ZDNET’s takeaways
- Residents of Montana can now add their state ID to Google Wallet.
- This joint brings facilities to a total of eight states.
- Digital ID is a partner of your physical ID, not replacement.
Get more ZDNET Tech coverage: Add us as a favorite google source,
Another state has joined the list that officially allows you to use Google Wallet as your ID.
Montana residents can now add their official state driver license or ID card to Google Wallet
The state connects seven others including Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland and New Mexico, which lets you add your ID to the wallet.
Also: Scammers are secretly secretly in Google’s AI summary to steal – how to present them
If you are not already using Google Wallet, then there is a primer here why you need. While the app is still mainly used for payment, the last few years include Jim Pass, Transit Pass, Event Ticket, Loyalty Card, Hotel Keys, Company ID, and Bus something else – even the official state ID.
How to add your Montana ID to Google Wallet
To use its Montana State ID in Google Wallet, MVD explains,
Any Montana ID works, even if it is not a real ID.
You can add your Montana ID to the wallet by tapping the “+ to add” icon to the lower right corner of the app and then seek ID between available options and select “Driver License or State ID”. Google will ask you to add photos and back photos of your ID, and take a small selfie video of your face. Google will share your card information and an image of your face with the video with MVD.
Also: 6 reasons I switch to a digital wallet, and you also need
Verification will take a few minutes, but when you are done, you will get an email from MVD.
The biggest advantage of a digital ID
To use your digital ID, either tap your phone on the reader or scan the QR code. Your phone will ask what information you want to share, you will verify with a pin or face unlock, and the information will be transferred via Bluetooth. You do not need to hand over your phone at any time.
Those last two parts are perhaps the best part of using your Google Wallet ID – you only share information that is absolutely necessary, and you significantly reduce the possibility of leaving your license behind (or fall into the wrong hands).
Remember that the Google Wallet version of your ID is a partner of your physical ID, not complete replacement. In all those places which do not need to verify your ID, they will have a mobile ID verification app. You can use your digital ID Some TSA LocationBut this is always a good idea for your physical card.
