Google Wallet Adds Support for US Passports, But There’s a Catch Chris Mendez | usagoldmines.com

You can now add your passport to Google Wallet and scan it when passing through some Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.

First announced in September as a beta, passport support for Google Wallet users is now live for select airports, Engadget reports.

At present, this feature can only be used for US domestic flights. It’s not valid for entering or exiting the country yet, so it’ll initially function more as a backup form of ID. You also still need to have your physical IDs on you when flying.

Google warns that the technology is still “in its early stages.” To try it, open the Google Wallet app and select the prompt that reads “create an ID pass with your US passport.” You’ll then need to scan the security chip in the back of your passport, as well as take a selfie video to verify your identity. A few minutes later, Google Wallet will notify you that your ID pass is ready.

Digital IDs have been rolling out on the state level for driver’s licenses and state IDs; 27 states and Puerto Rico currently support digital IDs from Google Wallet, Apple Wallet, or both. Many of the largest US airports accept digital IDs, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and San Francisco International. Check the full map here.

In its September announcement, Google teased other use cases for digital IDs, including account recovery, identity verification, and even car rentals.

As of September, meanwhile, the State Department made its online passport renewal system fully available to the public.

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