Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google Wallet now supports US passports that you can use at select TSA checkpoints.
- The app will expand support for state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses to Iowa, New Mexico and Ohio in the coming months.
- Google has also introduced support for more types of transportation cards in the US.
After adding support for California IDs to Google Wallet Last month, Google now offers you the option to add your passport to the app. This digital version of your passport will allow you to quickly pass through certain TSA checkpoints starting today, but it does not replace physical identification.
As highlighted in our previous coverageYou should see a new Passport option in the ID menu when you select the Add to Wallet option in the latest version of Google Wallet. Tapping it will open a new setup process that will provide relevant information about the digital passport and where you can use it.
You can then scan the page with your personal information and photo, take a selfie video to verify your identity, and Google Wallet will submit your information for review. Google says The review should take no more than a few minutes. You will receive a notification once it is complete and your digital passport will appear in the app.
You will be able to use your digital passport at select TSA checkpoints. However, as with driver’s licenses and other government IDs, the digital passport will not replace your physical ID. You will be required to carry your physical passport while traveling.
To alleviate privacy concerns, Google notes that digital passports stored in Google Wallet are encrypted and require authentication with a fingerprint, PIN, or passcode before they can be viewed or shared.
In addition to passport support, Google has announced that it will expand support for state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses to users in Iowa, New Mexico, and Ohio in the coming months. The company is also expanding where you can use your digital IDs. For example, Colorado residents will soon be able to use their digital IDs at various businesses thanks to a new reader in the MyColorado app.
Additionally, Google Wallet is receiving support for more types of transportation cards. These include prepaid traveler benefits cards from Edenred and HealthEquity. The app will also receive a new feature that will automatically import sent booking confirmations to Gmail and will soon start showing live train status updates for tickets stored in the app.