Google Wallet is rapidly transforming how people manage identification, making it easier to leave physical wallets behind. The company has expanded digital ID support to more U.S. states and introduced new features that enhance convenience and privacy.
New States Join the Digital ID Program
As of May 2025, residents of Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia can add their government-issued IDs to Google Wallet. This expansion brings the total number of supported regions to ten, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico. In these states, users can store digital versions of their driver’s licenses or state IDs on their Android devices.
The process involves scanning the physical ID and completing a short video verification. Once approved, the digital ID appears alongside other cards in the Google Wallet app. This feature is particularly useful for passing through TSA checkpoints at select U.S. airports, where digital IDs are now accepted.
Passport-Based Digital IDs for Travel
For travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, Google Wallet offers the option to create a digital ID using a U.S. passport. By scanning the passport’s security chip and completing a selfie video, users can generate a digital ID suitable for domestic air travel. This feature provides an alternative for those who haven’t upgraded to a REAL ID.
Expanding Use Cases Beyond Travel
Google Wallet’s digital IDs are not limited to airport security. The company is collaborating with various partners to broaden the utility of digital IDs. Soon, users will be able to:
- Recover Amazon accounts.
- Access online health services through CVS Health and MyChart by Epic.
- Verify profiles on platforms like Uber.
- Confirm age on dating apps such as Bumble.
These integrations aim to streamline identity verification processes across different services, enhancing user convenience.
Privacy-Focused Age Verification
To address privacy concerns, Google Wallet is implementing Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology. This method allows users to verify their age without revealing additional personal information. For example, a user can confirm they are over 18 without disclosing their exact birthdate. ZKP is currently being tested with partners like Bumble and is expected to be open sourced for broader adoption.
International Expansion: UK Integration
In the United Kingdom, Google Wallet is introducing digital ID passes created from UK passports. Initially, these digital IDs will help users verify eligibility for certain Railcards through the Rail Delivery Group. Google is also working with the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to certify these digital IDs under the country’s digital identity trust framework. This certification could pave the way for using digital IDs for age-restricted purchases, such as alcohol.
User Experience and Security Measures
Adding a digital ID to Google Wallet is designed to be straightforward. Users select the “Add to Wallet” option, choose “ID,” and follow prompts to scan their ID and complete verification. The digital ID is then securely stored and can be presented via NFC or QR code. Users have control over what information is shared during verification processes.
Security is a top priority. Digital IDs in Google Wallet are encrypted and accessible only through device authentication methods like passcodes or biometrics. If a device is lost or stolen, users can remotely delete their digital ID to prevent unauthorized access.Google Wallet’s expansion of digital ID support reflects a broader shift towards digital identification solutions. By integrating with various services and prioritizing user privacy, Google aims to make digital IDs a practical and secure alternative to physical identification documents.
As more states and countries adopt digital ID standards, and as services increasingly accept digital verification, the reliance on physical wallets may continue to diminish. For users, this means greater convenience and control over their personal information in everyday transactions.
