In today’s security-conscious world, simply printing a photo and name on an ID card isn’t enough. Organizations across industries—schools, government agencies, corporations, and healthcare providers—are turning to secure printing techniques like UV printing, holograms, and overlays to protect their credentials against tampering, forgery, and unauthorized duplication.

If you’re ready to take your ID card program to the next level, here’s how you can print secure ID cards using features supported by modern ID card printers.

Why Secure ID Cards Matter

Secure ID cards help:

• Prevent counterfeiting and duplication
• Protect personal and organizational data
• Improve access control integrity
• Comply with industry regulations and security standards

What Are the Top Secure Printing Features?

Let’s break down the most effective ways to add security to your ID cards:

1. UV (Ultraviolet) Printing

UV printing uses invisible fluorescent ink that only becomes visible under UV (black) light. This covert security feature is difficult to duplicate and easy to verify.

Benefits:

• Inexpensive to implement
• Unseen to the naked eye
• Great for visual verification with a UV light
• Ideal for student IDs, access badges, and government credentials

How to Use:

• Choose an ID card printer that supports UV printing, like the Evolis Primacy 2
• Use a UV-compatible ribbon (e.g., YMCKUV or YMCKKUV)
• Design your card layout to include UV elements like logos, patterns, or text
• Print as you normally would—UV elements are automatically applied

2. Holographic Overlays and Hologram Ribbons

Holograms are optical features that shift in appearance when viewed from different angles. They are extremely difficult to forge and serve as both a visual deterrent and a brand identity marker.

Types of Holograms:

• Generic Hologram Patches – Common designs like globe or lock patterns
• Custom Holograms – Tailored to your organization with a logo or unique symbol
• Embedded Holographic Foils – Part of the ribbon or laminate layer

How to Use:

• Use a printer that supports lamination (e.g., Evolis Primacy 2 with lamination module or Fargo DTC4500e with dual-side lamination)
• Install a holographic patch laminate ribbon
• Design your card so critical data isn’t obstructed by the hologram
• Print and laminate the card with the hologram overlay

3. Clear and Secure Overlays (Lamination)

Overlays and laminates are thin, transparent layers applied over the printed card surface. They protect against wear and tampering while adding optional security marks like UV text or microtext.

Benefits:

• Protects cards from fading and physical damage
• Adds an extra barrier against counterfeiters
• Available in clear, secure, or holographic options

How to Use:

• Use a laminating ID printer or modular lamination add-on
• Choose the right laminate—standard clear, patch with UV text, or hologram-infused
• Laminate each card during the printing process for durable results

What Printers Support Secure ID Printing?

To use advanced security features, you’ll need a printer that supports them. Some popular models include: