ID cards play a critical role in everything from business security to event management, providing a reliable means of identification and access control. They also streamline operations and enhance professional branding, making them a great investment for any business or organization.


From determining your specific needs, selecting the right printing method, designing the cards, and ensuring they are equipped with the necessary security features, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes.


That’s why millions of people entrust the process to CustomLanyard.net. We simplify things and empower you to bring your custom ID cards to life in just a few clicks. You gain access to premium quality ID cards effortlessly, at at an unbeatable price. With world-class customer support every step of the way, what more could you ask for?


Start creating your custom ID cards with us today and experience the difference. Or, learn about printing on ID cards below for more information!

How to Print on ID Cards for Your Business or Event

Learning how to make PVC ID cards can offer a whole new level of appreciation for the quick and easy process we’ve laid out for you here at CustomLanyard.net. 


Below, we’ll dive into the details while offering insights on how to go about the process in your own specific scenario - from designing your cards to understanding critical security features you should include.

Determining Your ID Card Needs

Start by defining the card's purpose - will it be used for physical access, identification at events, time tracking, or electronic access to systems? This decision will influence the card's design, technology, and the information it must carry. 


For instance, access control cards might require embedded RFID chips or magnetic stripes, while simple identification cards might only need a photo and name.

You should also consider the environment in which the cards will be used. Will they need to be durable to withstand outdoor conditions, or are they for one-time use at an indoor event? The expected lifespan of the card will dictate the ID cards materials and printing technique you choose. 


It’s important to factor in the quantity needed and the frequency of re-issuance, too. These will impact your approach to printing and budgeting.

Choosing a Printer vs Printing Yourself

Deciding whether to invest in an ID card printer or to outsource the printing depends on several factors. Ultimately, though, it makes more sense to outsource your cards printing needs from a cost and operational standpoint.


If your organization requires a high volume of cards or anticipates regular changes to cardholders, investing in an in-house printer may be more cost-effective over time. It provides on-demand printing and immediate replacement of lost or damaged cards. However, upfront costs, maintenance, and the need for trained personnel are considerations.


Outsourcing to a professional printing service is often the best route for organizations with low-volume needs or for those seeking specialized security features that may be beyond the capability of standard in-house printers. 


Professional services can offer a higher quality finish, advanced security features, and often a quicker turnaround for large batches. That being said, let’s talk about what you should look for in a provider. 

Designing Your ID Cards

Designing your ID cards is a process that should marry functionality with aesthetics. The design must align with your brand, including logo placement, color schemes, and font selection, while ensuring readability and professionalism. 


Software used for designing ID cards should allow for precise layout control and support high-resolution images to avoid pixelation upon printing. It's also essential to leave space for the cardholder's details, which should be easily updateable without requiring a complete redesign for each issuance.


Security features such as watermarks, microtext, or guilloche patterns can be integrated into the design to prevent counterfeiting. If the card includes technology such as RFID or magnetic stripes, the design must accommodate these elements without compromising the card's integrity. 


Ensure that any sensitive information is encrypted and that the card production process complies with relevant privacy regulations. Staff handling the personal data of cardholders must be trained in data protection best practices to prevent breaches.

Can a Regular Printer Print ID Cards?

A common question that arises when considering ID card printing is whether a regular office printer is up to the task. The short answer is no - standard office printers are not designed to print on the plastic material typically used for ID cards. 


ID cards require specialized printers that can handle the heat-sensitive layers of PVC or composite card stock without causing damage to the printer or the card.


Regular printers are equipped to print on paper, which has different properties and tolerances compared to the plastic materials used for ID cards. Attempting to print on plastic cards with a regular printer can lead to smudging, uneven printing, and potentially even damage the printer itself.


ID card printers are specifically built to offer direct-to-card or retransfer printing technologies that can produce durable, high-quality cards. 


These printers can also encode magnetic stripes and smart chips, and add security features such as holograms and watermarks, which are beyond the capabilities of a regular office printer. So - with that said, let’s talk about key considerations in getting the ID cards printed properly.

Getting the ID Cards Printed 

The quality of your ID cards hinges on the capabilities of the printer. If printing in-house, choose a printer that can handle the volume of cards you need without compromising on quality. 


Look for printers with high-resolution printing capabilities to ensure all text and images are crisp and clear. The printer should also support the security features you plan to implement, such as encoding for smart chips or magnetic stripes.


