Systems and methods for authenticating a user in an authentication system using a computing device configured to capture authentication biometric identity information. The authentication biometric identify information captured during an authentication session. The authentication biometric identify information may comprise or be derived from one or more images of the user being authenticated. The authentication biometric identify information is compared to root identify biometric information. The root identify biometric information is captured from a trusted source, such as trusted devices located at trusted locations, such as a government entity, financial institution, or business. Identity verification may occur by comparing the trusted root identify biometric information to the biometric identify information captured during an authentication session. Liveness determination may also occur to verify the user is a live person. Liveness determination may include comparing two images of the user such that the two images are captured at different distances from the user.