Google just announced some major updates to digital identity and age verification inside Wallet, and it’s a big step forward.
Wish you could leave your physical ID at home and just use your phone instead? Thanks to Google Wallet’s latest update, now you can.
Digital IDs Rolling Out in More Places
If you’re in the UK, you can now create a digital ID pass using your passport and store it securely in Google Wallet.
Right now, it’s mainly being used to prove your eligibility for certain Railcards (those discounted train cards you can buy online at railcard.co.uk), but Google says they’re working on broader uses.
Down the line, you might be able to show your phone to buy alcohol or access age-restricted services — no physical ID needed.
The rollout is also expanding in the United States. Residents of Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia can now add their digital IDs to Google Wallet.
In states like Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico, mobile IDs are starting to be accepted at the DMV, making those often-dreaded government errands faster and more convenient.
With the REAL ID deadline fast approaching (7 May 2025), Google is offering people another option: create an ID pass using your US passport, which will be accepted at TSA security checkpoints for domestic flights at supported airports.
Just bear in mind, it’s not a complete replacement. You’ll still need your physical ID in certain situations.
Protecting Your Privacy
One of the interesting parts of this update is how seriously Google is taking privacy.
They’re introducing something called Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology. What this means for you: you’ll be able to prove you’re old enough. For example, to enter a bar or verify your age on a dating app, without actually sharing your full birthdate or personal details.
Bumble is already planning to use this feature, and Google says they will open-source the technology so that other apps and services can build on it too.
Google Wallet isn’t stopping there. They’re working with companies like Amazon (for account recovery), CVS and Epic’s MyChart (for accessing online health services), and Uber (for verifying rider and driver profiles).
In short, your digital ID could soon help you in more places than you might expect.
Google Wallet is expanding to 50 more countries, even to places where tap-to-pay isn’t yet available.
You’ll be able to view and use your passes and IDs in the app or online, making it even more globally accessible.
This is a major and important update. Digital IDs aren’t just a convenience anymore — they’re becoming essential, especially as more aspects of life move online.
It’s exciting to see Google developing tools that prioritise both accessibility and privacy.
The world is advancing at a rapid pace, and you might ask: are we ready to ditch our physical wallets for good?
The response depends on the individual. We’ve come a long way, and we’ve seen how technology can enhance and simplify our lives.
At some point, we might go fully digital — just like we see in sci-fi films, where almost everything is controlled and managed by AI.
