The subject paper presents implementation of a new automatic face recognition system. To formulate an automated framework for the recognition of human faces is a highly challenging endeavor. The face identification problem is particularly very crucial in the context of today’s rapid emergence of technological advancements with ever expansive requirements. It has also significant relevance in the related engineering disciplines of computer graphics, pattern recognition, psychology, image processing and artificial neural networks. This paper proposes a side-view face authentication approach based on discrete wavelet transform and artificial neural networks for the solution of the problem. A subset determination strategy that expands on the number of training samples and permits protection of the global information is discussed. The authentication technique involves image profile extraction, decomposition of the wavelets, splitting of the subsets and finally neural network verification. The procedure exploits the localization property of the wavelets in both the frequency and spatial domains, while maintaining the generalized properties of the neural networks. The realization strategy of the methodology was executed using MATLAB, demonstrating that the performance of the technique is quite satisfactory.