ID cards are essential for security purposes and bringing a sense of professionalism to the workplace, but it’s important that they’re designed correctly. The right fonts, colors, and images can all improve an ID card’s clarity and ability to prevent fraud. 

So, what font is used on ID cards, and which ID card fonts should be avoided? We’ll explore the ins and outs of ID card font style and size to help you make the right decision for your company. 

Looking for professional, affordable ID cards and custom lanyards, designed just for your organization? At CustomLanyard.net, we offer fully customizable designs, fast shipping, and 24/7 support - there’s nowhere better to order your next ID cards, lanyards, and badge holders!

The Role Your ID Card Font Plays

What font do ID cards use? Before we dive into that, let’s take a step back - why does your ID card font style and size actually matter? Here’s a look at why the font used on ID cards shouldn’t be an afterthought. 

Clarity and Readability 

The main role of the font on an ID card is to ensure that the information it displays is easy to read. Whether it’s a name, job title, or identification number, clarity is essential for quick recognition and verification. 

Fonts that are simple, clean, and not overly stylized are preferred for this reason. It’s best to choose a font that lacks intricate details that might make the text harder to decipher, especially when printed in small sizes. 

Security and Consistency

Beyond readability, the font used on ID cards also plays a role in enhancing its security. Custom fonts or specific typefaces that are hard to replicate can help prevent counterfeit cards. Some organizations even embed special security features within the typography, like microtext or fonts with unique, hard-to-copy elements.

Using the same ID card font style on all ID cards within an organization also ensures that they look consistent and legitimate. This not only boosts your organization’s brand identity but also helps authorities and security personnel easily verify the authenticity of the cards.

What Font Do ID Cards Use?

So, what font is used on ID cards? Let’s take a look at the best font for ID cards, the ideal ID card font size, and how you can customize the font used on your organization’s ID cards. 

Ideal ID Card Font Style

What font do ID cards use? When it comes to ID cards, sans-serif fonts are the go-to choice due to their clean, modern look and readability. Fonts like Arial, Helvetica, and Roboto are popular because they are easy to read both up close and from a distance. 

Sans-serif fonts lack the decorative strokes of serif fonts, making the text clearer and less likely to blur when printed in smaller sizes. For more secure ID cards, some institutions may choose proprietary or harder-to-replicate fonts to prevent counterfeiting.

Also, fonts with clear character distinction are important for ID cards, as letters and numbers can often look similar in certain typefaces. For example, ensuring that characters like "I," "1," and "l" (uppercase "i," number "one," and lowercase "L") are easily distinguishable can reduce errors in identification.

Recommended ID Card Font Size

The ID card font size depends on the type of information being displayed and the overall layout of the card. So, what’s the best font size for ID cards? For key details like names, job titles, and ID numbers, a font size between 10 and 12 points is usually easy to read without taking up too much space on the card.

What’s the best font size for ID cards with secondary information, like the company or card expiration date? Here, you can usually use a smaller ID card font size, typically between 6 and 8 points. Don’t go too small - it can be difficult to read. 

Can You Customize the Font Used on ID Cards?

Yes, you can usually customize the font used on ID cards to fit the branding or specific needs of your organization. Many ID card printing systems allow you to choose from a variety of fonts, giving you the flexibility to align the design with your brand’s visual identity. 

Can you customize ID card fonts at CustomLanyard.net? Yes! When you choose our custom PVC ID cards, you can either use a pre-made template or fully customize your cards, including the font family, font size for ID cards, style, alignment, and more. You want it, we’ll print it!

More Things to Consider Beyond What Font is Used on ID Cards

Figuring out what font is used on ID cards is one thing, but it’s not all you need to think about in terms of how to make employee badges. Here are some of the other considerations to keep in mind. 

ID Card Size and Materials

As well as the font size for ID cards, you need to think about the size of the cards themselves. How big is an ID card, usually? The standard ID card size is CR80, which measures 3.375 x 2.125 inches - the same size as a credit card. 

This size is widely accepted in most ID card printers and is ideal for fitting essential information like names, photos, and ID numbers without overcrowding the design. That said, some organizations may opt for slightly larger or smaller cards depending on their specific needs.

You’ll also need to think about your ID card’s material, and whether you need laminated vs non laminated ID cards. What are IDs made of? In terms of PET vs PVC ID cards, there are a few advantages of PVC ID cards (polyvinyl chloride), the most common ID card material. 

Most companies go with PVC due to its durability and PVC ID card thickness. It’s flexible, resilient against daily wear and tear, and doesn’t crack and fade over time as much as other materials. 

