Digital ID Card: Google Tests Digital Driver’s License Support

Google is doing beta testing support for the Digital Driver’s License in its Android Wallet app. Google is catching up to Apple for getting a digital copy of your driver’s license.

Google is rapidly catching up with Apple when it comes to getting a digital copy of your driver’s license on your smartphone.

According to The Verge, Google is currently testing the “Digital Driver’s License” feature.

 This is for Pixel users who have signed up for Google Play Services beta. Some participants in the program were able to add their Maryland state IDs to the Wallet app.

Although some users were able to test the feature, it is not possible to use the feature on other phones than the Pixel.

Android 13 users who are part of the Google Play Services beta program (specifically version 48.22), will now be able to see a new option called “ID Card (beta”)” when adding a card to the Google Wallet application. 

Although this is available on Pixel smartphones, it is not possible to see it on other devices due to Google’s hardware requirements. 

There have been Android devices that support digital ID, such as the Samsung Galaxy S20. 

However, hardware requirements for this feature can vary depending on whether a device is launched with Android 13 earlier or later.

Someone who was able to use the new feature said that the process of adding their driver’s license is similar to Apple’s for adding a state ID into their Wallet app.

The process for adding a Maryland ID is as follows: 

• scan the ID’s front
• scan its back
• make a quick recording of your face
• submit your application.

Finally, wait for Maryland approval. This process is similar to adding a card into Apple Wallet.

Unfortunately, the beta program is full. If you are trying to access the program to add your Maryland ID onto your Pixel phone, but you can’t find it, there’s no way to do so. 

Google is expected to open the program more quickly for anyone who wishes to live in the future of Maryland.