Google Wallet Expands Digital ID Support to Montana

Google has expanded its digital wallet service to include support for state IDs in Montana, giving residents a new way to carry identification securely on their smartphones.

The feature, which has already rolled out in several other states, allows users to upload their Montana state ID or driver’s license directly into Google Wallet. Once added, the digital ID can be used at select checkpoints, such as TSA airport security lines, where digital identification is accepted.

Officials say the move is part of a broader effort to make carrying and presenting identification more convenient. With Google Wallet, residents no longer need to worry about forgetting their physical ID, as the digital version is securely stored and can be accessed with just a few taps.

Google has emphasized security in this rollout, noting that IDs in Wallet are encrypted and can only be accessed through device authentication methods like fingerprint, face unlock, or PIN.

Montana joins a growing list of states that are adopting digital identification in mobile wallets, a trend that is expected to expand further in the coming years. For now, residents will still need their physical IDs for certain uses, but the introduction of digital IDs in Google Wallet marks a step toward modernizing how people carry and use their identification.

Also Read- Google Wallet Streamlines Pixel Payments with New Quick Access Overlay.

How to Set Up Your Montana ID in Google Wallet.

If you’re a Montana resident and want to add your ID to Google Wallet, here’s how to get started:

1. Update Google Wallet – Make sure you have the latest version of the Google Wallet app installed on your Android device.
2. Open the App – Launch Google Wallet and tap the “Add to Wallet” button.
3. Select ID Card – From the list of options, choose “ID Card or Driver’s License.”
4. Verify Eligibility – Pick Montana as your state and follow the on-screen prompts.
5. Scan Your ID – Use your phone’s camera to scan both sides of your physical ID.
6. Take a Selfie – Google may ask you to take a quick selfie to confirm your identity.
7. Submit for Verification – Once submitted, your ID will be verified by state authorities.
8. Ready to Use – After approval, your digital ID will appear in Google Wallet, ready to use wherever accepted.

This setup process takes just a few minutes, and once done, Montana residents can start using their phones as official ID in supported locations.

Google Wallet Streamlines Pixel Payments with New Quick Access Overlay

Key Highlights.

• Quick Access Overlay: Google Wallet introduces a new card carousel overlay for Pixel devices via the double-tap power button, enabling faster payments.
• Seamless User Experience: Pay with a different card instantly without fully opening the Wallet app, then quickly return to your previous activity.
• Gradual Rollout: The feature is arriving on Pixel phones running Android 16 and Wallet v25.31, indicating a staged deployment.

Google is rolling out a significant quality-of-life improvement for Pixel users, introducing a new, intuitive overlay for Google Wallet that enhances the speed and convenience of contactless payments. This update, observed on devices running Android 16 and Google Wallet version 25.31, streamlines access to your payment cards directly from a double-tap power button gesture.

For a long time, Pixel users could customize the double-press power button gesture to launch the full Google Wallet app. While useful, this meant navigating the entire application just to select a different card for payment. The new overlay revolutionizes this process by presenting a card carousel directly above your current screen, featuring a subtly blurred background.

This "hold to reader" NFC animation and quick card selection is a game-changer for users who frequently switch between different cards or need to pay rapidly without fully leaving their active application. After the transaction is complete, the overlay dismisses, allowing users to seamlessly return to what they were doing previously. A convenient "Open Wallet" shortcut is also provided at the bottom for those who need to access more in-depth Wallet features.

The feature appears to be rolling out gradually, as not all Pixel devices have received it yet. It's tied to Android 16 and requires Google Wallet version 25.31, along with the latest Play services (beta). Early reports indicate it's appearing for users with Pixel 9 Pro Fold devices running Android 16. This new overlay is reminiscent of a similar quick access feature seen in previous Android versions, indicating Google's continued focus on optimizing payment flows.

This update reinforces Google's commitment to making digital payments on Pixel devices not just secure, but also incredibly efficient and user-friendly.