Abstract: A device for and a method of processing biometric data, particularly finger print data, with a processing unit, comprises a sensor to detect the biometric input signal and a processor for processing the input signal for creation of identification data, which individualize a person. The processing unit can be connected with a portable identification element featuring an evaluation unit operating in a manner such that the reference data allocated to a person and stored in a semiconductor component of the portable identification element can be checked against the identification data for matches. Evaluation comprises a comparison of similarities. Thus, it can be determined as a function of a pre-set threshold value whether or not the identification data and the reference data match.