SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus said on Dec. 1 they will launch a PASS ID payment service that allows users to verify their identity and make payments at the same time.

The service lets customers who register a resident ID card or driver’s licence in the PASS app complete adult verification and payment in one QR scan after registering a credit card once.

Shoppers previously had to show an ID to confirm their age and then make payment when buying alcohol or cigarettes at convenience stores or unmanned vending machines. The 15 million users of the existing PASS ID verification service can use the new service immediately by adding a credit card without installing another app.

The service allows retailers to submit ID verification results to authorities as evidence in cases where improper checks when selling alcohol or cigarettes to minors could lead to business suspensions.

The service is available at GS25 convenience stores nationwide through cooperation with GS Retail, and it also works at unmanned tobacco vending machines installed by Beaverworks.

Adult verification and payment data entered in the PASS app are encrypted through VAN provider NICE Information & Communication and sent to GS25. NICE Information & Communication supports the service as the first VAN operator to work with the three carriers.

The carriers plan to extend the service beyond convenience stores, vending machines and self-checkout counters to major tourist sites and other locations requiring adult or residency verification.