Purchasing an ID card printer can feel like a daunting task.

There is a wide range of ID printer models available, all with

different features—including speed, connectivity,
security, and customization capabilities.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the right ID card
printer for your business or organization. We’ve also
included an overview of our most popular printers
available to help make your selection easier.

How to choose the right ID card

printer for your business
Budget
ID card printers are a large investment. The cost of a printer can
range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the
type of printer, speed, and the supplies required.

While it may be tempting to choose the least expensive model,

it’s important to consider the longevity of printers.
Many advanced models allow you to add features and upgrades
as your business grows— saving you money in the long run.
 Printer Type
There are two main options when choosing a printer—direct-
to-card (DTC) or reverse transfer. These printer types use dif-
ferent technology to print images onto cards. The type of print-
er you choose will depend on your budget, expected volume,
and customization needs.

Direct-to-card Retransfer printers

Direct-to-card printers—also known as Retransfer printers—also known as
DTC printers—are the most common reverse transfer printers—create
type of ID card printer. These models durable and secure ID cards. These
use a dye-sublimation process. A print- models use a two-step process,
head heats the panel of the ribbon and printing images on a clear film which
converts the ink into vapor. The prin- is then diffused onto the card. This
thead then diffuses images and text allows for edge-to-edge printing
directly onto the surface of the ID card. without any visible white space on
DTC printers are fast and affordable, the border.
with the ability to print large volumes of
ID cards at a time. However, these print- Using a retransfer printer has many
ers will leave a white border around the benefits. With an average resolution
edge of the card after printing. of 600 dpi, reverse transfer models
provide unmatched image quality.
These printers also offer enhanced
customization and security features.
And since the printhead doesn’t
come into contact with the ID card,
retransfer printers can print on ac-
cess control cards and uneven sur-
face cards.

However, retransfer printers are more

expensive. These models also need
special film and ribbons, creating
additional supplies and costs. Finally,
with a more extensive printing pro-
cess, retransfer printers can be
slower than direct-to-card models.
 Single-sided vs. dual-sided printers
There are two main options when choosing a printer—direct-
to-card (DTC) or reverse transfer. These printer types use
different technology to print images onto cards. The type of
printer you choose will depend on your budget, expected
volume, and customization needs.

Single-sided printing Dual-sided printers

A single-sided printer only prints on With the ability to print on both sides
one side of an ID card. Single-sided of an ID card, dual-sided printers
models are best for organizations with allow more options for customization.
low-volume and simple printing needs. Organizations can print additional
These models print basic cardholder information such as employee
information such as an employee’s information, important dates, and a
name and photo. Apart from being the list of emergency numbers. Dual-
most affordable, single-sided printers sided printers are best for medium
are easy to install and require little and large-sized businesses with
maintenance. high- volume printing needs.

Speed
Determining the right speed will depend on your printing volume.
Low-volume printers can print up to 100 cards per hour.
High-volume printers—such as the Magicard 600—print over
300 cards per hour.

Faster models might need more supplies, such as high-capacity

ribbons or large input and output hoppers.
USB, ethernet, and WIFI connectivity
All ID card printers come with a standard USB connection.
However, if you want to operate your printer on a network, it’s
best to look for printers with Ethernet and WIFI connection
options. A WIFI connection is the best option if you plan to
travel with your printer.

ID Cards
Most printers use blank white cards to print photo IDs.
ID cards come in three sizes:

CR80: The most popular ID card size.

CR80 is the size of a credit card.

CR79: A slightly smaller size that is

mostly used for access control.

CR100: This is the largest size

available. While these cards are the
most costly, they are ideal for
printing large amounts of
information.
Ribbons
ID card printers require special ribbons
that differ from your standard desktop
printer ink or toner cartridges. These
ribbons— known as YMCKO ribbons—
are sectioned into a number of panels.
“YMCK” refer to the colors (e.g., yellow
dye, magenta dye, cyan dye, and black
resin). “O” refers to the protective
overlay.

For best results, you should purchase

ribbons that are specific to your printer
model.

Printer Warranties
Most ID card printers come with a warranty of two to three
years. If your printer does break, some manufacturers offer
loaner printers as part of your warranty.

