Method and apparatus for performing speaker verification based on speaker independent recognition of commands

A method and apparatus for performing speaker verification with speaker verification templates are disclosed. A verification unit receives an utterance from a speaker. The verification unit identifies a command associated with the utterance by performing speaker independent recognition. If a speaker verification template associated with the identified command includes adequate verification data, the verification unit eliminates a prompt for a password and verifies the speaker identity by comparing the utterance with a speaker verification template associated with the identified command.