To add the new ID, simply open the Google Wallet app, tap the “Add to Wallet” floating action button (FAB) in the corner, then choose “Driver’s License or State ID.” Arkansas will now appear as the tenth state option, joining Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, and North Dakota.
The Arkansas card design features an image of the Buffalo National River with a small label in the corner. Google first previewed the state’s upcoming availability back in April 2025.
Setup process: ID verification made simple
Setting up your digital ID involves a few quick steps:
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Scan your physical ID: Capture clear images of both the front and back of your state ID card.
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Facial verification: Record a short video of your face for identity confirmation, which is securely submitted to the AR DFA (Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration).
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Wait for review: Verification typically takes just a few minutes, and you’ll receive a notification once it’s approved. An email confirmation will also be sent by the agency.
How sharing works — securely and privately
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Step 1: Tap your phone against a compatible reader or scan a QR code — no personal data is shared yet.
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Step 2: Review exactly which information will be shared and ensure you’re comfortable sharing it.
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Step 3: There’s no need to hand over your phone. Your ID is transferred securely over Bluetooth, so make sure it’s enabled.
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Step 4: Finally, confirm your identity using face unlock, fingerprint, PIN, or password before data is shared.
Additional options include:
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Under “Show Code,” the “Details” tab lets you enable an “Activity History” log.
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The “Driver’s License Information” section displays key details like your license number, expiration date, address, and more.
Where and how it works
Your digital state ID can be read via NFC or by scanning a QR code, and it’s already being accepted by the TSA at select U.S. airports. However, Google notes that you must still carry your physical ID, as the digital version “does not replace the legal requirement to carry a physical card.”
To use this feature, your device must:
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Run Android 8 or higher
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Have a screen lock enabled
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Have Bluetooth and nearby device access turned on
You can remove your digital ID at any time — either directly from Google Wallet or remotely via myaccount.google.com. Because it’s treated as a private pass, your state ID does not sync to the cloud and remains available on only one device.
How to delete your digital ID
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Tap Personal Information in the Google Wallet app.
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Scroll down and select Digital ID.
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Tap Manage Digital ID.
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Next to the ID or license you want to remove, tap Delete.
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Confirm that you wish to permanently delete the ID from your device and your Google account.
With Arkansas now on board, Google Wallet continues its steady expansion as a secure, privacy-focused digital identification platform — and a glimpse into a future where your phone could eventually replace your physical wallet.
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