Google is expanding the capabilities of its Wallet app, giving a small number of U.S. users the ability to add a digital version of their passport. The feature is part of a beta test, aiming to make travel more convenient by reducing the need to carry physical documents. The trial is currently limited to select domestic airports where TSA checkpoints will accept the digital passport stored on your smartphone.
Previously, Google Wallet allowed users to store digital versions of their driver’s licenses and state IDs. With the introduction of passport support, Google continues to explore the possibilities of digital identification. The new feature is available for those enrolled in the Google Play services beta, but only for Android devices running version 9 or higher.
The Process: Simple but Secure
To add a passport, users first need to access the “Add to Wallet” option in the app. From there, it’s a three-step process: take a photo of the passport’s information page, scan the embedded security chip in the back cover, and then upload a short selfie video. The video is used to confirm your identity by comparing your face with the passport photo. It’s unclear whether this is done by AI or human review.
The NFC chip scanning process might require some patience. Users are instructed to remove their phone case and place the passport on a flat surface. The phone is then moved slowly over the back cover to locate and scan the chip. Once this is complete, the passport can be digitally stored in the app, although the original physical document is still required for international travel.
Domestic Use Only, For Now
At the moment, Google’s digital passport can only be used within the U.S., and even then, only at select TSA checkpoints. The company hasn’t shared plans for international expansion yet, and there are legal and security challenges that will need to be addressed before wider adoption is possible. However, this move marks an interesting step toward digitizing travel documents in a way that could change the future of how we navigate airport security.
The feature is limited to TSA checkpoints at a few select airports, meaning its impact for the average traveler is still minor. But with more developments, Google Wallet could eventually replace the need for carrying physical identification for more than just driving and domestic flights.
Google’s Push for Digital IDs
Google Wallet passport integration is just the latest in a series of updates the company has made to its Wallet app over the past year. It started by allowing users to upload driver’s licenses and state IDs, making it easier to manage personal identification in a secure, digital form. The addition of passports suggests Google has larger ambitions for Wallet, possibly positioning it as a key tool for personal security in the digital age.
Google also offers a way to remotely delete the digital ID in case your phone is lost or stolen, which adds an extra layer of protection. This is particularly useful for users concerned about the safety of their personal information. As the tech giant continues to refine the Wallet app, more ID types and features are expected to follow. However, the current version remains experimental and far from being a universal solution.
In 2022, Google Wallet went through a major revamp to co-exist with Google Pay. Google envisions Wallet as a comprehensive platform for managing payments on physical devices, consolidating credit and debit cards, travel tickets, and vaccination records. The company differentiates Wallet from Google Pay, with the latter focused on digital transactions.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:27 pm CET
