OptiKey® is a unique optical signature and user authentication mechanism used as a recognition and verification system. With the OptiKey® anti counterfeit system labels, identification cards, and documents are impossible to counterfeit, copy, or duplicate. This system consists of a mass producible optical mask (ID Label) and a matched optical reference mask located in the optoelectronic reader / correlator. The optical ID label is a randomly recorded optical surface structure, which is placed on labels / cards and documents. For secure validation, the optical surface structure of the ID label must match the optical reference mask in the correlator. The optical match is achieved with a joint Fourier transform which also ensures quick and easy alignment. The user authentication system can now be used locally without access to a central data base or human interaction. Additional information can be optically loaded in the OptiKey® structure with a high degree of security. Biometric features such as fingerprints, voice prints, iris scans, and facial recognition can be added to match the actual user to the authentic ID label found on the ID card or document.