Google Wallet rolls out in-app message center and brings digital IDs to Ireland and Italy

Google Wallet for Android is introducing a dedicated notifications feed and expanding its digital passport support to Ireland and Italy, according to 9to5Google. This update follows a recent redesign of the app’s stacked card list. The new features include a message center for wallet items and broader availability of digital identification across more regions.

What is the new notifications feed?

The app now includes a notification bell icon located next to the profile switcher in the top-right corner. Tapping this icon opens a feed containing updates about items stored in the wallet. Google previously announced this in-app message center earlier this month. The feature is currently rolling out via a server-side update, meaning it may not be available to all users immediately without a new app download.

Which countries now support digital passports?

Google Wallet is adding support for digital passports from Ireland and Italy. These are officially referred to as "ID passes" within the application. This expansion follows earlier rollouts in Brazil, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The availability of the new country support is not yet widespread and is still in the initial stages of deployment.

How do users add a digital passport?

To add a passport, users must tap the plus button at the bottom of the app, select IDs and personal info, and choose ID pass. The registration process involves scanning the passport’s information page and its security chip. Users must also record a video of their face for verification. A notification is sent once the verification process is complete.

What does this mean for operations?

For organizations relying on mobile credentials for access or identity verification, this expansion adds two new countries to the list of supported digital IDs. The addition of Ireland and Italy follows the existing support for US passports at TSA security via NFC or QR code scanning. Teams should monitor the rollout status, as the feature is not yet widely available in these new regions.

Questions to ask your suppliers

Security teams should ask identity vendors whether their systems can ingest and validate the specific ID pass formats from newly supported countries. Check if your access control policies distinguish between domestic and international digital credentials. Determine who within your organization is responsible for updating acceptance lists when a vendor adds new supported regions. Ensure that your identity verification workflows account for the additional biometric data, such as facial video, that may be included in these digital passes.

Background: Biometric data

Biometric data uses unique physical or behavioral traits to verify identity. Systems capture this data, convert it into digital templates, and compare new inputs against stored records. This enables secure access control, financial transactions, and device unlocking without passwords.

Read the full guide: What Is Biometric Data Used For: Identity, Access, and Hidden Risks

What to do and how to stay safe: Google Wallet

• Verify if your organization accepts digital ID passes from Ireland or Italy for any internal or external processes.
• Review current identity verification policies to ensure they align with the technical requirements of NFC or QR code scanning.
• Monitor vendor announcements for further expansions of digital passport support to other countries.
• Test the integration of new ID pass types in your staging environment before enabling them for production use.

Step-by-step guide: Browser Security Settings for Small Business Teams

General security guidance from the TechSec Feed newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Can US passports be used with Google Wallet?

Yes, US passports can be used at TSA security checkpoints via NFC or QR code scanning through the app.

Is the notifications feed available to all Android users?

No, the feature is currently rolling out via a server-side update and may not be available to everyone yet.

How does the passport verification process work?

Users must scan their passport info page and security chip, then record a video of their face for verification.