Yes, you can print on many RFID cards using a Direct-to-Card ID card printer. This includes printable smart cards and access cards such as MIFARE and some Paxton cards. The main thing to be aware of is that you may not get a completely even print finish where the chip sits inside the card.
What happens when you print on an RFID card?
An RFID card contains a chip and antenna inside the card. Depending on the construction of the card, this can create a slightly uneven area beneath the surface.
With a Direct-to-Card (DTC) printer, the printhead transfers the design directly onto the card. When it passes over the area containing the chip, the colour may not transfer as evenly as it does across the rest of the card.
This can show as a lighter patch, blotch or small white area, particularly if your design has a dark background or a full flood of colour.
How can you avoid the white patch?
- Avoid the chip area when designing your RFID cards, particularly for logos, names, barcodes and QR codes.
- Avoid a full flood of dark colour if possible, as this can make any variation much more obvious.
- Test the actual card first before printing a large batch, especially if you have not used that card type in your printer before.
- Check the card thickness is supported by your printer and adjust the card thickness setting or gate where applicable.
What is a Direct-to-Card printer?
A Direct-to-Card or DTC printer prints the design directly onto the surface of the card. It is the most common type of desktop ID card printer and is ideal for everyday staff ID cards, visitor passes, membership cards and other standard plastic cards.
If you want to understand the printing methods in more detail, read our Direct-to-Card vs Retransfer printer guide.
You can also browse our ID card printers and filter the range by printer technology.
Printing an RFID card doesn't program it
Printing adds your design, logo, photo, name, barcode or other visible information to the surface of the card. It does not automatically make the RFID chip work with your access control, membership or other system.
If you're unsure about the difference between printing, encoding and enrolling a card, read Do RFID Cards, Gift Cards and Key Cards Need Programming?
Can I print my RFID card? At a glance
- Standard printable RFID cards: often yes, providing the card thickness is compatible with your printer.
- MIFARE cards: many standard ISO-format MIFARE cards can be printed in a desktop ID card printer.
- Paxton cards: printable ISO cards such as Paxton Net2 692-500 cards can be personalised using an ID card printer.
- Clamshell access cards: no. These are too thick to pass through a standard desktop ID card printer.
- Best possible finish: a retransfer printer is the better option for RFID and smart cards where print quality is important or you will be printing them regularly.
Should I use Direct-to-Card or retransfer for RFID cards?
If you're printing occasional RFID cards with a relatively simple design, a Direct-to-Card printer may do the job perfectly well, particularly if you can design around the chip area.
If the cards are customer-facing, use a full-colour design, need a premium finish or you're going to be printing RFID and smart cards regularly, we'd recommend considering a retransfer printer.
A retransfer printer prints the design onto a clear film before bonding that film to the card. Because the printhead doesn't make direct contact with the card surface, it produces a more consistent finish across smart cards and avoids the printhead passing directly over the embedded chip area.
For a full comparison, see Direct-to-Card vs Retransfer ID Card Printers.
What if I don't want to print the RFID cards myself?
If you need professionally branded cards but don't want to print them in-house, take a look at our custom printed RFID cards.
If you want to print your own, you can browse our range of blank RFID cards, including MIFARE, Fudan, Salto, NTAG and other technologies.
If you're not sure whether your existing card will work with your printer, please start a chat or contact us. Tell us which card and printer you have and we'll help you check before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Can you print on MIFARE cards using a Direct-to-Card printer?
Yes, many standard printable MIFARE cards can be printed using a Direct-to-Card ID card printer. However, the embedded chip area can affect the print finish, so it is best to avoid placing important parts of your design over it.
Can you print on Paxton cards?
Yes, printable ISO cards such as Paxton Net2 692-500 cards can be personalised using an ID card printer. Thick clamshell cards cannot pass through a standard desktop printer.
Why is there a white patch on my RFID card?
The chip and antenna inside an RFID card can create slight variation beneath the card surface. With a Direct-to-Card printer, this can affect how evenly the colour transfers and may leave a lighter or white patch, particularly on dark or full-colour designs.
Does printing an RFID card program the chip?
No. Printing changes the visible surface of the card. Encoding or enrolling the RFID card so it works with your access control or other system is a separate process.
Is a retransfer printer better for RFID cards?
Yes, particularly if print quality is important or you regularly print RFID and smart cards. A retransfer printer prints onto a film first rather than putting the printhead directly against the card, helping to produce a more consistent finish across the card surface.
Can clamshell RFID cards go through an ID card printer?
No. Thick clamshell access cards are not designed to pass through a standard desktop ID card printer. If you're unsure which type of access card you have, contact us before trying to print it.
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