An ID card should have more than just a name and picture. It should be sturdy enough to be used daily, easy to transport and easy to check at any time. This is why PVC cards have become a viable option for schools, offices, hospitals, events, and other organizations. When choosing PVC ID cards printing, it is important to be familiar with the types of printing available, the printing process and what you can and cannot do with the printing as well as the cost of the printing.
PVC is one of the most common types of plastic used in identification cards. Standard identification-card specifications are covered by ISO/IEC 7810, which defines physical characteristics such as dimensions and other requirements for identification cards.
What Is a PVC ID Card?
A PVC ID card is a plastic ID card onto which information, including a person’s name, photo, employee or student card number, designation, department, organization name and other relevant information, is printed.
PVC cards look more professional and are perfect for daily use than ordinary paper or laminated cards. It is also possible to add other components like barcodes, QR codes, magnetic stripes, holograms and smart chips or RFID technology depending on the application.
Identification cards are usually issued in the form of a bank card called ID-1. ISO/IEC 7810 specifies the ID-1 card size as 85.60 × 53.98 mm.
Types of PVC ID Cards
An organization does not require the same type of ID card. The right choice will differ based on the intended use of the card.
1. Employee ID Cards
Employee ID cards are used to identify employees in offices, factories, hospitals, etc. These can be employee pictures, names, employee codes, departments, job titles and company branding.
School and Student ID cards is inappropriate.
PVC cards are frequently used in schools, colleges, educational institutions for the students, teachers, administrative staff. Student card can have their photograph, class, roll number, admission number, school details, emergency information.
3. Event ID Cards
Identification cards are frequently needed for staff, exhibitors, speakers and volunteers at events. Various designs or access categories can facilitate identification of individuals at conferences, exhibitions and corporate events.
4. RFID and Smart PVC Cards
Cards can also be made with a smart card or embedded RFID technology. Cards can be used for attendance, access control, identification and other automated applications. The technology used varies with the reader, software and applications.
5. Membership or Visitor Cards
Customized PVC cards are perfect for membership or visitor identification for clubs, gyms, libraries and organizations. QR codes, numbers and other identifiers may be added if necessary.
PVC ID Card Printing Process
Typically, the process of a professional card printing service includes multiple steps. This process may vary, depending on the printer, card materials and personalization needs.
Step 1: Collecting Card Details
The first step is to collect the necessary information. If ordered in bulk, this may contain names, pictures, identification numbers, departments, classes or other information.
Correctly designed data sheet can help minimize manufacturing mistakes.
Step 2: Creating the Card
The design is developed based on the branding and function of the organisation. The positioning of logos, colors, typography, photograph size and information hierarchy should be taken into consideration.
A good ID card design will not stuff every area of the ID card. Important information mustn’t be hard to read.
Step 3: Printing
Approved design is printed on PVC cards with appropriate card-printing machinery. Single side or double side printing can be specified as a need.
High resolution printing is especially beneficial when you’re printing cards with photos or small text, logos or QR codes.
Stage 4: Adding Security or Technology features
Cards can contain QR codes, bar codes, holograms, magnetic strip or RFID/NFC technology for specific applications.
These features are not just for decoration, but should be chosen depending on the actual use.
Step 5: Quality Inspection
Cards should be inspected for printing imperfections, misspelled names, crooked edges, and poor photos and alignment prior to delivery. Quality control is particularly significant for large orders as a single data error could impact several cards.
Benefits of PVC ID Cards
Durability for everyday use.
PVC cards are not as prone to tearing as paper-based identification cards and are made to be handled regularly. This is helpful for people who are students, employees and guests who may have their cards in their pocket or purse often.
Professional Appearance
A well branded plastic card is more professional looking than a simple paper badge. Colors, logos and layouts may be used that are consistent with the visual identity of the organization.
Easy Customization
PVC cards can be created for various groups. For instance a school can have different designs for pupils, teachers and staff and a company can have different cards for employees, contractors and visitors.
Support Digital Identification.
QR codes, barcodes and other smart-card technologies can enhance the capabilities of a physical ID card when needed.
Eliminates the need for bulk printing. Can be used for bulk printing.
One of the most useful applications of PVC ID card printing is for an organization that requires hundreds, thousands or dozens of individual cards.
PVC ID Card Cost in India
The price of a PVC ID card is not fixed. It depends on several factors, including card material, printing method, quantity, design complexity, one-sided or two-sided printing and additional features.
As a practical reference, current IvyPrints listings show some basic institutional PVC ID card offerings in the approximate ₹15–₹35 per card range, depending on the type and application.
| Requirement | Typical effect on price |
| Single-sided printing | Generally lower |
| Double-sided printing | Usually higher |
| Small quantity | Higher per-card cost |
| Bulk order | Often lower per-card cost |
| Custom design | May add design charges |
| RFID/NFC features | Higher than standard PVC cards |
| Hologram/security elements | Additional cost |
| Lanyard and accessories | Usually priced separately |
For an accurate quotation, it is better to provide the supplier with the required quantity, card size, artwork, printing side, personalization details and any smart-card requirements.
Choosing a PVC ID Card Printing Service in India
When placing an order, don’t take the quoted per card price at face value. A trustworthy supplier must have the ability to list the material for the cards, the quality of printing, how the cards are personalized, the number of days until they are available and the options for customization.
Ensure that the supplier is able to accommodate the quantity you need, and that they offer design assistance and/or sample approval prior to bulk production. Proofing is especially beneficial for cards that are customized, since the customer can spot the incorrect names, pictures or other information before the printing is finished.
PVC ID Card Printing by IVYPrints
IVYPrints offers ID card printing solutions to help organizations get customized identification cards. It offers PVC ID cards for schools, offices and other uses, and PVC ID card accessories/smart cards.
For instance, IvyPrints offers university and school ID card solutions as well as ID cards for employees and students and emphasizes PVC construction, customized printing and bulk-order solutions.
Organizations can share with the supplier what they need depending on the purpose, design, number of cards and other features. This is a good way to use when ordering a large quantity of personalized cards instead of just a few identical cards.
Final Thoughts
PVC ID cards have emerged as a practical identification solution due to their versatility in terms of customization, professional appearance, and durability in a compact form. The same basic card format can be used with so many different types of applications, such as employee and student identification, event badges, smart-card applications and more.
The best card to use is dependent on the use. For any type of printed PVC card, a printout will be sufficient for visual identification, but for any enterprise that needs automated attendance or access control, RFID, NFC or another compatible technology is required.
While comparing the services of PVC (Plastic) ID card printing in India, one should not only focus on the cost of the print as this is not the most important criteria, but should also take other factors into account such as print quality, personalization accuracy, material, quantity, delivery requirements, and the total cost. Above all else, check a sample or proof before giving a big custom order.
