Reported by Alan Stapelberg, Group Product Manager, Google Wallet

(Summary version featured below)

Google has announced several updates to enhance age and identity verification through Google Wallet. In the U.K., residents will soon be able to create and store digital ID passes using their U.K. passports. These digital IDs can be used initially to verify eligibility for select Railcards through Rail Delivery Group, and Google is also working with the U.K. government to potentially expand use to age-restricted purchases like alcohol. This move reflects a broader goal to integrate digital IDs into everyday transactions, simplifying verification while maintaining user security.

In the U.S., Google Wallet is expanding digital ID support to residents of Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia. In states like Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico, users can also use digital IDs at DMVs to streamline services. Ahead of the REAL ID deadline in May 2025, travelers can use ID passes based on U.S. passports at TSA checkpoints in participating airports. However, these digital IDs do not replace physical IDs, which users are still advised to carry. Google is also partnering with companies like Amazon, CVS Health, and Uber to extend digital ID functionality to account recovery, health access, and profile verification.

To support fast and private age verification, Google is integrating Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology into Google Wallet. This ensures users can verify their age without revealing their identity, enhancing privacy and safety. Google plans to use ZKP across other services and will open source the technology to promote broader adoption. Additionally, the company is expanding Google Wallet to 50 new countries, extending its digital ID and pass features to regions where contactless payments may not yet be widely available.

Read full report: https://blog.google/products/google-pay/google-wallet-age-identity-verifications/