This white paper is intended as a reference for government officials considering technologies available for issuing secure ID cards. There are three major components of this decision:

• ID card body or ID card substrate material
• Print or personalization technologies
• Laminate or topcoat material

All three elements must be compatible for a successful ID card printing program and each component impacts the cost, durability and security of the ID card. There are many trade-offs involved in a decision on the appropriate combination. There is no “best” method, so the technology choices should be carefully evaluated against program requirements, and rigorously tested using the components selected.

ID Card Materials – Substrates

1. PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is the most widely used material for plastic blank ID cards, and has been used for photo ID cards for more than 10 years. Low in cost, the smooth surface of photo quality PVC material accepts dyes for high quality image printing on ID cards and is compatible with most laminate materials. Although there are a wide quality range of PVC materials, durability is limited for applications with high usage. Material can be printed as pre-cut cards or sheet material (on large digital presses). PVC is generally the lowest cost of the materials used for ID cards, and is primarily used for ID cards with 1 – 3 year durability requirements.

2. Composite Cards typically combine layers of PVC and PET. Developed initially for the college and university ID card market, ID card constructions combine varying amounts of each material to meet a range of durability requirements and price points. The outer layer of the construction is PVC to facilitate digital ID card printing, and the inner core is PET for greater flexibility and durability. It has the same offset printing and card construction characteristics as PVC, and can be easily configured with RFID, IC and contactless technology. Manufacturers continue to develop new composite constructions (e.g. PVC/PET/PC) to add specific performance characteristics. Composite ID cards are often used for government ID cards that require a longer life.

3. Teslin is a synthetic porous material produced by PPG Industries. It is receptive to conventional offset printing used for high security designs. In sheet form, it can be printed using standard color electrophotographic (laser) printers or inkjet printers. Because the surface is not smooth like PVC it cannot be directly printed with dye diffusion printers.

Print Technologies

1. Dye Sublimation (sometimes called dye diffusion thermal transfer – or D2T2) uses heat to transfer dyes to a substrate. Used for high quality color printing, the process creates continuous tone colors by varying the amount of heat applied. Typically a 3 or 4 color ribbon (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) is passed under a thermal printhead and heat is applied to deposit dye. Ribbon dyes can be applied:
a. Direct – printed directly to an ID card surface; or,
b. RETRANSFER – printed to the backside of a clear re-transfer ribbon which is then fused to the ID card surface and is often associated with the HDP series. It is commonly used to personalize smart cards which may have irregular surfaces.

An advantage of the dye sublimation process is the extensive range of colors that can be created. Slight variations in heat create different shades of the same color and the transparent dyes can be applied over one another, creating solid color gradients. Technologies such as inkjet or color electrophotographic printing rely on dithered images where solid color dots are printed closely together creating a visual appearance of a solid color. The typical 300 dpi printhead then can achieve image quality superior to a 300 dpi resolution from dithered images. There are a wide range of desktop ID card printers and several central issuance printers using direct and retransfer ID card printing technologies. These printers include in-line personalization of magnetic stripes, contactless or contact chips, RFID, etc. A disadvantage of this technology is the supply cost for the multi-panel ribbon. Another limitation is that the dyes need to be protected from degradation that may result from chemical or ultraviolet radiation attack.

2. Resin or Pigment Transfer is another application of thermal transfer printing using heat to deposit resin or pigment on a substrate. Thermally applied resins are more stable than dyes and are much more resistant to fading. Resins can be applied:
a. Direct – printed in monochrome directly to an ID card surface; or,
b. Retransfer – using resins on a 3-4-5 panel ribbon printed to the backside of a clear retransfer ribbon which is then fused to the ID card surface. Specially formulated retransfer ribbons are more receptive to resins than PVC, and can be printed at higher dot resolution. Retransfer can be used to personalize smart cards which may have irregular surfaces.

