Abstract: The invention relates to the authentication of user privileges for a multi-function peripheral (MFP) device using biometric data. A method is provided for capturing an identifying digital representation of a biometric member and comparing it to an authenticating digital representation of a biometric member saved previously. In addition to granting access to the operations of the MFP device, embodiments of the invention may be implemented that grant a user of the MFP device access to certain device privileges based on the biometric authentication. Additional layers of identifying information, including additional biometric comparisons, alphanumeric passwords/PINS, etc. are also contemplated by embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments contemplate storing the authenticating information on the MFP device, on a memory on a device in data communication with the MFP device, and on personal memory carried by the user of the MFP.