For additional protection, consider purchasing Bodno’s

Extended Warranty. Our five-year warranty includes all labor
and free replacement of parts. Our average repair time is less
than three days, and all repairs include a free loaner.
Direct-to-Card Printers
Seaory S25
The Seaory S25 is an affordable,
high-quality ID card printer
perfect for small businesses. It
delivers sharp, vibrant single-sid-
ed prints with ease and reliability.
This manual-feed printer is ideal
for low-volume printing where high
print quality is a must. It offers an
exceptional resolution of up to 300
x 1200 dpi, ensuring your cards are
crisp and professional every time.

Price: $899.00

Seaory S26
The Seaory S26 is a single-sid-
ed ID card printer that offers
high-quality printing. With a sleek,
user-friendly design, this printer is
perfect for mid-sized businesses.
It produces high-resolution cards
at up to 300 x 1200 dpi, deliver-
ing impressive color depth and
sharpness. This printer is designed
for those who need reliable,
high-quality single-sided printing.

Price: $1,499.00
 Seaory S28
The Seaory S28 is a dual-sid-
ed ID card printer that excels in
high-volume printing environ-
ments. It can print on both sides
of the card in a single pass, mak-
ing it efficient and time-saving.
With print resolutions up to 300 x
1200 dpi, it ensures that every de-
tail is captured with stunning clar-
ity. This printer is perfect for orga-
nizations that require high-quality,
dual-sided printing with maximum
efficiency.

Price: $1,999.00

Magicard D
The Magicard D is a robust ID card
printer known for its durable
construction and advanced
security features like HoloKote
watermarking. It offers full-color
printing with good overall quality,
making it suitable for organiza-
tions needing secure ID cards.

Price: $2,495.00
 Matica MC320
The Matica MC320 is a versatile
dual-sided ID card printer that bal-
ances quality and performance. It
offers reliable, high-quality
printing with built-in encoding
options for added versatility. This
printer provides good print
quality, making it a solid, if not
exceptional, choice.
Price: $1,499.00

Magicard Pronto
The Magicard Pronto is a
compact, single-sided ID card printer
ideal for low-volume printing needs.
It features HoloKote watermark
technology for added security and
delivers good quality prints with a
quick turnaround.
Price: $999.00
 Magicard 300
The Magicard 300 offers dual-
sided printing with advanced
security features, making it suitable
for medium-sized businesses and
educational institutions. It
delivers good quality prints quickly
and efficiently.

Price: $1,916.20
Badgy 100
The Badgy 100 is an entry-level
ID card printer designed for small
businesses and organizations. It
offers single-sided printing with
basic features and is ideal for
those with limited printing needs.
The Badgy 100 provides basic
print quality.

Price: $799.00
Badgy 200
The Badgy 200 is a step up from
the Badgy 100, offering faster
printing speeds and better print
quality. It’s a cost-effective solu-
tion for small businesses needing
reliable single-sided ID card
printing.

Price: $899.00
 Fargo DTC-1250E
The Fargo DTC-1250E is a com-
pact, easy-to-use ID card printer
offering fast printing speeds and
good quality prints. It’s suitable for
small to medium-sized businesses
with moderate printing needs.
Price: $1,395.00

Magicard 600
The Magicard 600 is a high-vol-
ume printer with superior print
quality, featuring 10 HoloKote
custom designs for added
security. It offers advanced
security features like digital
shredding and automatic security
scans.

Price: $2,720.85

Zebra ZC350
The Zebra ZC350 offers advanced
card printing capabilities with
customizable features. It’s de-
signed for high-volume operations
and delivers high-quality prints
quickly and efficiently.
Price: $2,675.00
 Magicard Pronto 100
The Magicard Pronto 100 is a com-
pact, single-sided printer designed
for low-volume printing needs. It
offers high-quality printing with
added security features like
HoloKote watermarking.

Price: $1,204.50

Zebra ZC100
The Zebra ZC100 is an entry-level
card printer offering reliable sin-
gle-sided printing. It’s easy to use
and delivers good quality prints,
making it a solid choice for small
businesses and organizations.
Price: $1,734.60

Zebra ZC300
The Zebra ZC300 is a versatile ID
card printer offering dual-sided
printing with advanced features.
It’s designed for medium to large
businesses requiring high-quality,
secure card printing.

