A method of verifying the identity of a user by comparing a biomorphic
sample from the user with a stored biomorphic pattern of the user,
without access to an online database of encoded biomorphic patterns. An
authorization process receives an encoded biomorphic pattern from the
user, the encoded biomorphic pattern stored on a storage device
containing a processor. The processor is powered by a device capable of
reading the storage device. The authorization process verifies the
encoded biomorphic pattern is a valid biomorphic pattern with a valid
expiration date, and compares the encoded biomorphic pattern on the
storage device to a biomorphic sample provided by the user, in order to
grant access to the user. If an online database is available,
authorization process transmits the result to the online database and
receives, in return, an updated expiration date. The authorization
process updates the storage device with the updated expiration date.