Heading to the airport to catch an international flight is a stressful experience, but the worst part is constantly checking to see if you have your passport before you arrive

But US Android users may not have to worry about that in the future - it appears that Google Wallet now supports digital passportsThe code to add an electronic passport as an I-pass was first discovered in May by Android Authority and was first discovered by the TSA and will be available at "certain TSA checkpoints"

Now, according to Assemble Debug, the feature is ready for rollout All it needs is to be added to a stable public version of Google Wallet The way it works is that you scan your phone with an NFC reader or have someone scan a QR code for a digital ID pass

Where this technology is supported, identification should be possible However, it is not clear how widespread this support will be, and it is unlikely that all airports will soon have the tools necessary to use digital passports

Originally, the Google Wallet code stated that the digital ePassport is "not an official ID and does not replace a physical passport" In other words, while you may enjoy the convenience of storing your passport on your phone, you still need to carry your actual passport just in case

After all, the technology could fail, the battery could run out, and you could find yourself stranded or in a place that does not accept digital passports Whether it's TSA or a foreign border, you don't want to be turned away because you need to show your physical passport So think of the digital version as a backup or last resort, like carrying a copy of your passport when you travel

It won't replace your real passport, but it could be used to verify your identity if for some reason you lose your documents Additionally, it might be possible to verify your age and identity with certain restricted apps, like the digital ID feature in Apple Wallet But we will have to wait for a more formal announcement on that

For the time being, this feature is only available to US passport holders

However, there may come a day in the near future when you can go to the airport without constantly checking your pockets to see if your passport is still there Or perhaps I won't have the anxiety-induced dream of leaving my passport at home Or is that just me?