Google Wallet is expanding its digital identification support on Android, adding Ohio state IDs after a pause of roughly 10 months. Ohio becomes the 11th U.S. jurisdiction to support digital IDs in the app, marking the first new addition in nearly a year.
To add an Ohio ID, open the Google Wallet app, tap the plus button next to “View more” at the bottom, then select IDs & personal info followed by Driver’s license or state ID. Ohio now appears alongside Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Puerto Rico. The card design features the Northern Cardinal, Ohio’s state bird.
How to Set Up an Ohio Digital ID
The setup process requires taking photos of the front and back of your physical card, plus a short video of your face for verification. That information is sent to the Ohio BMV for review, which can take a few minutes. A notification confirms once the ID is available, and the state agency also sends an email confirmation.
Once added, the “Details” option next to “Show code” lets you enable an activity history. The Driver’s License information section lists the license number, expiration date, address, and more.
Sharing and Security Features
Digital IDs can be read via NFC or by scanning a QR code, and they are accepted at some airports by the TSA. When sharing your ID, your personal information is not transmitted until you review and approve what is requested. The data is shared securely over Bluetooth, so you do not need to hand your phone to anyone. For added protection, you verify your identity using your face, fingerprint, password, or PIN before information is shared.
Despite the convenience, officials note that a digital ID does not replace the requirement to carry a physical card. Users are still expected to keep their physical ID on hand.
Device Requirements and Removal
To use the feature, your device must run Android 8 or later and have a screen lock enabled, along with Bluetooth and Nearby devices turned on. A state ID stored as a private pass is not synced to the cloud and remains available on a single device only.
You can delete a state ID from Google Wallet at any time, either directly on the device or remotely through myaccount.google.com. To remove it on your phone, tap Personal Info, scroll to “Digital ID,” tap Manage Digital ID, and confirm that you want to delete the ID from your device and Google Account. Ohio joins the growing list as the app’s newest supported jurisdiction, bringing the total to 11 states and territories.
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Image: 9to5google.com
