Google has started beta-testing its new digital state ID feature for the Wallet app for Android devices. The digital ID is accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airports like Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
New Way for Identity Verification
The new update was announced in Google's developer-oriented I/O keynote, showing slides that indicate Maryland as the first state to have the feature. Google has been busy with new updates, seeing as they also launched new features for the Wallet, like a Digital Car Key.
According to The Verge, the beta program is full. This means that you might wait a bit before you can try the new feature. The Wallet now has Google Pay, transit cards, loyalty reward cards, gift cards, and ID cards, which makes the app convenient for many uses.
Mishaal Rahman, a Senior Technical Editor for Esper, said that the Google Wallet uses an API that can be found in Android called Identity Credential. This handles the ISO 18013-5 compliant mobile driver's licenses.
The API was first seen in Android 11, which utilizes the device's secure hardware to store a mobile driver's license. However, it's not required and Google provides a backward-compatible version of the API.
How to Add a Digital ID
Before you attempt to do so, make sure that you have the Android 8.0 OS or later and are subscribed to Google Play services beta. You should also turn on turn on Bluetooth and Nearby devices for it to work.
Once you already have the requirements, open the Google Wallet app. Tap Add to Wallet, and then ID Card. There will be instructions where it will ask you to take photos of your ID on both sides. You'll also have to submit a short video of yourself to verify your identity.
After you've set up your digital ID, you can use it with Near Field Communication (NFC). All you have to do is unlock your phone and hold the back of it close to the terminal. You'll be asked to authenticate the transaction. A blue check mark will appear when the transaction is successful.
If it doesn't work, it might be because your NFC antenna is placed at a different spot on your device. Try holding your phone closer to the reader. You can also opt for the QR code if the NFC method does not work.
To find the QR code, go to the Google Wallet app and find your ID or License. A QR code will also appear, and it can be scanned. It's the same process as NFC as well, where you'll have to authenticate the transaction and a blue mark will appear once it's complete.
You can always remove your ID if you want in the event that you move to a different state or lose your phone. According to Google, simply go to the Google Wallet app, find the ID or License, and on More, you can tap on Remove.
