrates progress and indicates potential growth in the future.
2. Digital Passports and Their Restrictions
In addition to digital state IDs and driver’s licenses, Google Wallet has the capability to create digital IDs using your passport. These digital passports, however, come with several restrictions that don’t apply to physical passports. For instance, while users in any US state can scan their passports into Google Wallet, only specific airports accept them. You can check an interactive map on the TSA’s website to see which airports in which states accept digital passports.
Despite the limitations, the ability to store a digital passport in Google Wallet offers a glimpse into the potential future of seamless travel experiences. Having your passport information handy on your mobile device can be convenient, especially for frequent travelers. However, you must still carry your physical passport for international travel and in any situation where digital IDs are not yet supported.
3. What can you do with digital IDs in Google Wallet?
While the idea of a digital ID seems like a perfect solution to lighten your wallet and simplify your life, there are currently a number of restrictions on what you can do with a digital ID in Google Wallet. According to Google’s support page, your digital state-issued ID can be used in the following scenarios: It can be used at the TSA checkpoints at supported airports, but you must still carry your physical ID as needed. Additionally, some apps, like car rental services, accept a digital driver’s license or state ID in Google Wallet for identity and age verification.
However, it’s crucial to understand that your Google Wallet ID cannot replace your physical identification in many situations. For example, it is not a valid form of identification in law enforcement interactions like traffic stops, nor can it be used to purchase age-restricted items like alcohol or certain medications. Google notes that “More options to use your US Driver’s License or State ID are coming soon,” but doesn’t provide specific details on what those options might entail.
4. How to add your ID to Google Wallet
Google Wallet offers step-by-step procedures to add your state-issued ID or create an ‘ID pass’ using your passport, making the process relatively straightforward while ensuring you follow the necessary security protocols. Here’s how you can add your state-issued ID to Google Wallet:
- Launch Google Wallet.
- Select Add to Wallet.
- Choose ID.
- Pick Driver’s license or state ID.
- Select the state that issued your ID.
- If your state isn’t displayed, it’s not supported currently.
- Tap Begin.
- Follow the on-screen directions. Specific steps may vary by state.
If you wish to create an ‘ID pass’ using your passport, the following instructions are necessary:
- Launch Google Wallet.
- Select Add to Wallet.
- Choose ID.
- Pick ID pass.
- Tap Begin.
- Read the terms provided, scroll down, and (if you agree) tap I agree.
- Scan the page of your passport with your personal info and photo.
- Scan the NFC security chip on the back of your passport.
- Tap Next.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your face into Google Wallet.
- Tap Done.
Upon verification, you’ll receive a notification informing you that your ID pass is ready to use. This user-friendly process ensures that users can easily integrate their identification documents into Google Wallet while adhering to security measures.
5. Digital IDs have a long way to go
Google Wallet is more than just a platform for mobile payments on Android. It serves as a comprehensive digital wallet, storing not only your payment methods but also various documents such as travel and event tickets. Additionally, Google Wallet can even hold your identification in some cases. Starting in 2023, Google began working with US states, beginning with Maryland, to offer digital versions of official government identification in Google Wallet. Since this initiative launched, several other states have joined the collaboration to make digital IDs available through Google Wallet. Here is a list of states that currently support digital IDs in Google Wallet, along with details on how you can use these IDs. The introduction of digital IDs aims to streamline and enhance the convenience of managing personal identification and various other important documents. By integrating these official identifications into Google Wallet, users benefit from a more secure and accessible way to carry their essential credentials. This effort represents a significant step toward modernizing how personal information is stored and used, ensuring greater efficiency and security for users on the go.
