The present disclosure provides for a novel method and apparatus for automatically unlocking a vehicle, comprising installing a biometric authentication module located within a door of the vehicle. The authentication module comprises a microcontroller board with NFC capabilities and a relay shield configured to send a signal to a central locking system of the vehicle. The authentication module is adapted to wirelessly connect to a personal data device (“PDD”) that is configured for biometric authentication of a user of the device. When a PDD is placed within NFC communication range of the microcontroller board, the PDD automatically prompts an authentication mechanism to the verify the identity of a user when the PDD is in NFC communication with the authentication module. Upon verifying the identity of the user via biometric authentication while in NFC communication with the PDD, the module automatically sends a signal to unlock the vehicle.