Visual Card Security

Years ago, simply having a plastic ID card offered reasonable security. Today, that's no longer enough. With the increased sophistication of counterfeiters, the need for security and fraud protection has never been greater. Luckily, there are many ways to ensure the authenticity of ID cards, from low-cost, easy-to-verify visual security elements to sophisticated, covert options embedded in the cards and only read by lasers or magnifying devices. Security options can be used alone or in combination to result in the highest levels of security. Most can be built into ID cards regardless of the card printer being used.

HoloMark Seal

The quickest and least expensive way to add a holographic feature is with the peel-and-stick, pressure-sensitive 3D HoloMark seal. This seal can easily be applied by hand to ID cards after the cards have been printed. Yet, it is extremely effective.  Any tampering with the non-reusable seal leaves behind a checkerboard pattern indicating unauthorized manipulation. HoloMark seals enhance the credibility and security of ID cards at an easily affordable cost.

Embedded Holograms

For higher security levels, blank, standard CR80 ID cards can be embedded with several different 3D holograms. These secure foils give organizations without card lamination equipment a cost-effective way to layer tamper-resistant security features onto photo ID cards. ID Wholesaler offers three options: Standard HoloMark™ is a visual foil that changes color and appearance when viewed at different angles. These cards can be designed with hidden features such as nano text, laser-viewable images, micro text, ultraviolet printing and two-dimensional flip imaging. Standard HoloMark cards are ideal for organizations concerned about both budget and security. They are in stock and ready to ship from ID Wholesaler.

Custom HoloMark™ cards use a foil made from a custom graphic, providing the ultimate in non-laminated protection against ID card counterfeiting. Using the same technology as standard HoloMark cards, they are easy to validate and nearly impossible to duplicate.

Custom VeriMark™ cards use hot stamp foils to embed a 2D logo, text or graphic onto blank standard CR80 cards in one of eight selected positions. These difficult-to-duplicate silver or gold metallic foils are permanent, easy-to-verify counterfeit deterrents, making them ideal for organizations that want to add customized visual security with minimal cost and delivery time.

UV Printing

Ultraviolet (UV) printing adds yet another unique security element to an ID card. Images created with UV ink are only visible under a UV light. To take advantage of this option, you need a printer ribbon that includes a special UV panel. ID Wholesaler can help you determine which ribbon and/or printer would be best for your specific needs.

Ghost Images

A ghost image is a smaller, semi-translucent version of the original photo image on an ID card, added during the printing process. Special software is needed, but ghost images do not generally add to the cost of a printed card.

Thermal Transfer Overlaminate

A thermal transfer overlaminate adds durability to an ID card and provides a layer of security with the addition of a standard watermark. Options vary by card printer manufacturer, so ask an ID Wholesaler expert for advice. HoloKote™  is an anti-counterfeiting watermark printed across the entire card surface during the normal card printing cycle, using the O panel for a ribbon. This watermark can also be highlighted for visibility from a distance. While both generic and custom HoloKote images are available, a custom image provides increased security.

Holographic Overlaminate

A holographic overlaminate embeds a holographic image, either standard or custom, in the surface of the overlaminate. It can be used with most laminating card printers, although the material and options may vary by manufacturer. You can include a variety of visual security options, such as nano text and flip images, in the design of a custom overlaminate, making fraudulent duplication of an ID card virtually impossible.

Metallization

High-tech printers can also laminate with holographic metallization. Metalized foil holograms, which are embedded just below the surface of the card, provide a custom security solution. These cards are also available pre-printed.

Translucent Foil

Like metalized foil, translucent foil can be laminated onto a card, embedding an image below the surface of a card and creating a watermark effect. You also can incorporate a number of custom visual security elements into translucent foil.

Micro Text

Very small (micro) text can be pre-printed onto the surface of a card, making it nearly impossible to duplicate the card by dye-sublimation, ink jet or laser printers. Micro text can also be found on higher-end holographic security overlaminates, providing an excellent covert feature for an ID card.

Nano text

For ID cards requiring an extremely high level of security, choose nano text, a string of microscopic alphanumeric type placed within the lines of existing artwork on an ID card. Nano text is viewable only under high-powered magnification. To enhance the security even further, you can purposely include typographical errors in the nano text.

Hidden Text

Hidden text is one of the most sophisticated, covert ID card security options available today. Its alphanumeric type is invisible to the human eye, viewable only with a laser. Hidden text is often used for high-level security applications where authenticity verification is critical. If you have questions or need assistance when it comes to visual ID card security, trust our ID Professionals to provide the information you need for secure credentials. Call us today at (800) 321-4405.