Abstract: A method, apparatus and system that allows an individual to authenticate his identity by storing his or her biometric profile and other information in a smart device. The smart device is always under the control of the owner during and after enrollment. The smart device holder's identity is authenticated by matching the stored fingerprint template against the live fingerprint of the smart device holder scanned on the smart device. When an enrolled smart device is within the proximity of a system radio frequency identification reader, the associated application via the radio frequency identification reader interacts with the smart device to authenticate the identity of the person holding the device. The smart device can also be attached to a personal computer, without a radio frequency identification reader via a wired interface. The application performs the applicable transaction only when the identity of the smart device holder is successfully authenticated.