ID Card Printing Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Ordering

Printed ID cards are an essential tool for many organisations — from staff identification and access control to visitor management and safeguarding. If you’re ordering ID cards for the first time, or upgrading an existing system, understanding your options will help you get the best results.

This guide explains ID card types, printing options, security features, accessories, and costs, so you can make an informed decision.

What Are Printed ID Cards Used For?

ID cards are commonly used across a wide range of sectors, including:

Businesses and offices
Private Healthcare, Private Nurseries
Care providers and healthcare staff
Construction and site workers
Security teams and contractors
Events, exhibitions, and conferences

They help with identification, professionalism, access control, and safeguarding.

Types of ID Cards

Standard PVC ID Cards

These are the most common option. Printed on durable plastic, they are:

Credit-card sized
Waterproof
Long-lasting
Suitable for daily use

Ideal for staff badges, employee IDs, and visitor cards.

Photo ID Cards

Photo ID cards include a staff photograph alongside name, role, and company details.
They are widely used where visual identification is important, such as:

Schools, Private Nurseries, Private Healthcare, Carers
Care environments
Secure workplaces

Access Control & Smart Cards

Some ID cards are designed to work with access systems such as Paxton Net2. These cards may:

Look like standard ID cards
Contain embedded chips or encoding
Be printed on genuine access cards

They allow doors, gates, or systems to be accessed securely.

Single-Sided vs Double-Sided Printing

Single-sided:
Logo, name, photo, and role on the front — clean and cost-effective.
Double-sided:
Adds space for terms, instructions, barcodes, QR codes, or emergency info on the back.

Double-sided printing is ideal when more information is required without cluttering the front.

Security Features You Can Add

Depending on your needs, additional security options may be available:

Holographic laminate overlays
UV (ultraviolet) security panels
Unique ID numbers
Barcodes or QR codes

These features help prevent duplication and improve authenticity.

Accessories: Making ID Cards Practical

ID cards are often paired with accessories for ease of use:

Lanyards

Plain or pre-printed
Breakaway safety options available
Ideal for daily wear

Card Holders

Rigid or flexible
Horizontal or vertical
Protect cards from damage

Accessories improve usability and extend the life of the card.

Design Tips for Professional ID Cards

When designing your ID cards, keep these tips in mind:

Use high-contrast text for readability
Avoid clutter — less is more
Ensure logos are high-resolution
Keep photos clear and well-lit
Match colours to your brand identity

A clean design looks more professional and is easier to recognise at a glance.

How Much Do ID Cards Cost?

The price of printed ID cards depends on several factors:

Card type (standard PVC or access card)
Single or double-sided printing
Added security features
Accessories such as lanyards or holders
Quantity ordered

Many suppliers offer clear base pricing with optional add-ons, allowing you to control your budget.

Ordering ID Cards: What You’ll Need

Before placing an order, prepare:

Names and job titles
Photographs (if required)
Logo files (preferably PNG or SVG)
Any special instructions or security requirements

Having everything ready ensures a smooth and fast turnaround.

Why Choose Professionally Printed ID Cards?

Professional printing ensures:

Consistent quality
Accurate colours
Durable materials
Secure handling of personal data
A polished, trustworthy appearance

For organisations, ID cards are often the first impression — and quality matters.

Final Thoughts

Whether you need a small batch of staff ID cards or a complete identification system, understanding your options helps you choose the right solution. From standard PVC cards to secure access cards with accessories, professionally printed ID cards are a simple but powerful tool for any organisation.

Looking for professionally printed ID cards in the UK?
View our custom ID card printing options with fast turnaround, clear pricing, and UK delivery.