An identification card includes a fingerprint sensor, an antenna, a
dual-mode radio frequency modulator connected to the antenna and digital
circuitry having memory to store a digital word, the digital word
including a representation of a fingerprint initially scanned by the
fingerprint sensor to identify an individual associated with the
identification card. The identification card further includes a control
processor connected to the digital circuitry and the radio frequency
modulator to communicate a signal to the antenna indicative of a
successful match between the fingerprint initially scanned by the
fingerprint sensor and newly scanned fingerprint. With such an
arrangement, a technique is provided biometrically authenticating the
identity of an individual passing through a checkpoint without requiring
the individual to stop or exit a vehicle and eliminates the need for a
central database of biometric data on individuals.