Abstract: A system and method for the verification of trusted documents is shown, wherein a biometric image affixed to an article being shipped is verified as to the identity of the individual vouching for the contents of the article or the membership of the individual is confirmed as being a member of a bonded client group. The system comprises an endorsement system scanning a biometric portion of the individual and providing a biometric image for the document; a verification system for scanning the biometric image from the document presented to the verification system, requesting the biometric image from the database system, comparing the biometric image with the template received as a result of the request and providing an indicator as to whether the document is valid or invalid; and a database system for storage of the biometric images and providing a template describing the image.