As digital wallets become more central to how we pay and verify our identities, Google Wallet has rolled out a new feature. The tech giant recently announced an expansion of its digital ID support to more states, including Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico and West Virginia.
This rollout allows residents of these areas to store a digital version of their state ID or even create a digital ID using a U.S. passport, making it easier to pass through TSA checkpoints or verify identity in various apps.
With privacy-focused technology like Zero Knowledge Proof, Google Wallet is reshaping how we think about digital identification — especially given the new REAL ID requirement for domestic air travel that went into effect May 7.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
How Google Wallet's digital ID works
Setting up a digital ID on Google Wallet is straightforward. Users upload their state ID or U.S. passport information through the app and follow a guided verification process.
Google ensures that all IDs are stored securely on the user’s device, not on external servers, protecting sensitive information from cyber threats.
One of the standout features is Google’s use of Zero Knowledge Proof technology, which allows users to verify their age or other identity credentials without exposing additional personal data.
For example, when proving you’re over 21, the app only shares a simple verification of age, not your full date of birth or ID number.
This privacy-first approach is designed to give users more control over their personal information while maintaining security.
Where can you use Google Wallet's Digital ID
TSA Checkpoints
The days of fumbling through your wallet for a physical ID at airport security may soon be behind you. Google Wallet’s digital ID is now accepted at select domestic TSA checkpoints, allowing for quicker, contactless verification.
This not only speeds up the process but also reduces the risk of losing physical documents during travel.
App and Online Verification
Beyond TSA checkpoints, Google Wallet's digital ID is making it easier to verify identity in apps and online platforms.
Imagine signing up for a new service or verifying your age on a platform without needing to snap a photo of your driver's license.
Google Wallet can do that with just a tap. This opens doors for more secure online transactions and streamlined app registrations.
How Google Wallet protects your digital ID
One of the biggest questions surrounding digital IDs is security. Google Wallet addresses these concerns with robust encryption and local storage. Your digital ID information is kept on your device, not in the cloud, which drastically reduces the risk of data breaches.
Even if your phone is lost or stolen, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible without your password or biometric verification.
The introduction of Zero Knowledge Proof further enhances security by only sharing the minimum amount of information needed for verification. Google’s approach is a promising step toward balancing convenience with privacy in the digital age.
Real ID requirement and its implications
Since a Real ID is now required for all air travel in the U.S., Google Wallet’s digital ID could be a secondary option to prove your identity especially if you ever forget or misplace your physical wallet or ID.
However, it shouldn’t be considered a complete replacement for your physical ID.
With more states now supporting digital IDs, this option becomes increasingly practical for everyday use and compliance with federal regulations.
Related Content
-
Stocks Edge Higher With Nvidia, Fed in Focus: Stock Market TodayThe AI bellwether reports earnings after today's close, while Wall Street is keeping a cautious eye on President Trump's attacks against the Fed.
-
New Trump Tax Bill: Five Changes Homeowners Need to Know NowTax Changes Trump’s new tax legislation is reshaping how tax breaks for homeowners work.
-
I’ve Got $50,000 Burning A Hole in My Pocket. Where Do I Park It Amid Rate Cuts So I Don’t Lose Ground?Why a mix of CDs can protect $50,000 from shrinking yields.
-
The Future of Financial Advice Is Human: Gen Z Trusts Advisers, But AI Skills MatterGraduates entering the workforce trust human advisers more than AI tools with their financial planning. But AI can still enhance the client/adviser relationship.
-
Building a Business That Lasts: The Critical Steps to Avoid Blunders'Another Way' author David Whorton offers advice on how to build an 'evergreen' business that endures by avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to failure.
-
How Grandparents Can Help with Education ExpensesBefore paying for your grandkids' education, it's important to consider how to help them without risking your own retirement. Here are 10 things to think about.
-
Abu Dhabi Adventures: New Thrills, Iconic Sights and Disney’s Latest ParkDiscover the mix of culture, wildlife and modern marvels that make this Middle Eastern city a destination to watch.
-
Four Money Habits Boomers Swore By That Millennials Are Walking Away FromMillennials are trading tradition for flexibility when it comes to building wealth.
-
My First $1 Million: Health Care Worker, 48, Sagadahoc County, MaineEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Despite Our Grumbles, America Still Delivers on the Dream: Perspective From a Financial Pro Who's Seen StuffSome of us might complain about the state of our nation (and those concerns are legit), but America still offers unparalleled opportunities and mobility that many people around the world only dream about.
