Aadhaar is one of the main identity systems in India, with everyday uses for various purposes. Google announced a digital ID tool in Sep. 2024 in select U.S. states in the Google Wallet service. Later, in January 2026, Google partnered with UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) to make Aadhaar (Aadhaar Verifiable Credential) available on Google Wallet, and Indian users can now save their Aadhaar as a Verifiable Credential.
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What is Aadhar Digital ID (Aadhaar Verifiable Credential)?
Generally, a digital ID is an electronic version of an ID that stays in our smartphones instead of our wallets. Thus, Aadhaar Digital ID is a digital version of Aadhaar that is stored directly on the phone and can be used for various kinds of identity verifications.
Main advantages of Aadhaar in Google Wallet
Just like W3C digital credentials and ISO 18013-5 global compatible formats, after the addition of an Aadhaar in Google Wallet, the Aadhaar details are converted into a unique digital credential that is issued in a global and standard compatible format.
Additionally, the Aadhaar credential remains on a device within Google Wallet securely as a verifiable and signed ID ready to be used by other systems, not as a photo or PDF.
The best part is that, as a main privacy feature, the “selective disclosure” term means there is no need to share the whole information while being asked by an app or site in terms of the verification process.
Moreover, Google uses ZKP (Zero-knowledge proofs), a cryptographic method that is used to prove the validity of a statement without disclosing any important sensitive details of a person or entity.
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Use cases of Aadhaar in Google Wallet
Aadhaar credentials in Google Wallet can be used in everyday use cases, such as:
- age verification while booking a movie ticket
- profile identity verification on different sites like BharatMatrimony
- forms auto-filling in Atlys, like visa application services, etc…
Note:- Though it’s not a full replacement of physical Aadhaar everywhere yet. An Indian may need to provide the physical Aadhaar at some places when asked for it.
How to Add Aadhaar to Google Wallet?
Now, follow the steps below to add an Aadhaar card to Google Wallet.
Technique 1 – Using the official Aadhaar app.
- First, download and open the official Aadhaar app.
- Then sign in, follow and complete the identity verification steps.
- Simply tap Add to Wallet, choose Google Wallet and tap the Continue button.
- Finally, follow and finish the instructions shown on the screen.
Congratulations! You have successfully added the Aadhaar to Google Wallet.
Technique 2 – Using the Google Wallet app
- First, download and open the Google Wallet and the official Aadhaar app.
- Now tap the + button.
- Now just tap the Aadhaar option.
- Finally, do as mentioned in steps above “2 to 5” from Technique 1.
After getting a “Reviewing your request” message, a notification will be shown when you are done.
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FAQs about Aadhaar in Google Wallet
Q1. What is an Aadhaar Verifiable Credential in Google Wallet?
Aadhaar Verifiable Credential is a digital version of your Aadhaar card stored securely inside Google Wallet. Unlike a photo or PDF, it is a cryptographically signed, globally compatible digital ID that can be used for real-time identity verification by supported apps and websites.
Q2. When did Google partner with UIDAI to bring Aadhaar to Google Wallet?
Google officially partnered with UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) in January 2026 to make Aadhaar available as a Verifiable Credential inside Google Wallet for Indian users.
Q3. Is Aadhaar in Google Wallet safe and secure?
Yes. Google uses industry-standard security measures along with Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) — a cryptographic method that verifies your identity without exposing your sensitive personal details. Your Aadhaar data is stored on-device within Google Wallet, not as a plain file.
Q4. What is “selective disclosure” in Aadhaar Verifiable Credential?
Selective disclosure is a key privacy feature that allows you to share only the specific information required for a particular verification — for example, just your age for a movie booking — without revealing your full Aadhaar details to the requesting app or website.
Q5. What is ZKP (Zero-Knowledge Proof) and how does it protect my Aadhaar data?
ZKP (Zero-Knowledge Proof) is a cryptographic technique that lets a system confirm the truth of a claim — such as “this person is above 18” — without accessing or storing any sensitive personal information. Google applies ZKP in Aadhaar Verifiable Credential to keep your data private during verification.
Q6. What are the everyday use cases of Aadhaar in Google Wallet?
Aadhaar in Google Wallet can be used for age verification when booking movie tickets, profile identity verification on platforms like BharatMatrimony, and auto-filling personal details in visa application services like Atlys, among other identity-based use cases.
Q7. Does Aadhaar in Google Wallet completely replace the physical Aadhaar card?
Not completely. While the digital Aadhaar Verifiable Credential works for many online and app-based verifications, certain places and government services may still require you to present your physical Aadhaar card. It is best to carry your physical card as a backup.
Q8. How do I add Aadhaar to Google Wallet using the official Aadhaar app?
Download and open the official Aadhaar app, sign in and complete identity verification, then tap “Add to Wallet,” select Google Wallet, tap Continue, and follow the on-screen instructions to finish adding your Aadhaar.
Q9. How do I add Aadhaar to Google Wallet directly from the Google Wallet app?
Open Google Wallet, tap the “+” button, select the Aadhaar option, and then follow the identity verification steps from the official Aadhaar app. Once submitted, you will receive a notification when the process is complete.
Q10. In what format is the Aadhaar Verifiable Credential stored in Google Wallet?
The Aadhaar credential is stored as a globally compatible, standards-compliant digital credential — like W3C digital credentials and ISO 18013-5 format. It is not saved as a photo or PDF, but as a verifiable, cryptographically signed ID ready for use by supporting systems.
