1. A method of matching first magnetic waveforms and second magnetic waveforms, each having identifiable features used for identification purposes, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining from each said first magnetic waveform those of said identifiable features which are significant, with significant meaning those identifiable features providing the largest recognition distances as used in "matching template" character recognition; said significant identifiable features having values and locations with respect to a starting point of the associated said first waveform, with said significant identifiable features being obtained according to predetermined criteria; (b) utilizing said values and locations of said significant identifiable features of said first waveform to search in anticipated locations for anticipated corresponding identifiable features in a second magnetic waveform; (c) determining the values and locations of said identifiable features of said second magnetic waveform, if any, found in said anticipated locations; and (d) comparing via comparing circuitry the values and locations from said determining step with the values and locations of said significant identifiable features of a said first magnetic waveform according to second predetermined criteria to determine whether or not the second magnetic waveform matches a said first magnetic waveform.