4. Laser Engraving When polycarbonate molecules are hit by a focused laser beam they change to tiny carbon bubbles. These form a black color, and permanently alter the substrate. By directing a laser beam at an opaque polycarbonate material laminated under the surface of the ID card, it is possible to print or “engrave” high resolution images or typeface below the top surface. Even microfeatures can be introduced. Varying the amount of laser energy enables true gray-scale printing which produces photo quality black and white images. The resulting text or image does not fade and is not subject to deterioration from UV light, moisture or surface abrasion.

A laser beam can also be focused at the outer laminate of the ID card with enough energy to disturb the ID card surface, creating a tactile effect. Unlike the other printing technologies described, there is no ongoing supply items (ribbons, toners, foils or overlay materials) required. There are a limited number of manufacturers of laser engraving personalization systems. These systems can be configured with in-line personalization of magnetic stripes, contactless or contact chips, RFID, etc. The equipment required to produce laser engraved cards or documents is more expensive and technically sophisticated than the other print methods described, making it very difficult to be procured for unauthorized use. This technology has been used in Europe for more than a decade for high security documents.

Laminate or Topcoat Materials

1. Thin Film Topcoats Color thermal transfer ribbons (dye and resin types) typically include a clear topcoat panel which is applied to the entire surface of the ID card once the color printing is complete. The topcoats are designed to prevent dye migration and provide only limited abrasion and chemical resistance. Topcoats are commonly used on corporate employee ID cards where the card is primarily for visual identification. Topcoats can be intentionally removed allowing alteration and/or replacement of printed information.

Thin film security topcoats incorporating optically variable features (e.g. ID card holograms or specialized inks) are also used to provide a level of counterfeit and tamper resistance. The films are only several microns thick and cannot be removed intact, providing a high level of tamper evidence. Combined with a clear topcoat these two layers offer slightly better chemical and abrasion resistance, but can still be removed. This type of security topcoat is used on many ID cards where security threats from tampering or alteration are not significant. They are also used on ID documents such as passports where the surface is not subjected to higher levels of abrasion common to ID cards.

2. UV-Cured Topcoats Ultra-violet cured topcoats are available on all central issuance Datacard® systems and provide a higher level of abrasion and chemical resistance than thin topcoats. The material is applied during personalization and then cured with a UV source. It offers a moderate level of protection for thermally printed images and text. They are commonly used in financial or loyalty cards, but are generally not recommended for ID card applications.

3. Polyester Laminates Polyester laminates are used in roll form and applied as “patches” to the surface of an ID card, or in sheet form to a cut-sheet substrate. In both cases the material is laminated with heat and pressure to the surface of the ID card. Applications for ID documents typically use laminates ranging from 0.0005 – 0.001” ( one-half to 1 mil). These laminates are best for abrasion and chemical resistance, and can incorporate UV blockers to protect against fading. They are extremely flexible, and can significantly extend the useful life of many types of ID documents.

A wide range of security features can be incorporated into the thicker laminates, including optically variable features, security printing, or serial numbers. These laminates are used on many secure government identification cards, providing a high level of counterfeit and tampering deterrence. The strongest level of lamination occurs when combining identical or chemically-linked materials where the laminate and substrate are fused under heat and pressure. Laminating polyester materials to other types of substrates requires specialized adhesives. Because the laminate material is thicker, it may be easier to remove intact leaving the original ID card or document vulnerable to tampering.

Putting It All Together

Defining a secure ID document should be viewed with a systems approach, evaluating how each component interacts or complements the others. Selecting what may be perceived as the “best” of each component category will not necessarily provide the best outcome. Factors such as durability, ability to incorporate security features, price (initial investment and ongoing supplies and maintenance cost), scalability, upgradeability and availability on the open market should be included in determining which components best fit an application. As noted earlier, there will be trade-offs with each choice. Testing the “system” before making a selection and on an ongoing basis will strengthen its reliability and security. Key characteristics should be tested, such as machine readability, durability, resistance to tampering or alteration, for the production of counterfeit ID cards.

