Newark Airport Launches Facial Recognition eGates to Expedite TSA Screening

Newark Liberty International Airport unveiled new facial recognition eGates on Thursday. Clear pre-screening members can now use them. The tech allows travelers to bypass showing physical documents and identification to a TSA screener at security checkpoints.

The eGates perform real-time biometric verification of a traveler's identity by matching the facial image captured at the gate with the information on their identity document and boarding pass. The process takes about five seconds. 

Travelers still need to carry Real ID-compliant identification despite the new tech, though. TSA agents may perform follow-up screening in some cases that would require travelers to show physical IDs, including a Real ID document.

Real ID documents became mandatory on May 7 throughout the nation for domestic air travel. Passports and Global Entry cards also work.

Once a traveler's identity is verified, they move on to the physical TSA screening process of individuals and carry-on bags performed by security officers. The eGate cannot open gates manually.

Newark joins LaGuardia, JFK, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Reagan National, Seattle-Tacoma, and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airports, where the biometric gates have been installed. The tech was installed at no cost to taxpayers.

"We are proud to help make America's airports great ahead of the World Cup," said Caryn Seidman Becker, Clear CEO, in a statement, according to NJ.com. "The U.S. should be leading on security, hospitality, and the travel experience."

"This partnership with TSA is a powerful example of how public and private sectors can work together to enhance security and improve the aviation ecosystem," she said.

The eGate program was announced in August 2025. One reason for starting the program is in advance of the FIFA World Cup games this summer, and to speed the security screening of the estimated 20 million international soccer fans expected to travel to and from the U.S.

The program will also help with holiday travel surges at airports and general increases in traveler volume. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK airports, reported a 2.6% increase in passenger volume to 13.78 million in September, agency data said.