Abstract: A method and apparatus for a personal identification card system includes a card having a plurality of lamina joined permanently together, with identification information written on the inner surfaces of the lamina. The information is not visible from the exterior of the card, and is written as analog and digital indicia and images adapted to be read by ultrasonic imaging means. An ultrasonic imaging card reading terminal may include either pulse-echo, through-transmission, or tomographic amplitude sensing devices, or may include acoustic holographic imaging sensors for appropriately formed indicia and images. The personal identifying data contained within the card may include a fingerprint image or an acoustic vocal spectrogram of the individual, as well as personal identifying numbers, signature, and the like.