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ZDNET’s takeaways
- Montana residents can now add their state ID to Google Wallet.
- This addition brings the feature to a total of eight states.
- Digital IDs are a companion to your physical ID, not a replacement.
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One more state has joined the list that officially lets you use Google Wallet as your ID.
Montana residents can now add their official state driver’s license or ID card to Google Wallet
The state joins seven others, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, and New Mexico, that let you add your ID to Wallet.
Also: Scammers are sneaking into Google’s AI summaries to steal from you – how to spot them
If you’re not already using Google Wallet, here’s a primer on why you should. While the app is still primarily used for payments, it has expanded over the past few years to include gym passes, transit passes, event tickets, loyalty cards, hotel keys, company IDs, and just about anything else – even official state IDs.
How to add your Montana ID to Google Wallet
To enroll use your Montana state ID in Google Wallet, the MVD explains, you’ll need three things: a valid and easily readable Montana driver license or state-issued ID card, the Google Wallet app installed on an Android device (a device that came with Android 9.0 or higher), and an authentication method for your device like PIN, facial identification, pattern swipe, or fingerprint.
Any Montana ID works, even if it’s not a Real ID.
You can add your Montana ID to Wallet by tapping the “+ Add to Wallet” icon on the bottom right corner of the app and then looking for ID among the available options and selecting “Drivers license or state ID.” Google will ask you to add photos of the front and back of your ID, and take a short selfie video of your face. Google will share your card info and an image of your face from the video with the MVD.
Also: 6 reasons why I switched to a digital wallet, and you should too
Verification will take a few minutes, but you’ll get an email from the MVD when done.
The biggest advantage of a digital ID
To use your digital ID, either tap your phone on the reader or scan a QR code. Your phone will ask what information you want to share, you’ll verify with a PIN or face unlock, and the info will transfer via Bluetooth. You don’t 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 the information that’s absolutely necessary, and you significantly lessen the chance of leaving your license behind (or having it fall into the wrong hands).
Remember that the Google Wallet version of your ID is a companion to your physical ID, not a complete replacement. Not all places that need to verify your ID will have the mobile ID verification app. You can use your digital ID at some TSA locations, but it’s a good idea to always have your physical card.
