Google Wallet will let you make a digital ID from a US passport

Google Wallet will start beta testing a digital ID soon that works at TSA checkpoints in almost half the country, including states like New York, California, Florida, Texas, and Illinois, but Google still advises that users keep their physical ID handy. Google says it’s also working with partners to use digital IDs for other purposes, like car rentals, account recovery, and identity verification.

To create the digital ID, you’ll scan the security chip on the back of your passport into the Google Wallet app. Google will ask you to verify your identity with a selfie video and then generate the ID pass within a few minutes. The ID is encrypted, so you’ll need a passcode or fingerprint to access and share it.

Google announced other new Google Wallet updates for travelers and commuters, like notifications about pass updates, so if the assigned seat on your boarding pass changes, you’ll get an alert. Users can also access passes from the web at wallet.google.com in addition to using their Android devices. Prepaid commuter benefit cards also come to Google Wallet, starting with Edenred and HealthEquity.

Finally, “in the coming months,” Iowa, New Mexico, and Ohio will join the growing list of places where residents can save their state IDs and driver’s licenses in Google Wallet.