Price: $2,197.91
 Evolis Zenius
The Evolis Zenius is a robust, sin-
gle-sided ID card printer known
for its durability and high-quality
prints. It’s suitable for businesses
and institutions needing reliable
card printing.

Price: $1,199.00

Evolis Primacy 2
The Evolis Primacy 2 offers ad-
vanced dual-sided printing with
high-resolution images. It’s ideal
for businesses and institutions
that require high-quality, secure
card printing.

Price: $1,816.00

Zebra ZXP-Series 7
The Zebra ZXP-Series 7 is a
high-performance printer of-
fering fast printing speeds and
high-quality, dual-sided printing.
It’s designed for high-volume op-
erations with demanding card
printing needs.
Price: $3,506.63
 Fargo DTC-4500E
The Fargo DTC-4500E is a durable,
high-capacity ID card printer with
dual-sided printing capabilities. It’s
suitable for large organizations that
require secure, high-quality card
issuance.
Price: 3,333.99

Fargo DTC-4250E
The Fargo DTC-4250E offers
reliable dual-sided printing with
advanced security features. It’s
designed for medium to large
businesses that need secure and
efficient card printing.

Price: $2,999.00
Retransfer Printers
Seaory R300
The Seaory R300 is a high-definition
retransfer printer, ideal for secure
environments. It produces long-last-
ing, high-resolution prints and s
upports advanced
security features like UV printing.
With a print resolution of 300 x 1200
dpi, it delivers true edge-to-edge
printing with exceptional clarity.

Price: $3,499.00

Seaory R600
The Seaory R600 offers top-tier
dual-sided retransfer printing,
ensuring every detail is captured
with precision. This printer operates
at an incredible 600 dpi, making
it the top printer on the market in
terms of print quality. It provides
true edge-to-edge printing and is
perfect for large-scale operations
requiring the highest level of print
quality and security.

Price: $4,499.00
Fargo HDP-6600
Known for its efficiency and quali-
ty, the Fargo HDP-6600 offers fast
printing speeds and exceptional
image quality with retransfer
technology. It delivers true edge-
to-edge printing, making it ideal for
high-volume, high-security card
issuance.
Price: $5,999.00

Fargo HDP-5000
The Fargo HDP-5000 is a reliable
retransfer printer, offering true
edge-to-edge printing with supe-
rior durability and vibrant color
quality. It’s versatile and well-suited
for a variety of industries requiring
high-quality, secure card printing.

Price: $3,999.00
See all Evolis Printers
Evolis is a market leader in identification solutions with a reputation for
high-quality and reliable printers. Evolis printers are easy to operate and
adaptable, capable of growing with the needs of your business.

See all Fargo Printers

ID card printers from Fargo offer a wide range of features to fit the needs of any
organization. With unlimited upgrade options— including security and encoding
features—Fargo can grow with you as your business evolves.
 See all IDP Printers

IDP has been developing and manufacturing ID card printers since 2005. With
encoding options and high-security support, IDP printers are well suited for a
variety of industries—including school, businesses, nonprofit organizations,
gyms, and government agencies. All IDP printers include technical support and
worry-free warranties.

See all Magicard Printers

Magicard printers are among the best-selling and most cost- effective printers
available. Founded in 1992, the company pioneered ID card printing technology.
With its reputation for innovation, Magicard offers a wide range of printers to
meet the needs of any organization. All printers include the company’s HoloKote
secure watermark feature and encoding capability.

See all Seaory Printers

Seaory has been at the forefront of smart card and ID card printer technology
since its inception. Known for producing reliable and high-quality printers,
Seaory serves a wide range of industries, including education, corporate,
government, and healthcare. With a focus on innovation, all Seaory printers are
designed to deliver exceptional print quality and include robust technical support
and comprehensive warranties.

See all Zebra Printers

With innovate designs and technology, Zebra offers a variety of cost-effective

printers. With edge-to-edge color printing, organizations create clear and
professional ID cards.