Google has begun beta testing new support for driver’s licenses and state ID cards in the Wallet app on Android — but only if you live in Maryland.
It’s been a while since we last saw a digital ID feature.it was first revealed Possibly during the Google IO event As part of revitalizing the long-neglected wallet app.according to a Google support page (opens in a new tab), the feature will be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (better known as TSA) “at some supported airports,” though it didn’t say which airports.However, TSA has a Full List of Participating Airports (opens in a new tab) From all over the US on its website, including Maryland’s own Baltimore/Washington International Airport.
For interested Marylanders, there are a few requirements to meet. Your smartphone must be equipped with Android 8.0 or higher.You also need to be Google Play Services Public Beta Program (opens in a new tab). A screen lock must be set, and the Bluetooth and nearby devices tools must be enabled.
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Google says it takes a few days from the time you enroll in the program until you get a digital ID.If after a few days you still don’t have a beta, the company will ask you to send a report so it can help you
After you download Digital ID support, a new “ID card (beta)” entry will appear in the app. You take a photo of both sides of your ID card and a short video of yourself. Google Wallet will then send a screenshot of the video to the “ID issuer for verification”. In this case, the issuer might be the Maryland Motor Vehicle Authority (MVA), which issues ID cards in the state. Presumably, the app will use the state equivalent of MVA when the digital ID rolls out across the country.
Not mentioned on the support page, comes with the beta version Three Safety Features (opens in a new tab): Simple, private and secure. Looking at the description, Easy displays all the digital ID identification information for TSA checkpoints. Private allows you to control what is shared and who can see it. Securely encrypt your ID so you are the only one who can see it.
The company said at this stage “certain features may not work as intended” and advised people to still carry their physical ID with them. As for a nationwide launch, a company representative told us that Google hasn’t set a date yet because it “just started a pilot in Maryland…”
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Maryland is no stranger to digital identity technology. Apple launches digital ID (opens in a new tab) Users from several states, including Maryland, will be allowed to use digital IDs at TSA checkpoints as early as September 2021. Maryland Mobile ID (opens in a new tab), in particular, even have the same security levels Easy, Private and Secure to protect iPhone owners. It’s great to see mobile devices getting this technology for convenience, but we can’t help but worry about whether this technology will make phones an even bigger target for identity theft. With a digital ID, you have more personal data on your phone.
If you are concerned about the security of this identity, we recommend checking out TechRadar’s recently updated List of Best Identity Theft Protection Strengthen your security in 2022.
