Android Adds Native Support for Digital Credentials with OpenID Standards

Google has officially announced native support for digital credential presentation and issuance on Android, marking a major step forward for digital identity management on mobile devices. This new functionality integrates OpenID4VP and OpenID4VCI standards directly into Android’s Credential Manager API.

📲 What Are Digital Credentials?
Digital credentials are cryptographically verifiable digital documents that can represent:

Driver’s licenses

Passports and national IDs

Education certificates

Insurance policies

Memberships and permits

Airline miles or reward program memberships

These credentials can now be stored securely on Android devices and shared across apps with user consent.

🚀 Android Credential Manager Now Supports OpenID4VP & OpenID4VCI
With this update, Android users can:

Save digital credentials using apps that support the DigitalCredential API

Present credentials to other apps or services as needed

Transfer information securely using encrypted communication tunnels

Maintain user privacy and control, thanks to end-to-end encryption and explicit permission requirements

This is a huge win for the future of secure digital identity and paves the way for wider adoption of mobile-based ID solutions.

📦 Wallet and App Integration
At launch, Google Wallet supports this feature, with Samsung Wallet and 1Password set to add support soon. As more apps adopt the API, Android users can expect wider compatibility across industries, including:

Travel and airlines (e.g., loyalty and mileage programs)

Education platforms (digital degrees, student IDs)

Insurance and healthcare (digital insurance cards)

Government services (e.g., mobile driver’s licenses, permits)

🔐 Enhanced Security and Privacy
All data transfers are protected by strong cryptographic protocols and secure channels, ensuring that digital credentials are:

Tamper-proof

Verifiable

Private and user-controlled

This approach aligns with Google's broader goals for user data safety and trusted digital ecosystems.