Abstract: An identification system where providing' identification data sets that contain different types of information accessible by different parties, removes the need for all potential readers of the object to be able to access all information, and to contact a third party during the verification process is disclosed. The identification data sets are encrypted and printed in a portable physical form as an identity object. Graphical symbols, such as a data matrix, or RFID tags or secure chips may be used to store encrypted data. These may be incorporated into a passport or other identification document. Additional identity objects may be printed for use in identifying objects connected with a user or source that contain a subset of the information in the original data matrix.