Samsung has announced that its Wallet app will soon support storing and using digital versions of driver’s licenses and state IDs in the United States. The feature will be available for Galaxy smartphone users in Arizona and Iowa later this year, with more states to follow.
What is Samsung Wallet?
Samsung Wallet is an app that combines Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass, allowing users to store and use various types of cards, keys, and IDs on their Galaxy devices. The app was launched in June 2022 and is compatible with the new Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5, as well as other Samsung Android phones.
Samsung Wallet uses biometric authentication and encryption to protect the user’s data and privacy. Users can also remotely lock or erase their Wallet data if they lose their device or it gets stolen.
How to Add Driver’s Licenses and State IDs to Samsung Wallet?
Samsung has partnered with IDEMIA, a global leader in augmented identity, to enable users to add their driver’s licenses and state IDs to Samsung Wallet. Users will need to scan their physical ID card and take a selfie to verify their identity. The app will then generate a digital version of the ID that can be accessed from the Wallet home screen.
The digital ID will have a dynamic QR code that can be scanned by authorized parties to verify the user’s identity and age. The QR code will also change color depending on the user’s location and time of day, making it easy to spot fake or expired IDs.
Samsung says that Arizona and Iowa will be the first states to offer this feature to their residents, starting later this year. The company is working with several more states to expand the availability of digital IDs in Samsung Wallet.
Where Can Users Use Their Digital IDs?
Samsung says that its digital IDs will be accepted at select airports across the country, as part of a test program with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Users will be able to show their digital ID at TSA checkpoints instead of their physical ID card, making the travel process more convenient and secure.
Samsung also plans to release a software development kit (SDK) for developers in early 2024, allowing them to integrate online age and identity verification into their apps using Samsung Wallet. This could enable users to access age-restricted content, services, or venues with their digital ID, without having to share any personal information.
What are the Benefits of Digital IDs?
Digital IDs offer several benefits for users, such as:
- Convenience: Users can store and access multiple IDs on their device, without having to carry or search for their physical cards.
- Security: Users can protect their digital IDs with biometric authentication and encryption, preventing unauthorized access or theft. Users can also remotely lock or erase their digital IDs if needed.
- Privacy: Users can control what information they share with others when using their digital ID, reducing the risk of identity fraud or misuse.
- Innovation: Users can enjoy new experiences and opportunities that require online age and identity verification, such as online gaming, streaming, or dating.
What are the Challenges of Digital IDs?
Digital IDs also pose some challenges for users, such as:
- Availability: Not all states or businesses accept digital IDs yet, so users may still need to carry their physical cards for backup or verification purposes.
- Compatibility: Not all devices or apps support Samsung Wallet or its digital ID feature, so users may encounter compatibility issues or limitations when using their digital ID.
- Regulation: There are no clear or consistent laws or standards for digital IDs in the US, so users may face legal or ethical dilemmas when using their digital ID.
- Trust: Users may have concerns about the reliability, accuracy, or security of their digital ID, especially when dealing with law enforcement or government agencies.
