ID Card Printers and Badge Printers
Our range of ID card printers and badge printers covers everything from simple staff ID cards to high-volume event badging and professional accreditation cards.
We work with trusted manufacturers including Magicard, Evolis, Matica and IDP Smart, and will help you choose the right printer based on the type and volume of cards you print, your budget, and the quality of finish you need.
All printers include free starter design software, free UK delivery, and 30 days of aftercare so you can get up and running quickly and confidently.
If you’re unsure where to start, you can take our quick printer quiz, read our guide on what to consider before buying an ID card printer, or search by sector below.
Find the right printer for your particular need
Pick your scenario and we'll show recommended printers, comparison tables and FAQs or shop all ID card printers below.
Healthcare & NHS
Staff ID cards, visitor badges and compliance cards for healthcare environments.
Education
Student, staff and visitor ID cards for schools, colleges and universities.
Events & Conferences
Fast delegate badges and on-the-day overprinting for conferences, exhibitions and corporate events.
Don't know where to start?
Answer four short questions and we’ll recommend you a shortlist.
Clubs & Memberships
Membership cards for gyms, clubs and associations with long-term durability.
ID Card Printer FAQs
Quick answers about printer bundles, low-cost printers, high-volume printers, blank plastic cards, smart cards and supplies.
Buying & Specifications
Choose by volume, print quality, duplex needs and whether you’ll encode access cards.
How much is an ID card printer?
Entry models are typically £499–£900, mid-range dual-sided £1,000–£1,700, and high-volume/encoder-ready models £2,000+. A printer bundle often lowers setup cost by including ribbons and cards.
Where can I buy an ID card printer?
Order directly from The Card Network with free delivery, free starter software and 30-day aftercare. Browse low-cost, high-quality or high-volume options, or choose a bundle.
Which ID card printer is best for small businesses?
A reliable single-sided model is most cost-effective. If you’ll print card backs, consider dual-sided. Start with low-cost printers or take the Quick Quiz for tailored picks.
Which printer should I use for high-volume runs?
Choose a fast, dual-sided model with larger hoppers and robust duty cycle. See high-volume printers or event & accreditation printers for on-the-day badging.
Can an ID card printer print on both sides?
Yes. Many models offer duplex (dual-sided) printing as standard or upgrade. Browse high-quality printers for the best photo results on both sides.
Can I encode access control or smart cards?
Yes. Selected printers support magstripe and smart card encoding (e.g. MIFARE®, DESFire®). Check the right encoder and pair with blank smart cards.
Supplies & Maintenance
Everything you need to start printing cards in-house and keep quality high.
What supplies do I need to get started?
You’ll need a colour ribbon, blank plastic cards (or smart cards) and card design software. A bundle includes ribbon, cards and software so you can print the same day.
How do I keep print quality high and costs low?
Use genuine ribbons, store cards dust-free and run regular cleaning cycles with cleaning cards. For heavy use, pick models with higher duty cycles and larger hoppers from our high-volume range.
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Factors to Consider when buying an ID Printer
Considering what you need the printer to do and how many cards you’ll be printing is a good place to start.
Never Bought an ID Printer Before? Take our Quiz!
Answer 4 short questions to get recommendations in 60 seconds.
The Best ID Card Printers for 2026
Read our reviews of some of the best ID card printers currently on the market.
