Google recently announced new features for the Google Wallet app that let users in several countries use digital alternatives to physical ID cards and passes. The update enables people to store and present official credentials on their phones for identity and age verification, making everyday interactions faster and less dependent on a physical wallet.
Digital IDs are a convenient and helpful tool to prove who you are without needing to dig through a physical wallet — and we’re continuing to expand access globally.
For these credentials to be truly useful, they need to be secure, private and effective across both physical and digital spaces. That’s why we focus on building digital IDs based on global standards with advanced privacy features like selective disclosure, where only the relevant details of a person’s ID are shared when required, ensuring everyone has a safe way to manage their identity.
Through a partnership with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), people in India can now store Aadhaar credentials directly in Google Wallet. This enables instant verification for selected private-sector services, helping users verify identity more quickly when signing up or accessing services. Several Indian industry partners will adopt the feature for user verification and to offer customer benefits, including cinema chains, matrimonial platforms, travel and immigration service providers, residential security services, and local delivery or retail apps.
In addition to India, Google is expanding ID passes to users in Singapore, Taiwan, and Brazil. Residents in these markets will be able to create a passport-based digital ID that can be used for identity or age verification during online account sign-ins and at in-person service counters. These digital passes are designed to work alongside existing verification systems, offering a streamlined option for both businesses and individuals.
The design of these digital credentials emphasizes privacy and control. Google highlights the use of selective disclosure technology, which shares only the specific data points required for a given transaction. For example, when an age check is needed, the system can confirm whether a user is above a certain age without revealing their full birthdate. When a service needs to verify residency or citizenship for a particular task, it can request only the exact attribute required. This minimizes unnecessary exposure of personal information and reduces the amount of data stored or transmitted during routine checks.
Security is another core focus. Digital ID systems rely on modern cryptographic standards and identity verification protocols to ensure that credentials are authentic and tamper-resistant. Storing credentials in a secure wallet on a personal device adds a layer of protection compared to carrying physical documents that can be lost, damaged, or copied. In addition, the ability to revoke or remove digital credentials from the device gives users more control over their identity information.
The convenience benefits are clear: digital IDs eliminate the need to carry multiple physical documents and speed up processes that previously required manual checks. Businesses can reduce friction in onboarding and age-restricted transactions, while customers enjoy faster, contactless interactions. For sectors like entertainment, travel, finance, and retail, verified digital credentials can streamline workflows and improve user experience without compromising privacy.
Adoption of digital IDs also requires collaboration across government agencies, private companies and technology providers to ensure interoperability and trust. By building around international standards and focusing on privacy-preserving features, these digital ID initiatives aim to be compatible with a wide range of existing systems while offering enhanced security and user control.
As the rollout continues, users should look for official guidance from local authorities and service providers about how to add and use credentials safely. The shift toward digital IDs represents a gradual evolution in how identity is managed and verified, with the potential to simplify everyday tasks while keeping personal information more secure and private.