Contact AdvantIDge today to improve security and efficiency at your facility with a expert ID card system and experience a new level excellent service!

There are many different security features that should be considered when printing text on a blank ID card doesn’t provide sufficient security. Some of these ID card security features can be implemented at a user-level, while others must be added before purchasing the ID cards.

Here is a breakdown of the various ID card security features:

Barcodes: One of the most widely used forms of encoded ID cards and are easy to create, as the information in a barcode can be encoded onto an ID card during the regular ID card printing process.

Photo/Picture: If your cards don’t already include the user’s photo, consider adding them. Photographs are the most basic security feature that you can add to your ID card, because they offer an easy way to quickly confirm a person’s identity. While photos help reduce the possibility of fraud, they are not foolproof as photographs can be replicated using optical scanners and copiers. They are a good first line of security, nonetheless.

Magnetic Stripe: Also known as magstripe cards, are PVC ID Badges containing a band of magnetic material embedded in the resin on the back of the card. Magnetic stripe ID cards store updatable information on a magstripe, which is read when the card is swiped through a magnetic stripe card reader.

Proximity/RFID/Smart Card: These use radio frequency transmit/receive electronics (integrated circuit technology) to transfer data. This data transmits securely from a distance. When considering id card security features, keep in mind that proximity cards are unique in that they do not have to be swiped through a magnetic stripe card reader, so they are a convenient solution for secure door access control, as well as for use with time and attendance applications. When in use, a card reader sends out a field that activates the antenna coil which lies within a proximity card, and charges the capacitor. Card information is then transmitted via this antenna coil to the card reader and if the information is found to be accurate access is granted, be it door entry or a monetary purchase.

Fluorescent Overlay:  This allows you to create highly secure and durable identification cards in one printing cycle without the added cost associated with lamination or overlay varnish. Some key id card security features include reduced risk of counterfeiting, increased durability, unparalleled flexibility, lower costs, and improved efficiency.

Hologram: Commonly used today for visual security and authentication features on a variety of identification cards that provide value for the cardholder. Rainbow transmission holograms are formed as surface relief patterns in plastic film, incorporating a reflective aluminum coating that provides light to reconstruct a holographic image. Holograms from Advantidge are virtually impossible to copy because of their unique visual effects. They cannot be replicated by computer scanning/alteration or with color copiers or standard printing equipment, making them a highly secure defense against the threat of fraud or theft by counterfeiters.

Microtext: Considered as one of the most difficult to reproduce, micro text printing is commonly used in passports and currencies. ID card security features like microtext are used on highly secure ID cards. Upon visual examination, micro text appears as a regular thin line on an ID badge, but when inspected using a microscope or magnifying glass, the lines are actually repeating text that say authentic, genuine, or valid. Unlike most add-on security features, micro text printing requires industrial equipment to produce, which limits this option to pre-printed cards.

Laser Engraving: Laser engraving is a highly secure method of monochrome card personalization that etches features into the card body itself. This provides tamper proof and highly durable personalization, making forgery and manipulation virtually impossible. Attempts to alter engraved information will result in visually evident card damage.

In addition to combating counterfeit card reproduction, today’s holographic card security options provide unique and attractive visual complements that enhance your end product. Employees will perceive a higher value in their identification cards, and you will send a clear signal to the world, that your company pays close attention to every detail, and takes its card security seriously.

Secure Holographic ID Card Overlaminates

For Low Security applications select a pre-designed, off-the-shelf, manually applied overlaminate. These holographic overlays are easy to apply, and can quickly be visually inspected for authenticity. Secure ID card holographic overlaminates also serve to add an important layer of protection to your ID cards, and can increase their life expectancy by 2-3 years. Costs are minimal with hand-applied holographic ID card overlays.

A second cost-effective card security option is using ID Holograpfic Foil Cards which feature surface foil blocks that are placed on each of your cards, showcasing YOUR company’s unique logo… This surprisingly cost effective card security solution ensures that your ID cards will remain counterfeit-resistant.

