Get ready to leave your physical ID at home! Google Wallet is gradually introducing digital state IDs on Android, but the rollout is a slow journey across the US.
Update: October 11th
How to digitize your ID
Adding your driver's license or state ID to Google Wallet is a breeze. Here's how:
1. Launch the Google Wallet app on Android 9 or later.
2. Tap 'Add to Wallet' in the bottom-right.
3. Select 'ID', then 'Driver's license or state ID'.
4. Choose your state and follow the on-screen instructions.
This process includes snapping photos of your physical ID's front and back, plus a short verification video of yourself. Your ID issuer will receive a photo extracted from this video.
Once approved, your digital ID will join other passes below the payment methods carousel. You can reorder these passes and even remove the ID remotely if your phone goes missing. Visit myaccount.google.com > Personal Info > Manage IDs to do this.
Supported States
Google Wallet's digital ID feature is currently available in the following states:
- Arizona (launched October 2023)
- Arkansas (newly launched October 2025)
- California (launched August 2024)
- Colorado (launched October 2023)
- Georgia (launched October 2023)
- Iowa (launched June 2025)
- Maryland (launched December 2022)
- Montana (launched August 2025)
- New Mexico (launched December 2024)
- North Dakota (launched October 2025)
Upcoming States
Google has also announced plans to bring digital ID support to these places:
- Ohio (coming soon, announced September 2024)
- Puerto Rico (coming soon, announced April 2025)
- West Virginia (coming soon, announced April 2025)
Using your Digital ID
The TSA checkpoints at select US airports are the primary locations where you can flash your digital ID. You can either tap your phone at the NFC terminal or use the QR code method by opening the ID in Google Wallet. But remember, you still need to carry your physical ID card with you at all times.
Digital IDs are also gaining traction with car rental services and other apps for identity and age verification. On mobile, sharing your age is as easy as confirming a system prompt. On desktop, you'll scan a QR code.
Google is working on Zero-Knowledge Proof technology to ensure these processes don't link back to your personal identity. This technology will be open-sourced for widespread use.
In the future, you'll be able to use these digital IDs at DMVs in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico for improved customer experiences. Google also plans to enable digital ID usage for recovering Amazon accounts, accessing online health services, and verifying profiles on platforms like Uber.
Digital Passport as REAL ID
Google has highlighted an interesting use case: using a digital ID pass created from a U.S. passport for TSA security at supported airports, even without a REAL ID driver's license or state ID. This is particularly useful before the May 7, 2025 deadline.
To set this up, open Google Wallet, add your passport info page, and scan the security chip inside the passport's back cover. You'll also need to record a video for verification. The process is similar to adding a state ID.
The NFC and QR code usage instructions remain the same as above, and you must carry your physical passport when traveling. Note that this digital passport ID won't work internationally.
But here's where it gets controversial: how comfortable are you with the idea of a digital ID, especially with the potential for widespread adoption? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
