Patent ID: 7310042

Claim:
An identification system for authenticating a user comprising: an identification card having a substrate including a biometric input device, an internal memory device, and an internal control device in electronic communication for providing self-activation of the identification card for use by an authorized user, wherein the user inputs a biometric identifier input via a biometric input device that communicates with the internal memory device and the internal control device for providing the biometric identifier input, wherein a database stored on a remote computer is provided for receiving initial registration and optionally for subsequent checks of validity and singularity of the biometric information stored on the identification card and within the database relating to the authorized user, the biometric identifier input is initially validated upon transmission of the biometric identifier input to the database stored on a remote computer and receipt of a validation response from the database, wherein the identification card is initially in communication with the database for transmission of the biometric identifier input and receipt of the validation response for initial registration, and wherein the database confirms the singular, unique existence of a match to the biometric identifier input that corresponds to the user, wherein after initial registration with the database the identification card is independently self-activated for authorizing a transaction, permitting but without requiring communication with the database for confirming the biometric identifier input of the user, wherein the transaction and/or the authentication is denied where more than a singular unique registration exists in the database for the biometric identification input and/or the user, and wherein the match is stored in the database.