Abstract: A fingerprint ID device includes input means for receiving a fingerprint image, center detecting means for detecting a center point of a fingerprint from the fingerprint image, area extracting means for extracting a given area, which surrounds the center point, as a center image of the fingerprint, and checking means for checking the center image against fingerprint images registered in advance. This structure allows checking a fingerprint by using the center image which includes a large number of characteristics. Thus even if the finger deviates from a right position, the fingerprint can be identified with accuracy, and at the same time, a memory capacity of the device can be substantially reduced.