For Mid-Level Security you can customize manually applied overlaminates with a logo that is unique to YOUR organization. ID cards featuring customized overlaminates can not be reproduced using a regular copier due to their unique designs, and therefore pose a greater obstacle to ID card counterfeiters. Also consider embedding a hologram in each of your cards featuring YOUR company’s unique logo. Embedded holograms can also be of a generic design for a more cost-effective solution. Call us for pricing and details.

High Security applications employ custom holograms that can be used with select card printers. Choose from a selection of high security elements to add to your custom holographic overlaminate. Options include nano text, microfine printing, morphing images, hidden text and other James Bond-like possibilities…

Call Advantidge today at 800-965-5932 to see which security option is the best fit for your cards!

AdvantIDge, in Partnership with HID Global, Launches vanGO, Industry’s First One-2-One Visual Security Solution to Eliminate Counterfeit Cards;

• Industry’s first One-2-One visual security solution to easily and readily identify legitimacy of card holder.
• Enables universities, enterprises and state and county government agencies to create and issue personalized, secure IDs with higher levels of protection at a third of the price of current market solutions.
• Inspired by similar visual authentication technology that is used in today’s U.S. Green Card and has virtually eliminated mass counterfeit cards in programs.

HID Global, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, today announced the introduction of vanGO® , a visual security solution that enables universities, enterprises and state and county government agencies to create and issue personalized, secure IDs with higher levels of protection.  HID Global’s vanGO portfolio sets a new standard in One-2-One™ personalized security that is cost-effective, counterfeit resistant and can be issued on-the-spot via an easy desktop solution.

With the vanGO solution, cards are hot-stamped with a special square metallic patch that can be written with the cardholder’s facial image just before being issued using a special laser writer module and the high-performing, FARGO HDP8500 printer from HID Global. This image creates a unique relationship between card and cardholder that makes the card nearly impossible to counterfeit.  It is estimated that more than 90 percent of inspections are still undertaken by the naked eye rather than an electronic reader in the field. The increased “at-a-glance” vanGO security of each card makes it easy to visually identify and authenticate the cardholder’s identity without electronic readers or access to databases.

By adding a personalized, counterfeit-resistant image of cardholders to cards in higher educational settings, vanGO ensures that facilities and campus communities are safeguarded against counterfeiters who shouldn’t have access to those areas. For government agencies such as parks and recreation departments, state offices, public safety centers, and weapons or land management bureaus, the ease of authentication offers cost-effective, “eye-readable” security that was previously unavailable. The vanGO solution also surpasses the effectiveness of conventional alternatives on the market since each image created is unique to the card and to the cardholder. Enterprises can now instantly issue secure IDs to employees and contractors easily and cost-effectively.

In developing its vanGO solution, HID Global leveraged the company’s proven LaserCard® Optical Security Media (OSM) visual authentication solution. Deployed in some of the highest-security government-to-citizen ID programs in the world such as the U.S. Green Card, the OSM platform has never had an instance of counterfeiting and has virtually eliminated mass counterfeit cards in programs in which it is used.

The vanGO portfolio of One-2-One™ visual security features includes two options. The standard vanGO option provides an affordable off-the-shelf solution in a single configuration. vanGO Custom offers a more customizable solution that allows the customer to modify the shape and location of the vanGO patch on the card or add other visual security features, such as a hologram surrounding the patch.

The vanGO visual security solution is created using a complete, easy-to-use desktop personalization solution consisting of:

• PVC/PET composite cards featuring the vanGO patch.
• HID Global FARGO HDP8500LW laser writer module, now available with the FARGO HDP8500 high-definition, industrial-grade ID card printer and encoder already used in many high-security applications.
• HID Global Asure ID® 7.6 Card Personalization Software, which includes custom templates for placement of the vanGO patch on HID Global cards.

