Google Wallet is set to revolutionize travel with a new feature that turns your U.S. passport into a digital ID. Announced on Thursday, this beta feature allows travelers to create a Digital ID by scanning the security chip on their passport and verifying their identity with a selfie video. Once created, the Digital ID will be usable at select TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.
In the future, Google aims to extend the Digital ID’s usefulness to situations like renting cars, account recovery, and identity verification. However, the company advises users to carry their physical ID still since the digital version isn’t a total replacement.
Alongside this innovation, Google Wallet is introducing other updates for commuters. U.S. users can now add select prepaid commuter benefit cards from companies like Edenred and HealthEquity. Google also partners with transit and payment providers to bring seamless mobile payments to more regions worldwide.
Wallet will automatically import transit tickets from Gmail confirmations and offer live train status updates for even greater convenience. Additionally, users will soon receive notifications for updates, such as changes to boarding passes or promotional deals at local businesses.
Google is also expanding support for state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses, with Iowa, New Mexico, and Ohio joining the list of states where users can store their ID in Wallet.
While digital IDs promise to offer security and privacy benefits—using encryption to ensure only relevant data is shared—concerns remain around the potential misuse of personal information or surveillance. Nonetheless, Google insists digital IDs will provide a more secure and efficient way to travel and manage identity in the future.