Google has expanded its digital identification capabilities in the United Kingdom, enabling residents to create and store digital ID passes using their UK passports within Google Wallet. The update, announced today, marks a major step in Google’s broader efforts to digitize identification documents and enhance digital identity verification globally.
Adding Digital IDs and Privacy Enhancements
Residents can now add a digital version of their UK passport to Google Wallet by opening the app, tapping “Add to Wallet,” selecting “ID,” and following prompts to take a photo of their passport and record a selfie video for identity verification. The feature is designed primarily for age and identity verification purposes and is not intended to replace physical identification for official use or travel.
At launch, Google has partnered with the Rail Delivery Group to enable train travelers to verify eligibility for select Railcards using their digital ID. In addition, Google is working with the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology to expand the digital ID’s applications, including potential use for age verification in alcohol purchases and other regulated services.
The implementation leverages Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology, allowing users to verify their age without revealing their full identity. ZKP ensures that the site or service requesting verification cannot trace the check back to the user’s actual identity, aligning with recent UK government initiatives to modernize digital identity systems. Google also plans to open source its ZKP technology to support broader adoption of privacy-preserving identity verification methods across other wallets and online services.
Broader Rollout Strategy and Future Use Cases
The UK launch builds on Google’s earlier expansion of digital ID support across several U.S. states. Beyond in-person uses, Google is actively exploring integrations with major online platforms. Future use cases could include recovering accounts on Amazon, accessing online health services like CVS and MyChart by Epic, and verifying profiles on services like Uber and Bumble.
Google is also working toward certification under the UK’s digital identity trust framework, a necessary step before digital IDs can be used for regulated purchases such as alcohol. While the current UK implementation is limited to passport-based IDs, Google Wallet’s broader expansion now covers digital passes in over 50 countries, though full digital ID support is still gradually rolling out worldwide.
Sources: 9to5Google, PYMNTS, Android Central
—
April 29, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