AdvantIDge offers a wide variety of all of the card printer systems, or other visitor management devices, to fill any of your asset tracking, visitor management, or identification card needs. From card printers and supplies for issuance, through to badge clips and other peripherals to put them into your users hands. With more than 40 years of combined industry experience, we’re ready to help you achieve your identification goals. For specific information please contact our Sales department at [email protected] or call 800-965-5932 for more information on this update, we provide excellent customer service!

AdvantIDge, in partnership with Zebra Printer Technologies, is pleased to announce another option to their already fantastic lineup of options to help with any of your identification needs. Along with keeping on the cutting edge of card quality and printing technology, extra features for security can be paramount to a client’s ID card printer needs. Custom hologram printing can be a great way to get that extra level you require to set your organization apart.

Zebra offers a range of high-security card solutions to meet customer needs for reliable, secure ID cards. All printed plastic cards containing personal information are subject to counterfeiting, alteration, duplication and forgery. As a security feature, a protective film—commonly referred to as a laminate—can be applied to cards during the printing process. The protective film will also protect the printed image against physical wear and helps to extend the life of the card. Zebra laminates can also be embedded with security elements for added protection, including visual holograms, optically variable inks, micro-text, UV fluorescent images, guilloche patterns and metallic inks. As an AdvantIDge customer, you can customize your laminate order to include your company logo and name or other unique images or text. Contact our sales representative for further information.

AdvantIDge offers a wide variety of all of the card printer systems, or other visitor management devices, to fill any of your asset tracking, visitor management, or identification card needs. From card printers and supplies for issuance, through to badge clips and other peripherals to put them into your users hands. With more than 40 years of combined industry experience, we’re ready to help you achieve your identification goals. For specific information please contact our Sales department at [email protected] or call 800-965-5932 for more information on this update, we provide excellent customer service!

Almost every industry today and organizations of all sizes rely on professional photo ID systems to create highly secure identification cards for their employees, guests, or patrons.

Gaming, Retail, Restaurant and Grocery, and Gym industries as well as corporate businesses, the military, law enforcement and the healthcare industry can all benefit from implementing an Advantidge ID Security System featuring a personalizing plastic ID card printer.

Access control at the building entries of clubs, private members-only locales and corporate offices can be maintained and controlled with the use of smart card technologies within ID cards.

Proximity cards and smart cards that are read by a smart card reader allow entry only to those cardholders who have been authorized for entry. These types of technology cards cannot easily be fraudulently replicated like regular PVC ID cards, and so ensure a further layer of protection for organizations.

There are a variety of ways to help ensure the authenticity of your plastic cards and to reduce the chances of fraudulent reproduction. Although no single type of card technology is 100% secure, employing a combination of security measures, such as embedded holographic ID card foils, ghost images, UV text or lamination can enhance the effectiveness of your card security.

An advanced level of visual verification in ID cards can be achieved with the use of holographic foils and holographic ID card overlaminates, which are embedded directly into cards or applied to their surface. Using holographic foils and overlaminates on ID cards serves to add a layer of visual security, while also protecting them against fraudulent duplications plus wear and tear.

Holographic overlaminates can be made with standard off-the-shelf holographic designs, or with custom ID holograms for one-of-a-kind security. Contact Advantidge today at 800-965-5932 to learn more about your custom holographic design options!

See here for more information on the types of ID cards used in secure applications.

To learn more about our custom bundled solutions please click on the following link:

» ID Card Systems

The United States military utilizes multi-functioning Identification Cards featuring advanced technologies that provide numerous solutions for high security military ID applications.

Barcodes, magnetic name badges, smart card and proximity card technologies, fingerprint scans and holographic overlaminates are all features that can be integrated into secure Military ID systems.

More advanced visual verification techniques include translucent security foils and overlaminates, which can either be embedded in your cards or applied onto the card surface. In addition to adding visual security, holograms considerably increase your card’s protection against fraudulent duplication. Holographic foils can be hand applied or, for even greater security, embedded below the card’s surface.

