Android users will find it increasingly convenient to authenticate their identities using their phones rather than relying on physical driver’s licenses or passports. Google Wallet is set to broaden its digital identification capabilities across more states in the U.S. and in the UK.

In a blog post from April 29, Google revealed that residents in Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia will soon gain the ability to integrate their government-issued identification—such as driver’s licenses and state IDs—into Google Wallet. This functionality is already available to those in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico. Furthermore, the digital passport feature known as ID pass will also be made accessible to users in the UK.

Capacities of Google Wallet’s Digital IDs

Digital IDs, whether housed within Google Wallet or specific state applications, are already functional for passing through TSA security checks at participating airports, provided they comply with REAL ID standards. Additionally, Google Wallet has recently introduced a feature for U.S. passports, allowing them to be used as a substitute for a REAL ID at TSA checkpoints. With the latest update, those residing in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico will be able to utilize digital IDs stored in Google Wallet for services at the DMV.

Moreover, Google is enhancing the methods for utilizing your digital ID online. This includes the ability to recover your Amazon account, access online health services through platforms like CVS and MyChart, and verify profiles on ride-sharing apps like Uber. Some applications are already accepting digital IDs for identity validation, and plans are in place to introduce Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) for age verification across different devices and services accessing digital IDs through Google Wallet.

For users in the UK, Google Wallet’s digital IDs can also be used to confirm eligibility for Railcards.