Google announced on Thursday that it's rolling out new Wallet updates for travelers and commuters, most notably that Google Wallet will soon begin beta testing the ability to create a digital ID from your U.S. passport, which can then be used at certain TSA checkpoints when traveling within the country.
Google says it's working with partners to make digital IDs accepted in more situations, including car rentals, account recovery, and identity verification, in addition to TSA checkpoints.
You can create an ID Pass by selecting the “Create an ID Pass with your US Passport” option in the Google Wallet app. You'll be asked to scan the security chip on the back of your passport. You'll then have to take a selfie video to verify your identity. Google says it will take a few minutes for your ID Pass to be ready.
Google points out that digital ID is no substitute for real-life ID, emphasizing the importance of carrying a physical ID.
Image credit: Google
In addition to the digital ID news, Google announced that US users can now add certain prepaid commuter benefit cards to Google Wallet, starting with Edenred and HealthEquity, and the company said it's working with transit agencies and payments companies to bring mobile payments to more users around the world.
Google Wallet will also get a new feature that will automatically import transport tickets from your Gmail booking confirmation, and soon you'll be able to get real-time train status updates from your tickets in the app.
For state-issued IDs and driver's licenses, users in Iowa, New Mexico and Ohio will join the list of states that will allow them to store their ID in Wallet in the coming months.
Google also announced that users will now receive notifications when changes are made to their passes or when they receive messages, such as if their seat assignment on their boarding pass changes or their favorite coffee shop has new daily specials.