Travelingcan be a stressful time for many, but this newGoogle Walletfeature might make it a bit easier. However, there is a catch.
Googlehas begun to roll out the ability to store adigital versionof your U.S. passport in your Google Wallet that you can use atselect TSA checkpointsat airports across the country. However, a digital passport can’t be used at immigration and border control to enter the country.
“This technology is in its early stages, so it’s important to know that a digital ID in Google Wallet is not a replacement for your physical ID. For now, you need to carry a physical ID with you when traveling,” Google said in ablog post.
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How to add your passport to your Google Wallet
You’ll need to create a new ID pass
Luckily, adding your U.S. passport to your Google Wallet is quite simple. Open the Wallet app and select the prompt tocreate an ID pass with your U.S. passport.From there, follow the on-screen instructions to scan the security chip on the back of your passport and take a selfie to confirm your identity.
You can only use your digital U.S. passport at select TSA checkpoints in airports nationwide. TheTSA’s websitehas a map of which airports support digital IDs. Again, it’s important to note that you’ll still need your physical passport when entering the country for border control to see.
This new digital ID feature is rolling out just in time for the holidays. Jenny Chang, the VP and GM of Google Wallet, says the feature will be available to “all eligible users in the coming weeks” (viaThe Verge). Additionally, Google Wallet users in New Mexico can now add their driver’s licenses and IDs to the app, joining five other states supporting the feature: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland.
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