Abstract: Biometrically-enabled smartcards containing fingerprint sensors, template storage, and authentication processing require electrical power. At current state-of-the-art, biometric electronics are incompatible with radio-frequency-powered cards operating at low power levels. It's been a problem combining these technologies into one thin smartcard without adding batteries and/or recharging regimens. Disclosed is a batteryless, “contact/contactless” smartcard with built-in biometric fingerprint sensor, template storage and processor to authenticate users. The card's biometric authentication processing circuitry obtains its' initial power from contact smartcard readers, while performing authentication during card insertion. In one embodiment, the card enables contactless functions upon user entry into controlled facilities, and disables contactless functions upon egress.