Likewise, holographic ID overlaminates can contain off-the-shelf standard hologram designs, or a custom hologram can be created for the ultimate in ID card security. To learn more about your custom holographic design options call Advantidge at 800-965-5932 to speak with one of our industry experts!

Our card issuance systems and high quality photo ID card printers let you produce a cost-effective governmental and military ID card in a matter of minutes, with your choice of personalized features including, high-resolution photos, magnetic stripes, smart card chips, bar codes, logos, text, digitized signatures, and tamper resistant topcoats.

For unexpected disasters military agencies can further be prepared with an emergency management solution from Advantidge, which can help ensure that military personnel are badged and identified for organization within an emergency situation. Choose your emergency management ID card design based on the level of security and visibility that meets your particular needs.

Advantidge ID Systems are ideal for creating:

• Military Employee Badges and Government ID cards
• Emergency Management Solutions
• Employee Access Control Cards and Self Expiring Visitor Badges
• Health Benefits ID Cards and Transit ID Cards
• Facility Drivers Licenses and Membership Badges including Authorized Contractors
• Prisons/Correctional Facilities for guard and inmate identification

AdvantIDge offers a wide variety of all of the card printer systems, or other visitor management devices, to fill any of your asset tracking, visitor management, or identification card needs. From card printers and supplies for issuance, through to badge clips and other peripherals to put them into your users hands. With more than 40 years of combined industry experience, we’re ready to help you achieve your identification goals. For specific information please contact our sales department at [email protected] or call 800-965-5932 for more information on this update– we provide excellent customer service!

To learn more about our custom bundled solutions for military bases and administration please click on the following link:

» ID Card Systems

Members-only facilities and organizations such as fitness gyms, yoga studios, community centers and medical dispensaries require secure membership ID cards for their clients, to ensure that only those who are authorized have access to the services provided.

Advantidge provides professional membership ID card printers for organizations looking to create a secure facility with the use of membership ID cards. Door control can be maintained with proximity cards that provide radio frequency contactless entry, and magnetic stripes and barcodes on ID cards can be swiped at entry or exit to document membership usage.

Barcodes, magnetic stripes, smart card chips, holographic overlaminates and signature panels, along with identifying photos and text on membership ID cards, can serve to protect your members and your facility from unauthorized violation of use.

In addition to supplying a visual security element, ID card holograms considerably increase ID card protection against fraudulent duplications, as ID card holographic laminates are incredibly difficult to replicate, and translucent ID card security foils can even be embedded below the card surface.

Holographic overlaminates can be of an off-the-shelf standard holographic ID card design, or you can employ custom holograms for the ultimate in membership ID card security.

AdvantIDge offers a wide variety of all of the card printer systems, or other visitor management devices, to fill any of your asset tracking, visitor management, or identification card needs. From card printers and supplies for issuance, through to badge clips and other peripherals to put them into your users hands. With more than 40 years of combined industry experience, we’re ready to help you achieve your identification goals. For specific information please contact our sales department at [email protected] or call 800-965-5932 for more information on this update– we provide excellent customer service!

To learn more about our custom bundled solutions please click on the following link:

» ID Card Systems

Show your customers you appreciate them! A Loyalty Card or a Frequent Buyer Cards can be used to reward those patrons who have given you great business.

By offering a Customer Rewards Program you can encourage further purchases from your customers, as well as track the approximate flow of dollars and merchandise that comes in and out of your business using a card system software such as Enterprise ID card software.

Loyalty cards can be used in the gaming, retail, restaurant and grocery, and gym industries, among countless others. Any organization that wishes to acknowledge its patrons with a rewards-based tracking system will benefit from implementing one of Advantidge’s professional loyalty card printing ID systems.

Throw special VIP events for your VIP customers! Loyalty Cards featuring smart card technology can be used to create highly secure events, where only those whose proximity cards can be read by the card reader will be allowed entry, or simply create a loyalty card with a magnetic stripe, which will pull up a customer’s info when swiped through a magnetic card reader at every purchase. The options are limitless!

