Abstract: A biometric authentication system is provided which includes a dual input reader, the inputs consisting of stored physiological data of a user on a chip disposed on a smart card, and a fingerprint scan for comparison against the stored data. The system is self-contained so that the comparison of the biometric data with the data stored on the chip is done immediately on board the reader without relying upon communications to or from an external source in order to authenticate the user. The invention also prevents communication with external sources prior to user authentication being confirmed, so as to prevent user data from being stolen or corrupted. Alternatively, the biometric input can consist of a retina scan, voice identification, saliva or other biometric data.