Google introduces new features for the Google Wallet app with the likes of generating a digital ID from a passport to having more commuting options

Google Wallet, Google’s digital wallet, which was launched about two years ago was widely accepted by millions of users. People all over the world are rapidly owning digital wallets as they secure one’s everyday essentials. Be it payment cards, train or event tickets, you can ensure all your essentials are in one place and secured.

According to Google, Google Wallet has users across 90 countries and territories. Reports by PYMNTS.com further state that about 70% of consumers from Brazil, France, Germany, the U.K., and the U.S. use digital wallets.

In the latest developments, Google has introduced some new updates to their Google Wallet.

Now, you can more easily use and organize your new digital ID, transit passes, credit cards and more with these new updates to Google Wallet. Learn more ↓ https://t.co/3iukL35Mo2

— Google (@Google) September 12, 2024

This article will give you a detailed walkthrough of some of the new updates of Google Wallet.

Digital ID from U.S passport: In 2023, Google introduced the feature to save select state-issued digital IDs to Wallet. Google is now gearing up to do a beta testing of a new form of digital ID in Google Wallet. This will allow more people in more places to create and store a digital ID. Google is aiming to open the option with a U.S. passport first. The new ID will work in select TSA checkpoints.

How to create this digital ID?

You will have to select the prompt inside the Google Wallet app, which states “Create an ID pass with your U.S passport”. Next, you will have to follow the instructions that ask you to scan the security chip in the back of your passport. After that, you need to take a selfie video to verify your identity. Subsequently in a few minutes, Google Wallet will notify you when your ID pass is ready.

Google is also working on making the ID pass acceptable for things like account recovery, identity verification, car rentals, etc.

However, note that the technology is in its baby stage and cannot replace your physical ID. As of now, you still need to carry your physical ID while traveling.

Now, if you are wondering how Google keeps your digital IDs safe, they do it with Android’s advanced security whose default design is private. Your ID passes are encrypted when stored. Thus, you need to authenticate it with your fingerprint, PIN, or passcode before you want to view or share it. You can ensure safe transfer and review before sharing your digital ID.

Option to save more state-issued IDs to Wallet: Google recently expanded the option for Android users in California to save their state-issued ID or driver’s license in Google Wallet. Shortly, Google will also enable users with an Iowa, New Mexico, or Ohio state-issued ID to save them in their Wallet.

Furthermore, Google is expanding the domain where you can use these state-issued IDs in the Google Wallet app. Colorado for instance is introducing a new reader in the MyColorado app, which allows businesses throughout the state to accept digital IDs securely.

More commute options with Google Wallet: Google now enables U.S. commuters to add select prepaid commuter benefit cards to Google Wallet. This includes the likes of Edenred and HealthEquity. Furthermore, Google is working on the possibility of bringing mobile payments to more global commuters with transit and payment providers.

Commuters in Hamburg, Germany can now save their public transport tickets to Google Wallet. Shortly, Google will roll out this feature for iPASS Card users in Taiwan and more Octopus Card users in Hong Kong.

More than half a million people in Germany use Google Wallet to store their Deutschland tickets. Now, Google allows securing tickets with Motics, a platform that ensures advanced protection against copying and tampering.

Another new feature includes importing tickets from booking confirmations sent to Gmail.

More out of your passes: Google Wallet’s new notification feature notifies you when a pass changes or gets a message. If your assigned seat on your boarding pass changes, Google Wallet will now notify you.

You can now also access your passes on the web apart from the app.