Google announced on Thursday that it’s introducing new Wallet updates for travelers and commuters. Most notably, Google Wallet will soon start beta testing the ability to create a Digital ID from your U.S. passport. The ID pass will work at select TSA checkpoints when traveling domestically.
In addition to TSA checkpoints, Google says it’s working with partners to make digital IDs acceptable in more situations, such as car rentals, account recovery and identity verification.
You will be able to create an ID pass by selecting the “create an ID pass with your U.S. passport” option in the Google Wallet app. You will be asked to scan the security chip in the back of your passport. Then, you need to take a selfie video to verify your identity. Google says it takes a few minutes for your ID pass to be ready.
Google stresses the importance of carrying your physical ID, noting that a digital ID is not a replacement for your actual ID.
In addition to the Digital ID news, Google announced that people in the U.S. can now add select prepaid commuter benefit cards to Google Wallet, starting with Edenred and HealthEquity. Plus, the company says it’s working to bring transit and payment companies to bring mobile payments to more users around the world.
Google Wallet is also adding a new feature that will automatically import your transit tickets from your Gmail booking confirmations. Soon, you will be able to view live train status updates from your ticket in the app.
As for state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses, users in Iowa, New Mexico and Ohio will join the growing list of states where people are able to save their ID in Wallet in the coming months.
Google also announced that users will now receive notifications when a pass changes or gets a message. For instance, you might get a notification if the assigned seat on your boarding pass changes or if your favorite coffee shop has a new daily special.
