Abstract: A federated biometric identity verification system that allows biometric verification of individuals across multiple organizations without sharing access to database content between those organizations. Multiple biometric application databases are securely networked together using public-key infrastructure techniques. Biometric information is collected from a subject, and segregated into applicable subsets or modalities, and searchable templates are generated. The templates are encrypted and searched against each database securely without requiring the comingling of database content. Results are returned for each database searched consistent with the characteristics authorized by the organization controlling the database. No further access to the database is allowed.