Shop & Compare Fargo Printers by HID

Fargo by HID is known for producing reliable, highly capable, and easy-to-use ID card printers scaled for a variety of printing applications – from basic, low-volume ID issuance to routine issuance of secure, high-definition ID cards. Shop Fargo ID card printers and select from single-sided and duplex models, available with direct-to-card, retransfer, and rewrite printing technologies. Most Fargo card printers are configurable and offer an easy upgrade path for lamination, card encoding options, advanced security features, and more.

Have questions about Fargo ID card printers? We have answers!

What are the main features available in HID Fargo printers?

Ease-of-use, versatility, and consistent performance have made Fargo card printers the industry leaders. Whether you need to print a basic ID badge or a multi-function smart card, you can turn to the reliable Fargo brand.

C50 - Ideal for those new to card printing, the easy-to-use single-sided C50 is designed for low volume applications.

DTC1250e - The single- or dual-sided DTC1250e is reliable and affordable, and offers optional Ethernet and encoding.

DTC1500 - This fully-featured printer offers high-volume printing plus built-in security features at an affordable price. Multiple printing capabilities are offered out-of-the-box or through field upgrades.

DTC4250e - Combines professional quality with more advanced features, including built-in Ethernet and optional wireless printing and encoding.

DTC4500e - Fargo's robust direct-to-card printer, the DTC4500e provides superior performance when quality is important. Offers a variety of optional upgrades, including lamination.

HDP5000 - The most versatile Fargo printer, the HDP5000 offers the superior print quality and flexibility of reverse transfer technology. The modular design of the HDP5000 allows you to upgrade to additional capabilities when you need them.

HDP5600XE - The single- or dual-sided retransfer printer produces professional, high-quality images. The HDP5600XE is backed by an impressive three year warranty and three year loaner coverage. Easily upgrade to include encoding or high-capacity hoppers to support batch printing.

HDP5600 - The robust HDP5600 printer is available in 300 DPI or 600 DPI print resolution, and can produce microtext and intricately detailed images or characters. The modular design of the HDP5600 allows you to upgrade to additional capabilities when you need them.

HDP6600 - Available in single- or dual-sided printing, this retransfer printer provides photographic quality images and fast printing speeds. The HDP6600's modular designs allows you to upgrade your printer as your business grows without having to purchase a new printer.

HDP6600XE - With high printing speeds, a modular design, 600 dpi print quality, and an industry-leading warranty, this retransfer printer provides your business will need for ID card printing. The HDP6600XE's modular design makes this printer field upgradeable and a 3-year warranty with 3-year hot swap loaner coverage make this printer superior to its predecessors.

HDP8500 - Built for high demand, high security applications, the industrial HDP8500 offers the superior print quality and flexibility of reverse transfer technology, plus advanced features such as dual input hoppers, a card flattener, a touch screen display, and much more.

What's the difference between a single-sided and a dual-sided Fargo printer?

Simply put, a single-sided printer prints on one side of your cards and a dual-sided printer prints on both sides of your cards in one process.

Choose a single-sided Fargo printer if you will be creating ID cards with limited cardholder information.

Choose a dual-sided Fargo printer if you want the front of your cards to remain clean and uncluttered; printing some of your card-holder info on the back of your cards will keep the front of your cards looking their best!

Unsure what your future holds? Single-sided Fargo DTC4250e, DTC4500e, and HDP5000 printers can be upgraded to two-sided printing by adding a field-upgradeable duplex module. The DTC1500 single-sided printer comes capable of dual-sided printing - simply activate the functionality with an included RFID tag. If you are unsure whether your needs may change in the future, or perhaps you may be planning to expand how your cards will be used, we recommend shopping for a Fargo printer that offers easy upgrade options when you'll need them.

Why would I need to laminate my plastic cards?

If you recall the old days of cutting and pasting an ID card together, lamination may confuse you a bit. You might wonder why you would need lamination when printing directly to plastic. In plastic card printing, lamination is a clear protective layer that is applied over the top of your printed cards by a printer with lamination capability. Primarily this is used to extend the life of your cards (the additional layer adds protection from physical wear, rubbing, etc as well as fading from the sun) and to increase security. The additional layer makes it more difficult to tamper with cards, and when coupled with holographic laminates, makes cards almost impossible to duplicate.

What is a retransfer printer?

Many experienced card printer users are familiar with the white border that direct-to-card printers leave around the edge of cards. Retransfer printers, on the other hand, produce "over-the-edge" prints that cover the entire surface of your cards. Direct-to-card printers print directly to the surface of cards. Any uneven surface of a card including coming in contact with the edge of a card can cause expensive printhead damage. Retransfer printers, like the Fargo HDP5000, print your card image to a clear film (retransfer or HDP film) that is then fused onto the surface of the card. With this process, the printhead does not come in direct contact with your card, allowing you to print over the edge of your cards and to a wider variety of card surfaces including proximity cards, smart cards, pre-punched cards and key tag cards. Another benefit: retransfer printers produce imagery with rich, vibrant, saturated colors.