The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) activated the United States’ first touchless biometric e-gates in Terminal C at Newark Liberty Airport in early September 2026. Developed in partnership with United Airlines, this pilot allows TSA PreCheck passengers to verify their identity and boarding information using facial biometric recognition, eliminating the need for physical identification or boarding passes. The launch coincided with the Labor Day travel period, a peak time for passenger volume.
Enhanced Passenger Processing Introduced at Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) technology at its preclearance facility within Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport. This system employs facial comparison technology to
rapidly match travelers’ faces to their passport records, expediting inspection processes for U.S. citizens departing Bermuda. Airport operator Skyport funded the biometric technology rollout after observing similar systems operating in Aruba, aiming to enhance passenger processing efficiency.
Denver International Airport Begins Accepting myColorado Mobile Driver’s Licenses
At Denver International Airport, TSA began accepting mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) issued by the state of Colorado at security checkpoints as of September 2026. TSA agents utilize Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) to verify a traveler’s live photograph against the digital license and confirm boarding details without requiring a physical boarding pass. Colorado joined 20 other states with TSA acceptance of mobile IDs, expanding
the availability of digital identification across airports nationwide.
TSA Officials Comment on Biometric Program Expansion
Greg Hawko, TSA federal security director at Newark Liberty Airport, stated there is currently no plan to extend the new biometric e-gates beyond Terminal C. However, he expressed a hopeful outlook for broader adoption across the airport as the pilot advances, saying, “the hope is, as it progresses, we can expand it across the airport.” Douglas Cruz, TSA Colorado Federal Security Director, emphasized the fundamental importance of identity verification to transportation security, stating, “The process of verifying identities is fundamental to ensuring transportation security.” He also noted that TSA officers are fully
trained to process myColorado mobile driver’s licenses, adding, “By enabling travelers to use mobile driver’s licenses, we are leveraging technology to strengthen security and streamline our operations.”
Biometrics and Digital ID Programs Move into Operational Use
Biometric identity verification and mobile digital ID programs are transitioning from pilot phases to operational deployments across U.S. airports and select Caribbean locations as of late 2026. Facilities like Newark Liberty, Denver International, and Bermuda’s L.F. Wade airport have incorporated facial recognition and mobile ID technologies to enhance passenger processing speed and security. These initiatives reflect ongoing efforts by TSA and CBP to integrate advanced digital identity systems into airport security operations.
