An access control system includes a fingerprint enrolling station for sensing a fingerprint of a person and enrolling the person as an authorized person based upon the sensed fingerprint. The system also includes an access triggering device to be carried by the authorized person, and an access controller for granting access to an authorized person bearing the access triggering device. The access triggering device preferably cooperates with the enrolling station to store authorization data for an authorized person based upon the sensed fingerprint. The access triggering device also preferably includes a wireless transmitter, such as a passive transponder, for transmitting an authorization signal related to the stored authorization data. In addition, the access controller preferably includes a wireless receiver, such as including a transponder powering circuit, for receiving the authorization signal and granting access responsive to the wireless transmitter being in proximity to the wireless receiver. The authorized person bearing the access trigger device may unobtrusively be granted access merely by approaching the access location.