Google has recently unveiled new updates to its Wallet service, specifically targeting travelers and commuters. One of the key updates is the introduction of a beta test for creating a Digital ID using a U.S. passport. This Digital ID pass will be compatible with select TSA checkpoints for domestic travel.
Expanding beyond TSA checkpoints, Google is collaborating with partners to broaden the acceptance of digital IDs in various scenarios such as car rentals, account recovery, and identity verification. To create an ID pass, users can select the “create an ID pass with your U.S. passport” option in the Google Wallet app. They will then be prompted to scan the security chip on the back of their passport and provide a selfie video for identity verification. The process takes only a few minutes for the ID pass to be generated. It is important to note that, despite the convenience of a digital ID, carrying a physical ID remains essential as the digital version is not meant to replace it.
In addition to the Digital ID feature, Google has announced the inclusion of select prepaid commuter benefit cards in Google Wallet for U.S. users, starting with Edenred and HealthEquity. Furthermore, the company is actively working to expand mobile payment options for transit and payment services globally. A new feature in Google Wallet will automatically import transit tickets from Gmail booking confirmations, allowing users to access live train status updates within the app.
Moreover, Google is expanding the availability of state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses on Wallet, with users in Iowa, New Mexico, and Ohio set to join the list of states where digital IDs can be stored in the app in the near future. Additionally, users will now receive notifications for pass updates and messages, ensuring they stay informed about any changes to their passes, such as seat assignments on boarding passes or new specials at favorite coffee shops.
