Abstract: A biometric authentication device for use with a host having memory, processing power and communication capabilities, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The biometric device includes a finger print module having a fingerprint sensor for capturing a user's fingerprint placed onto the fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint module is interconnected and communicates with the host PDA. The fingerprint module also includes a portion adapted to receive and read a card containing electronic fingerprint information, such as a smart card. The fingerprint module is capable of determining a match between the user's fingerprint captured from the fingerprint sensor and the electronic fingerprint information stored on the smart card. Determination of the match between the end user (and those) captured fingerprint and the electronic fingerprint information enables biometric verification or identification of the end user. This information may be transmitted via the interconnected PDA or other wireless host device.