ID Card Printing FAQ

6 questions

ID Card Printing

What should I consider when buying an ID card printer?

Consider: daily volume, single vs dual-sided, encoding needs (mag stripe, smart card, RFID), print quality, and budget.

Does printer choice differ based on volume?

Yes. Low-volume (under 500 cards/year) are affordable. High-volume industrial printers produce 10,000+ cards.

Do I need a single or dual side printer?

Single-side prints one side. Dual-side prints both automatically. Choose dual for photo front + barcode back.

What is Direct-to-Card vs Reverse Transfer?

Direct-to-Card is most common. Reverse Transfer prints onto film first for edge-to-edge results on smart cards.

What encoding options are available?

Magnetic Stripe, Contact Smart Card, Contactless (RFID/NFC), and combo cards.

What else do I need besides a printer?

Blank PVC cards, printer ribbons, a cleaning kit, and ID card design software like CardPresso or Asure ID.

Can't find what you're looking for?