Google Wallet Expands Digital IDs, Age Verification, and Global Reach

Google Wallet Expands Digital ID Support, Age Verification, and Global Reach

Google Wallet is enhancing its functionality with expanded digital ID support, a new privacy-preserving age verification system, and availability in 50 more countries.

Expanded Digital ID Support in the US

Residents of Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia will soon be able to store their US government-issued digital IDs in Google Wallet. Additionally, residents of Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico can use their mobile IDs at the DMV. With the REAL ID deadline approaching on May 7, 2025, Google reminds users that a digital ID pass created from a US passport can be used for TSA security at participating airports for domestic travel, even without a REAL ID driver's license or state-issued ID. However, this digital pass does not replace a physical ID, which should still be carried.

Digital IDs in Google Wallet will also expand utility for online services. Users will be able to recover Amazon accounts, access online health services with CVS and MyChart by Epic, verify profiles on platforms like Uber, and more.

UK residents will also be able to create digital ID passes using their UK passports and store them securely in Google Wallet.

Privacy-Preserving Age Verification with Zero Knowledge Proof

To address the need for secure online age verification, Google Wallet is integrating Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology. This allows for fast age verification across mobile devices, apps, and websites using Google's Digital Credential API while protecting user privacy. ZKP will be used in other Google products and with partners like Bumble, who will use it for age verification and identity checks with digital IDs from Google Wallet. Google will also open-source its ZKP technology for use by other wallets and online services.

Global Expansion

Google Wallet is expanding its reach to 50 more countries. While the specific countries haven't been announced yet, this expansion signals Google's commitment to making its digital wallet accessible worldwide.