Color Contrast and Background

The color contrast between the font and the background of the ID card is also important. High contrast, like black text on a white background, is easier to read. If the card has a colorful background, it's best to choose font colors that stand out clearly. 

The card’s background shouldn’t be too busy or cluttered with patterns, as this can make the text harder to read. Subtle gradients or solid color blocks work best, allowing the font to remain the focal point. This is key when the ID card needs to be scanned or quickly verified by security personnel.

Other Features to Account For

ID cards can incorporate several other features - embedding a barcode, QR code, or magnetic stripe can provide access control or store additional data. These features need to be strategically placed on the card to avoid interfering with the readability of important information.

You might even want to add security features like holograms, microtext, or UV printing, which help prevent counterfeiting. Just make sure you can still read everything on the card. The placement of a photo and logo also needs to be done in a way that doesn’t over-clutter the ID card.

Prioritizing Print Quality

You might want to learn how to make your own security badge, how to laminate PVC ID card at home, or how to make ID cards for staff yourself, but unless you have the best ID printer at your disposal, it’s best to leave the printing to the professionals. 

Even with the perfect font and design, poor print quality can result in blurry or faded text, making the card difficult to read and less professional. It’s important to use high-quality ID card printers and printing techniques, such as dye-sublimation or retransfer printing, to ensure sharp, clear output.

Also, protective overlays or lamination can shield the card from scratches, UV damage, and general wear, helping to maintain the clarity and legibility of the printed information over time. Professional printing might cost more upfront, but a high-quality printer ensures your cards will last significantly longer.

Effortlessly Customize Your ID Cards at CustomLanyard.net!

At CustomLanyard.net, you can create fully customized ID cards in just a few clicks! Choose from our professional templates or upload your own designs, and customize everything from your font family to the size and material of your card. It’s almost too easy! 

Why We’re the #1 Choice

Figuring out how to choose ID card printer involves considering cost, print quality, delivery timeframes, customer support, and more. At CustomLanyard.net, we have the most competitive rates, plus fast printing and even faster delivery. 

With 24/7 online support and premium print quality for crystal-clear cards, there’s nowhere better to order your ID cards from. Not sure on the best font for ID cards? Preview your selection before committing, ensuring you end up with professional, easy-to-read cards for your organization.

Most Popular ID Card Fonts at CustomLanyard.net

What font is used on ID cards from CustomLanyard.net? We leave the best font for ID card design completely up to you! Choose from literally hundreds of different font families, including some of our most popular options: 

  • Arial
  • Bauhaus
  • Berlin
  • Book Antiqua
  • Century Gothic
  • Decker
  • Gotham Book
  • Lato
  • Tahoma
  • Times New Roman

This is just a taste of what’s on offer - when you customize your cards, you’ll be able to determine the best font for ID cards based on readability and your organization’s branding. 

Tips on Customizing Your ID Cards

When it comes to making your custom ID cards, just follow our prompts to design every aspect of your card. Start by choosing a card size, finish, and thickness depending on your budget and your organization’s needs. 

Next, it’s time to customize your cards, either by designing them from scratch, uploading a design, or using one of our many templates. If you need multiple different designs, you can customize one card, then move onto your next design. 

Then, it’s time to think about how your ID cards will actually be displayed. If your employees wear their cards, a custom ID card lanyard is a great solution - you’ll just need a custom badge holder, acrylic badge holder, or clear plastic card holder to attach the ID card to the lanyard.

You could learn how to make badge holders, but like learning how to print an ID yourself, it’s usually easier (and cheaper) to go with pre-made options. When you’re choosing the best ID badge holder, make sure it matches your card’s dimensions and will attach to your lanyards properly. 

When you’ve finished, enter the quantities and your required delivery date, and you’re done! You’ll have the chance to approve the final artwork before placing your order. If you run into any snags along the way, our team is always just a click away. 

For more tips, check out our guides on how to make event badges, how to make PVC ID cards, and how to make ID cards for students. 

Parting Thoughts on What Font is Used on ID Cards

So, what font do ID cards use? Ultimately, the font you use comes down to your personal preference. Just make sure it’s clean, readable, sized appropriately, and that the color contrast against the card’s background doesn’t cause any problems. 

In general, simple non-cursive fonts like Arial or Tahoma are the most effective, allowing you to create ID cards that not only look great but also work well and can be easily read by security personnel. 

When you order ID cards from CustomLanyard.net, you’re in complete control of every design element, from font family to text size, style, and alignment. We let you create branded ID cards that help your company look and feel more professional, and keep your employees safe on the job. 

With the best rates, easy ordering, and the fastest shipping out there, CustomLanyard.net is the #1 option for fully customized company ID cards. Start designing today!