ID Card Printers & Systems

Value Class Printers — The most basic card printer type, these entry-level printers are the least expensive, but often do not have a wide range of options and do not offer the highest print quality. They are great for low-level security needs.

Professional Class Printers — This is a wide ranging group of printers that can work for many applications. They include both standard and high-volume printers, offer professional print quality, and are great for photo ID badges. They can also produce medium or high-security ID cards, depending on the options you choose.

Secure Class Printers — The highest security ID cards are produced by retransfer printers, which use a special print technology to produce tamper-resistant cards. These printers and their supplies can be expensive, and are best used in highly-secure areas.

Finally, consider your top three ID card factors:

• < 1,000 = Low volume
• 1,000 - 5,000 = Standard volume
• > 5,000 = High volume

ID Expert Tip — Volume is the one factor that cannot be upgraded later, so choose wisely. However, unless you will use your printer every day, you can save quite a bit by purchasing a less expensive low- or standard-volume card printer. It works in 80% of card print situations.

• Single or two-sided cards
• Full color or single color (monochrome)
• Print Quality
  • Low surface coverage: Entry-level printers offer OK print quality that works well for basic cards
  • Medium-to-high surface coverage: Professional-class printers offer photo-quality IDs
  • Highest surface coverage: Retransfer printers offer crystal-clear clarity for high security needs

ID Expert Tip — A single sided card printer can be used to print on two card sides — you just have to run it through your card printer twice. Some printers can also be upgraded later. Monochrome printers are typically used in specialized situations and don’t offer huge cost savings, so it is almost always more practical to purchase a color printer and use monochrome ribbons. Finally, the difference between the print clarity of an entry-level printer, a professional-class printer and a retransfer printer can be big. Call 877-868-0012 if you want to see some ID card samples from different badge printers before you make a choice.

Basic ID or membership card — For basic visual identification, any entry-level printer and standard pvc card stock will work. Examples include: loyalty cards, membership cards, student IDs and gift cards.

Low Security Magnetic Stripe Cards — For ID swiping, most entry-level and professional class printers with magnetic stripe encoder and card stock will work. Examples include: loyalty cards, hotel cards, gift cards and time cards

Medium Security Access (Smart) Cards — For contactless access control, professional-class printers with smart card encoder will work. Examples include: access control and kiosk payment cards.

High Security Laminated or Retransfer Cards — For UV or holographic authentication protocols, professional-class or retransfer printers with lamination module will work. Must use composite PVC card stock. Examples include: high security facility access, drivers licenses and rugged use cards.

ID Expert Tip — In order to be able to use these features, you must have card stock designed for your encoding technology. While magnetic stripe cards are not much more expensive than plain cards, “smart cards” can cost considerably more.

Click to view all our Expert Printer Reviews in our blog or find them directly on select printer pages.

Need More Help? Check out the complete How To Choose an ID Card Printer series. Or contact an ID Expert at 877-868-0012. We'll make it easy for you!