Android users in the UK can now create a digital ID pass via Google Wallet. In a blog post on Tuesday, Google said Brits will be able to prove their age via their UK passports.
The idea is to use Google Wallet in circumstances where you might need age verification. In the example Google uses today, it will enable users to prove their of eligible age for a Railcard and, in the future, to show they’re legally able to purchase substances like alcohol.
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“Residents of the United Kingdom can now create digital ID passes with their UK passports and securely and conveniently store them in Google Wallet,” Google writes in a blog post today.
“At launch, we’re partnering with Rail Delivery Group, which will offer train travellers the opportunity to use their digital ID to verify that they meet the eligibility criteria for select Railcards on its Railcard retailing platform railcard.co.uk.”
So in this case, it’s proving you’re old or young enough for a 16-25 railcard that can save you a packet on national rail fares up and down the UK. Oh the days where I could get one of those!
Google already runs the scheme in the United States and is expanding digital IDs to the states of Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico and West Virginia. In the US, users “can can use your ID pass created from a U.S. passport with TSA security for domestic travel at supported airports”. However, you can’t use UK passports for this purpose yet.
Opinion
Good news, Brits! This is a handy addition to the Google Wallet offering. There are only a few reasons for you to whip out your actual wallet these days and having to show ID to prove your age is one of them. This is a step towards leaving that bulky slab of leather at home.
