Newsletter
Google has had some wild ambitions with Google Wallet. Since its inception, the company wanted to make it a replacement for your real-life wallet. Well, this decade-long mission is getting closer to fruition, as Google Wallet supports IDs in three more states.
At the moment, everyone can load a plethora of different cards onto their Google Wallet. This includes credit/debit cards, rewards cards, gift cards, membership cards, and others. Well, Google wants to take it a step further by letting you load legitimate methods of identification onto the app. This includes state-issued IDs, driver’s licenses, and passports.
So far, Google allows people in the state of Maryland to load their IDs. It’s been testing this since last year. We know that the company is hard at work expanding this to more states.
Google Wallet supports IDs in three more states
As you can tell, getting an entire state to allow people to load their IDs onto their Google Wallets is a tough thing to pull off. This is why the rollout is so slow. Well, according to a new report, there’s been progress on that front. Folks in Arizona, Colorado, and Georgia can load their IDs to their Google Wallet.
If you live in one of these states, then you can add your ID today. Just know that this is a pretty involved process.
Adding your ID
Tap on the Add to Wallet button at the bottom of the screen and select the ID option. On the next screen, you’ll choose the state that you live in. Each state will be represented with a card with an image depicting something notable about the state.
For instance, the Georgia card will show a peach. As for the other states, Arizona will show you a cactus in a desert, Colorado will show you a Bighorn sheep, and Maryland will show you a crab.
When you select the state, you’ll then need to submit a picture of the front and back of your card. Make sure that both pictures are clear and well-lit. You’re also going to send in a short video clip to make sure that for an extra layer of security. You never know if the pictures were photoshopped.
Things to keep in mind
Having your ID on your phone is a neat thing, but there are just a few things that you’ll want to remember. While your ID is on your phone, it won’t be accepted everywhere, so you will want to carry your physical card with you. Many places will still need you to present an actual plastic card.
Next, this isn’t available for Android users, unfortunately. We’re not sure when Android compatibility will roll out, but only iPhone users can use this.
While only four states are supported, there are about 30 more states that are getting this set up. So, don’t be surprised if your state is in the next batch.