So, What Information Should an ID Card Include?

ID cards are personal to the cardholder and unique to each organisation. Every business has different security requirements, branding guidelines, and operational needs, so your ID cards should reflect that.

While the exact layout and level of security will vary, there are several core elements that are strongly recommended for most professional ID cards.


- Photograph

A clear photo is one of the most important components of any ID card. It provides immediate visual identification and prevents the card from being used by anyone other than the authorised holder.

- Employee Name and Staff Number

Including the employee’s full name and, where applicable, a staff or employee number helps with identification — particularly in larger organisations or customer-facing roles. This is especially useful for new employees, visitors, and contractors.

- Job Title

Displaying a job title helps colleagues and customers quickly identify who can assist them. It also promotes clarity and structure within the workplace.

- Signature

Adding the cardholder’s signature introduces an additional layer of verification. The signature can be compared against written documents if required and encourages accountability and responsibility.

- Company Logo and Branding

An ID card represents your brand. Featuring your company logo reinforces brand identity, supports a professional image, and promotes a sense of belonging among staff. When worn in public, ID cards also act as subtle marketing tools.

- Lost Card Return Information

Including instructions such as “If found, please return to…” can improve security and reduce replacement costs if a card is lost or misplaced.


What Security Features Can Be Added to an ID Card?

Security is a critical aspect of ID card design, particularly when cards grant access to restricted areas or store personal information such as name, date of birth, or employee number.

Modern ID cards can incorporate a variety of advanced security features designed to prevent fraud and forgery. Using a combination of these features makes replication extremely difficult.


- Magnetic Stripe

The magnetic stripe (commonly seen on bank cards) stores encoded information. It can integrate with access control systems to grant entry to secure areas.

- Smart Chip Technology

Smart chips may be embedded within the card or visible on the surface. They can store significant amounts of data and are widely used in banking, government ID, and high-security environments.

- Barcode

Barcodes are a simple and cost-effective way to enable scanning for access control or tracking purposes. They can be printed directly onto the card without requiring specialist printing equipment.

- Watermark

A watermark is created by applying a semi-transparent image — often a logo or brand graphic — within the card design. While subtle, it adds a professional appearance and an additional visual security element.

- Microtext

Microtext involves printing extremely small text within the card design. It is only readable under magnification or UV light and is often overlooked by counterfeiters, making it an effective anti-forgery feature.

- Biometrics (Fingerprints and Signatures)

Biometric elements are unique to the individual cardholder. Incorporating biometric identifiers significantly increases security because they cannot be replicated by another person.

- Holograms and UV Overlays

Holograms and UV overlays are popular security enhancements that are applied as additional printed layers over the card surface.

These features are difficult to duplicate and provide both security and a professional finish.


What Is an ID Hologram?

An ID hologram is a laminate layer applied to the card that displays a three-dimensional effect. The image or pattern shifts colour and appearance depending on the viewing angle.

Holograms can be:

  • Standard generic designs (e.g., globes or geometric patterns)

  • Fully customised with your company logo or branding

They may cover the entire card or only a specific section.

To apply holograms, a plastic card printer must have laminate printing capability. Holograms are commonly used on driving licences, security passes, and official identification documents, but they are also available for corporate ID cards seeking enhanced security.


What Is a UV Overlay and How Does It Improve Security?

A UV overlay is a covert security feature added during the printing process. It uses invisible ultraviolet ink to create a design that can only be seen under a UV (blacklight) source.

The UV element may include:

  • A company logo

  • A business name

  • A symbol or pattern

  • Even the employee’s signature

Because UV overlays are invisible under normal lighting, they are frequently missed during counterfeiting attempts. This makes them highly effective in verifying whether a card is genuine.


Balancing Security and Branding

While security is essential, it’s important not to overload your ID card with unnecessary features. The right combination will depend on your organisation’s risk level and operational needs.

An ID card is more than just a security tool — it is an extension of your brand. When employees wear branded ID cards and accessories such as custom lanyards, they act as ambassadors for your business.

Well-designed ID cards help to:

  • Strengthen team identity

  • Improve workplace security

  • Make names and roles easier to remember

  • Promote accountability and professionalism

  • Build trust within the organisation


To find out which ID card security features are most suitable for your organisation, get in touch with a member of our expert team today.