If outsourcing, select a reputable printing service with experience in producing secure ID cards. They should offer a range of materials, from PVC to composite cards, that can withstand frequent handling or harsh environments. 


The service should provide proofs before final printing to ensure the design meets your specifications. You should also factor in turnaround times, especially if you're on a tight schedule, and check if they offer batch printing for future reissuance to save on costs.


In just a moment, we’ll show you what separates our ID card printing service from the rest. First, we need to talk about actually using your cards effectively once they arrive.

Distributing ID Cards and Getting the Most Out of Them

Plan a distribution strategy that includes verifying the identity of the cardholder and recording the issuance of each card. This log will help track and manage cards, which is especially useful in the case of loss or theft.


You should also educate cardholders on the proper use and care of their ID cards. This includes how to wear the card visibly if required, proper storage to avoid damage, and the procedure for reporting a lost or stolen card. If the cards are part of an access control system, ensure users understand how to use them correctly to maintain security protocols.


Maximizing the utility of your ID cards involves regular audits and updates. Keep a schedule for card renewals and updates to personal information or access levels. 

Print ID Cards in Just a Few Clicks at CustomLanyard.net for Premium Quality at an Unbeatable Price!

There you have it - everything you need to know about printing ID cards. As you can see, there’s quite a bit that goes into it. But don’t stress - as we said from the start, learning how to print on ID cards becomes a whole lot easier when you entrust the project to CustomLanyard.net. 


It takes just a few clicks - and the streamlined process we’ve created is just one of many reasons you can count on us for a top-notch experience. Learn more about why we’re the #1 choice below!

Why We’re the #1 Choice for Printing ID Cards Online

We have more than a decade of experience in printing everything from custom lanyards in bulk to custom wristbands, and of course, custom ID cards. 

Along the way, we’ve served more than 1,000,000 customers and earned the trust of brands like Nike, Google, Yelp, Netflix, and many more. What keeps them coming back for more?


Our skilled printers use the best materials and cutting-edge technology to bring your project to life. We have strict quality control measures in place, too. This means you can rest assured you’re getting the quality you deserve - quality you’re proud to associate with your brand or organization.


But, you won’t have to worry about compromising on your budget, either. We recognize the importance of getting quality at an affordable price, which is why we keep our ID card cost as low as possible. Through our bulk pricing, you can get cards as low as $0.37 each!


All of this is backed by our exceptional customer service team who is there for you every step of the way - whether you have questions about the process, need something special, or are troubleshooting the rare issue with our cards.


Plus, printing your cards here at CustomLanyard.net takes just a few minutes or less - here’s how it works…

How Do I Design and Print ID Cards at CustomLanyard.net?

Start by choosing your ID card size in inches - options start as small as 2.12" x 3.38" and ramp up to larger 6.5" x 4.75" cards. You can choose from a myriad of configurations and orientations.


From there, select a card finish - either glossy, matte, frosted, holographic, or transparent. You can pick from a few different card thicknesses depending on your budget and we even let you choose the hole style in your ID card (if you need one for a lanyard, that is).


Then comes the fun part - actually customizing your card. You can customize ID cards however you see fit - design one from scratch, upload your own existing artwork, or use one of our pre-configured templates to simplify the process.


Complete the process for other varying designs if necessary, and then, complete your order - it’s really that easy! We also have a custom ID card lanyard creator if you want the whole package in one easy purchase, complete with a custom badge holder (either a clear plastic card holder or acrylic badge holder).


So, what are you waiting for? Now that you know how to print on ID cards at CustomLanyard.net, it’s time to get started as we wrap up our guide below.

Final Thoughts on How to Print on ID Cards

Custom ID cards offer a range of benefits, but properly printing them requires careful consideration of your specific needs, security measures, and the quality of the final product.


From determining the purpose and features of your ID cards to choosing between in-house printing or professional services, each step should be approached with attention to detail. 


Ensuring that cards are designed with both security and brand identity in mind, and selecting the right printer for the job, are essential to creating effective and secure ID cards. 


This is why you can count on CustomLanyard.net - you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re getting exactly what you need.


Our blog has more resources like how do ID cards work, what to put on a lanyard, laminated ID cards vs not laminated, how to put an ID card on a lanyard, types of badge holders, and more.


Otherwise, now that you know who makes custom ID cards and how to print on ID cards through us, find out firsthand how easy it can be. Your custom PVC cards are just a few clicks away ready to boost security or organize your networking efforts!