Google Wallet has introduced creation of "Digital ID" as part of Google's new Beta Test. When this feature is finally out, U.S. citizen with valid international passport will be able create a digital ID of their American passport.
It really nice yeah? Well, I must say that this update is coming at a great time because the holiday season is approaching, which is often a busy and stressful time for travel. By digitizing your US passport with Google Wallet, you can simplify your documentation process, reducing the hassle and making your trips smoother during this hectic period.
However, you need to understand that digitizing international passport works in few locations. It usually works in places where digital IDs are accepted. Hence, you cannot expect it to be accepted as a means of identification and verification at everywhere you presents it.
Google Wallet passes only work at "select TSA checkpoints" in certain states.
Yeah, with that being said, Google states that the digital passport is mostly beneficial for people travelling domestically, as it'll definitely "time and stress at the airport." It's also important to note that Digital ID Cards are mostly encrypted and stored on user's smartphone. In other words, it means the Digital ID Card information is coded on your smartphone to prevent unauthorized access.
Due to the secured protections of the Digital ID Card on user's smartphone, the user must confirm his/her identity by entering her/his fingerprint, PIN, or passcode to view or use the digital ID, which helps add an extra layer of security also ensuring only the user can access the digital ID.
Meanwhile, if you're in a situation where you cannot access your smartphone or the Google Wallet app, you can simply login to your Wallet Account via web by visiting wallet.google.com/wallet/home to view/check your Digital Passport.
Google also recommends that safeguarding physical ID card all the time is essential, as this innovation is still in the early stages and should not be considered a replacement for the real international passport. The tech giant also states that the Google Wallet passes will only work at "select TSA checkpoints" in certain states when it finally come live.
Google provides a link (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/digital-id/map) to a list on the TSA website that shows all the locations where digital IDs, like the digitized passport in Google Wallet, are accepted. This list includes major airports such as Los Angeles International Airport (California), LaGuardia Airport (New York), and Miami International Airport (Florida), among others.
Digitizing Your US Passport with Google Wallet
First of all, you need to understand that the integration on international passport into Google Wallet is called "ID Pass" in the payment app. Hence, we'll be using the ID Pass feature in the Google Wallet App to digitize your US passport easily.
Here's how to go about it:
- Login to your Google Wallet Account
- Create an "ID Pass"with your "US Passport"
- Now, scan the "Security Chip" on the back of your Passport
- Next, "take a selfie Video" and click on "Submit"
Once you click on "Submit", Google Wallet will take a few minutes to generate your Digital ID Pass. And once it's ready, you'll get a notification on your phone.
Meanwhile, do note that this feature will be available on all compatible Android devices, using the system's "advanced security" features to protect your digital ID, ensuring it remains safe from unauthorized access.
Once again, you need to understand that these passes only work in a few locations. It works mostly in "select TSA checkpoints" in certain states in the United Stated. The Google Wallet's ID Pass is only available in the U.S. for now.
However, Google says it is currently working with government agencies and regulators to expand digital ID support. For instance, the technology has the potential to be used in various future applications, such as simplifying car rentals by allowing users to verify their identity digitally, without needing a physical ID. It could also assist in recovering accounts by providing a secure way to confirm your identity, making it easier and safer to regain access to services or accounts.
