California has recently joined the growing list of states supporting digital IDs on Google Wallet, bringing the total to five states, including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland. Maryland was the pioneer in this initiative, launching its digital ID feature in December 2022. This new development allows Californians to utilize their digital IDs for more convenient and secure transactions, particularly at TSA checkpoints.
To set up a digital ID in Google Wallet, California residents need to follow a straightforward process. They should open Google Wallet, select the “Add to Wallet” button, and then choose “ID card.” After selecting California from the list, users must have their physical ID ready, scan both the front and back of it, and record a brief video to verify their identity. This helps ensure that the ID belongs to the person requesting it.
After completing these steps, Google will forward the request to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for verification. Once the DMV confirms the authenticity of the ID, users will receive an email and app notification confirming that their digital ID has been added. The entire verification process is expected to be completed within a few minutes, and users can check if their digital ID has been successfully added by looking for it at the top of their Google Wallet list.
Currently, this digital ID feature is part of a pilot program with a cap of 1.5 million participants. California residents are encouraged to add their IDs to Google Wallet promptly to ensure they can take advantage of this feature before the limit is reached. Although digital IDs are accepted at some airports and car rental apps, Google advises users to carry their physical IDs at all times as a precaution.
This initiative aims to streamline identity verification processes while enhancing security. As digital IDs gain traction, they offer a modern alternative to traditional physical IDs, simplifying transactions and providing a more efficient way to handle identity verification.
