Edgar Cervantes from Android Authority reports that Google is working on adding support for e-Passports in Google Wallet. This feature would allow users to create an ID pass that can be used at select TSA checkpoints. By tapping your phone to an NFC reader or scanning the QR code on your ID pass, you can present the e-Passport to authorities. While this feature is not currently live in Google Wallet, it may be rolled out in the future.
Google Wallet is a mobile payment app that also functions as a digital wallet for storing cards, IDs, passes, and other information. The in-development feature was spotted by Assemble Debug in Google Wallet v24.18.633340707 and Google Play Services v24.20.13 beta. Placeholder text within the app refers to the passport as “Picard,” and the icon resembles a passport.
The onboarding screens for the e-Passport feature indicate that users will still need their physical passport as a backup. The feature is intended for use at select TSA checkpoints in the US and requires authentication through available screen lock methods. The onboarding guide advises users to review the information they share and turn on Do Not Disturb mode on their phones to hide notifications while presenting the code.
It is not clear whether this feature will be limited to e-passports or all physical passports, as it is still in the testing phase. Anyone with tips or information about this feature can contact Android Authority’s staff by emailing news@androidauthority.com.