Method and apparatus for matching fingerprints

The method for the matching of fingerprints as described comprises an inputting step to enter a fingerprint image, and a collating step to check the collation minutiae of the input fingerprint image, consisting of both characteristic and non-characteristic minutiae, with the collation minutiae already registered in a list of collation minutia records. Furthermore an apparatus for the matching of fingerprints is described which comprises an IC card having minutia record holding means for holding collation minutiae consisting of both characteristic and non-characteristic minutiae, and sending means for sending collation minutia information from the minutia record holding means to an image processing unit; the image processing unit has collation minutia searching means responsive to the collation minutia information from the sending means of the IC card for searching the collation minutiae and sends the result of search to said IC card. This provides for the matching of fingerprints with an improved collation rate and improved security.