Google announced Thursday that it is rolling out new Wallet updates for travelers and commuters. In particular, Google Wallet will soon begin beta testing the ability to create a digital ID from your U.S. passport. The ID pass will work on Select TSA checkpoints when traveling within the country.
In addition to TSA checkpoints, Google says it's working with partners to make digital IDs acceptable in more situations, such as car rentals, account recovery and identity verification.
You'll be able to create an ID pass by selecting the “create an ID pass with your U.S. passport” option in the Google Wallet app. You'll be asked to scan the security chip on the back of your passport. You'll then need to take a selfie video to verify your identity. Google says it takes a few minutes for your ID pass to be ready.
Google emphasizes the importance of carrying your physical ID, noting that a digital ID is not a replacement for your real ID.
In addition to the digital ID updates, Google announced that US citizens can now add select prepaid travel benefit cards to Google Wallet, starting with Edenred and HealthEquity. The company also says it is working to enable transportation and payment companies to provide mobile payments to more users around the world.
Google Wallet is also adding a new feature that will automatically import your public transit tickets from Gmail booking confirmations. Soon, you'll be able to see live train status updates from your ticket in the app.
For state-issued IDs and driver's licenses, users in Iowa, New Mexico and Ohio will join the growing list of states where people will be able to store their ID in Wallet in the coming months.
Google also announced that users will receive notifications when a pass is changed or when they receive a message. For example, you might receive a notification if the seat assigned to your boarding pass changes or if your favorite coffee shop has a new daily special.
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