Google Wallet will soon allow adding US passports but don't get too excited

2024-09-13

Google Wallet will allow United States citizens to add their international passports to the app. This would be a neat feature for users waiting for their state to individually add support for digital ID, although it will have limited functions.

The Passport option can be used at select TSA checkpoints (Goole is still working on the full list) and for some verification purposes, like car rentals. Travelers will still have to bring their physical documents, such as driver"s licenses, for border checks.

Google is taking over from the local DMV to ensure that all the data between the physical passport and the digital copy matches. It will label the new pass type "Verified with Google Wallet."

One of the use-case scenarios Google quoted is that the ID can also be used as an age verification at a bar. In this scenario, the user will be able to share only their Date of Birth and no other details (like address, name, serial number, etc.).

The feature will roll out state by state, similar to how Digital ID is implemented. That said, Google is adding support for identification in Wallet to three more states - Iowa, New Mexico, and Ohio. They will join Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland. Speaking of Colorado, the MyColorado app will soon allow businesses to accept digital ID as a verification tool.

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