Britain is set to enable the use of passports for creating digital ID passes, which can be stored within Google Wallet.
At the outset, Google will collaborate with the Rail Delivery Group, giving train passengers the ability to use their digital ID to verify eligibility for specific Railcards. The company is also looking into certification under the UK government’s digital identity trust framework, which would permit users to utilize their Google Wallet IDs for activities such as purchasing alcohol.
In parallel, Google is broadening the availability of digital IDs in the United States. Residents in Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia will soon be able to save their government-issued IDs to Google Wallet. Furthermore, users in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico can already use their mobile IDs at the DMV.
Americans can now leverage ID passes derived from US passports for domestic travel through TSA security at participating airports.
Finally, Google Wallet is set to roll out in an additional 50 countries, enabling users to view and manage their digital passes both in the app and on the web.