Advantidge’s ID card printers can create completely customized loyalty cards for your business. Include your company logo, holographic images, magnetic stripes, barcodes and smart card technology for a range of interactive options. For the ultimate in security create a custom holographic image for your company’s Loyalty Cards. Custom holograms are extremely difficult to replicate, ensuring that the Loyalty Cards from your organization cannot be fraudulently counterfeited.

To learn more about our custom bundled solutions please click on the following link:

» ID Card Systems

Click here for more Loyalty and Gift Card options.

AdvantIDge offers a wide variety of all of the card printer systems, or other visitor management devices, to fill any of your asset tracking, visitor management, or identification card needs. From card printers and supplies for issuance, through to badge clips and other peripherals to put them into your users hands. With more than 40 years of combined industry experience, we’re ready to help you achieve your identification goals. For specific information please contact our sales department at [email protected] or call 800-965-5932 for more information on this update– we provide excellent customer service!

With numerous states requiring all law enforcement and peace officers to carry secure identification cards, Advantidge provides plastic ID card printing solutions! The specifications outlined in HB 3613 require a list of information that must be included on a peace officer ID card. While the list appears lengthy these requirements are easily fulfilled by our unique ID systems which have been designed specifically to meet the demands of law enforcement ID applications.

For unexpected disasters law enforcement agencies can further be prepared with an emergency management solution from Advantidge, which can help ensure that law enforcement and first responders are badged and identified for organization within an emergency situation. Choose your emergency management ID card design based on the level of security and visibility that meets your particular needs.

Law Enforcement ID Card Specifications:

• Full name of the peace officer.
• A photo of the officer which is consistent with the peace officer’s appearance, taken with a photo ID camera.
• Name of the law enforcement agency or government entity that appointed or employs the peace officer.
• If applicable, the signature capture of the person appointing or employing the peace officer.
• A description of the peace officer’s height, weight and eye color.
• A thumbprint, identification barcode or ID badge with magnetic stripe with a unique identifier for the peace officer.
• The date the peace officer became employed.
• The date the card was issued to the peace officer.
• A phone number that is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week that may be called to verify the validity of the ID card.
• The following must be printed on the card:
  • “State of _____.”
  • The state seal.
  • Peace Officer ID Cards: “This identification card certifies that (insert peace officer’s name) is commissioned by (insert name of law enforcement agency or other governmental entity that appoints or employs the peace officer) as a (insert “full-time peace officer” or “part-time peace officer”).
  • Reserve Law Enforcement ID Cards: “This governmental identification card certifies that (insert reserve law enforcement officer’s name) is commissioned by (insert name of law enforcement agency or other governmental entity that appoints or employs the reserve law enforcement officer) as a reserve law enforcement officer.”

Other typical requirements:

• The peace officer’s identification card must be recovered upon resignation or termination of the peace officer
• The identification card issued expires on a date specified by the law enforcement agency or other government entity issuing the card
• The identification cards must be tamper-proof to the extent practicable, and can incorporate ID holograms for protection against counterfeit ID card reproduction
• Each law enforcement agency that appoints or employs full-time peace officers and reserve law enforcement officers must issue the cards by January 1, 2008

More advanced identification card visual verification techniques include holographic ID foils and overlaminates, which can be either embedded in your cards or applied onto their surface. In addition to adding visual security, holograms considerably increase your card’s protection against fraudulent duplication.

Holographic foils can be hand applied or for even greater security, embedded below the plastic card’s surface. Likewise, holographic overlaminates can contain standard, off-the-shelf designs, or a custom hologram can be created for the ultimate in security.

With over 200 law enforcement departments as existing customers, we have a wealth of experience to help new clients get set up quickly with their secure ID card systems. To learn more about our custom bundled solutions for law enforcement agencies please call us at 800-965-5932 to speak with one of our industry experts and make your law enforcement project a success.

See law enforcement customer testimonials with Advantidge.