Described are a system and method for verifying a self-authenticating document. First, upon a request for verification of the document, a characteristic digital data "CDD" is extracted from the document. An image of at least a predetermined portion of the document is obtained. The image is divided into a predetermined number of pixel groups and each pixel group includes a plurality of pixels. Pixel characteristic data is determined for each pixel. A pixel group classification data is determined for each pixel group as a function of the pixel characteristics data of at least one pixel in the pixel group. A further CDD for the image is generated as a function of the pixel group classification data and a location of the corresponding pixel group in the image. The document is verified if the CDD is substantially identical to the further CDD.