A method of operating a scanning apparatus including a transparent platen, a memory, a lid to cover the transparent platen, and a door in the lid, the method includes exposing a portion of the transparent platen through the door in the lid; placing a user identifier into the door in the lid; providing a user identification initiation signal; emitting light from a light source to illuminate the exposed portion of the transparent platen; moving a photosensor array to scan the user identifier through the exposed portion of the transparent platen; providing a digitized image of the user identifier from the scan by the photosensor array; comparing the digitized image to a stored pattern; and authorizing a function of the scanning apparatus if it is determined that the digitized image of the user identifier adequately matches the stored pattern.