During the Labor Day travel period in 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) activated the United States’ first touchless biometric e-gates in Terminal C at Newark Liberty Airport. This pilot program, developed in partnership with United Airlines, enables TSA PreCheck passengers to verify their identity and boarding details using facial biometrics without presenting physical identification or boarding passes.
Enhanced Passenger Processing at Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) introduced Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) at the preclearance facility in Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport. The system employs facial comparison technology to match travelers’ faces with passport records within seconds, expediting inspections for U.S. citizens. Airport
operator Skyport invested in this rollout after observing similar technology implemented in Aruba.
myColorado Mobile Driver’s Licenses Accepted at Denver International Airport
TSA at Denver International Airport has started accepting myColorado mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) at security checkpoints. Using Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2), TSA officers can compare travelers’ real-time photos with their digital licenses to confirm identity and boarding information without requiring a boarding pass. Colorado became the 21st state to have its mobile IDs accepted by TSA. TSA officers in Colorado have undergone full training to process myColorado mDLs efficiently.
Official Statements on Biometric and Mobile ID Technology
Greg Hawko, TSA federal security director at Newark Liberty, said there is currently no plan to expand the
biometric e-gates beyond Terminal C but expressed hope for broader airport adoption, stating, “the hope is, as it progresses, we can expand it across the airport.” Douglas Cruz, TSA Colorado Federal Security Director, emphasized the security benefits of the technology: “The process of verifying identities is fundamental to ensuring transportation security,” he said. Cruz added, “By enabling travelers to use mobile driver’s licenses, we are leveraging technology to strengthen security and streamline our operations. Our TSA officers are fully trained to accept and process myColorado mDLs, and we are glad to provide this convenient option for those departing DEN and
our other state airports.”
U.S. Airports Leading Biometric and Digital ID Adoption
These deployments at Newark Liberty, Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International, and Denver International reflect a transition of biometric verification and mobile identity wallets from pilot projects to operational services in U.S. airports. The adoption of facial biometrics and mobile driver’s licenses aims to streamline passenger processing and enhance transportation security nationwide.
