Abstract: A system (method and apparatus) for verifying/identifying a person based on contour of the knuckle surface of at least one hand, e.g. a digitized waveform unique to each individual. At an Enrollment Station a microcomputer is connected to a device for identifying the knuckle surface profile (e.g. a video camera or electromechanical contour sensing device). A candidate user grasps a grip handle, preferably vertically oriented, on the apparatus, positioning a fist before a viewing window and activating the device to scan or assess the fist and generate a contour of the user's knuckle surface contour. User's data comprises a knuckle contour, an assigned PIN, and optionally, information such as user's name, bank ID number, Social Security Number, and access restrictions. User's data may be stored as a profile (template) in an ID card, and/or in a master database containing data of all authorized users in a guarded system.