Abstract: A method and apparatus for parallel processing "live" and pre-recorded "reference" fingerprint data for comparison purposes. An array sensor images a selected portion of a live fingerprint and video means produce corresponding digital live image data. The pre-recorded, multi-pixel reference data and the image data are scanned relative to one another via recirculating First-in-First-Out (FIFO) buffer memories and row and column shift means. Exclusive OR (XOR), summation and accumulation circuitry simultaneously compare the reference and image data over a plurality of correlation cycles and compute a correlation value for each correlation cycle. A microprocessor determines the best correlation value of the reference and image data from a tabular store of correlation values for each correlation cycle relative to a PASS/FAIL threshold.