A multimodal biometric identification or authentication system (11) includes a plurality of biometric clients (13a-13d). Each of the biometric clients may include devices for capturing biometric images of a plurality of types. The system includes a router (15) in communication with the biometric clients. The router receives biometric images from, and returns biometric scores or results to, the biometric clients. The system includes a plurality of biometric matching engines (21a-21d) in communication with the router. Each biometric matching engine includes multiple biometric processors. Each biometric processor is adapted to process biometric data of a particular type. The biometric matching engines transmit and receive biometric data to and from the router.