6 Best ID Card Printers (November 2026)

The best ID card printers for badges and PVC cards include the Bodno Seaory S25 Single Sided ID Card for on-demand single cards, the BKISVWCSop 500 Pack Blank White PVC ID for stocking blank cards, and the Badgy100 Plastic Card Printer with Badge Studio for straightforward badge design.

On this page (5 sections)

1. The best ID card printers for different badge needs
2. Should you choose single-sided or dual-sided printing?
3. Are inkjet printers suitable for PVC cards?
4. What should you check before buying ID cards?
5. Verdict: which ID card printer fits your setup?

The best ID card printer for most small offices is the Bodno Seaory S25, a single-sided kit with software, blank PVC cards and a 100-print color ribbon. Choose a dual-sided Magicard for badges that need information on both faces, or buy blank PVC cards if you already have a compatible badge printer.

Badge printers use card-printing systems made for plastic cards. A regular inkjet printer is not a substitute: the PVC cards in this guide are explicitly not suitable for inkjets.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for on-demand single cards

   Bodno Seaory S25 Single Sided ID Card

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for stocking blank cards

   BKISVWCSop 500 Pack Blank White PVC ID

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for straightforward badge design

   Badgy100 Plastic Card Printer with Badge Studio

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Bodno Magicard 400X Dual Sided ID Card

   Best for secure two-sided cards
   Check it
5. 5

   Magicard 300 Dual Sided ID Card Printer

   Best for bundled two-sided printing
   Check it
6. 6

   IDP SMART-21S ID Card Simplex Printer Kit

   Best for compact PC-based setup
   Check it

The best ID card printers for different badge needs

The Bodno Seaory S25 leads this group because it combines a printer, software and starter supplies for on-demand single-sided cards. The other picks cover bulk card supply, design software, dual-sided printing and a compact PC setup.

We compared the stated printing type, included supplies, software, card compatibility and warranty details where available. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.

1

Bodno Seaory S25 Single Sided ID Card: Best for on-demand single cards

9.7/10Our score

• Hand-fed, one card at a time
• 100 blank PVC cards
• 100-print color ribbon
• Bodno ID Software Bronze Edition

A complete starter package for printing one badge at a time. It includes blank PVC cards, a color ribbon and lifetime software license for the life of the printer.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Includes cards, ribbon and software
• Hand-fed for on-demand badges
• Drivers for Windows, Mac and Linux

Cons

• Prints one side only
• Bodno ID software runs on Windows and Mac

The Seaory S25 is a useful starting point when you need to print one badge at a time. Its hand-fed design takes one card and produces one finished card, which suits replacement badges or small batches.

The package includes 100 blank PVC cards, a YMCKO color ribbon rated for 100 prints, and Bodno ID Software Bronze Edition. The software has templates and drag-and-drop design, with a lifetime license for the life of the printer.

Bodno provides drivers for Windows, Mac and Linux, while its ID software runs on Windows and Mac. The printer comes with a 2-year hardware warranty and lifetime software support.

Choose it if you want the printer and basic supplies in one kit. Since it prints one side, consider a dual-sided option if each badge needs a back-side barcode or emergency information.

2

BKISVWCSop 500 Pack Blank White PVC ID: Best for stocking blank cards

9.6/10Our score

• 500 white PVC cards
• CR80 size
• 30 mil thickness
• Not suitable for inkjet printers

A bulk supply for compatible badge printers that accept CR80 PVC cards. These cards are not suitable for inkjet printers.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 500 cards in two boxes
• Printable on both sides
• Compatible with many named badge printer brands

Cons

• Not suitable for inkjet printers
• No chip, magnetic stripe or pre-punched slot

These blank cards are for buyers who already have a compatible photo ID badge printer. The pack contains 500 white PVC cards in the CR80 format, about 85.6 x 53.98 mm and 30 mil thick.

The cards can be printed on both sides and are compatible with many badge printer brands, including DataCard, Zebra, Fargo, Evolis, Magicard, Nisca and NBS. They don't include chips, magnetic stripes or pre-punched slots.

Do not use them in an inkjet printer. If your goal is to print paper cards at home, our Best Inkjet Printer For Printing Business Cards guide can help you choose a paper-based setup.

3

Badgy100 Plastic Card Printer with Badge Studio: Best for straightforward badge design

9.3/10Our score

• Badge Studio design software
• Online template library
• On-demand card printing
• Manual duplex

The Badgy100 pairs plastic card printing with Badge Studio and an online template library. Manual duplex suits occasional two-sided cards that can be turned and fed again.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Design software and templates included
• Can print replacement badges on demand
• Manual two-sided printing

Cons

• Manual rather than automatic duplex
• Compatible device information specifies PC

The Badgy100 pairs a plastic card printer with Badge Studio design software and an online template library. It targets single printing needs and lets you print replacement cards on demand.

Its duplex setting is manual, so printing both sides involves an extra handling step. The listed compatible device is PC, which makes this a better fit for a PC-based workspace than a mixed-device office.

Consider it when you want design tools bundled with a printer and don't need automatic two-sided output. For paper greeting cards made with an inkjet, see our Best Inkjet Printer For Printing Greeting Cards guide.

A paper crafting tool kit can help with finishing and assembly.

4

Bodno Magicard 400X Dual Sided ID Card: Best for secure two-sided cards

9.1/10Our score

• Automatic dual-sided printing
• 300-print color ribbon
• Magicard HoloKote watermark
• Four-year warranty

The 400X prints both sides in one pass and includes a HoloKote watermark feature. Its kit also includes cards, ribbon and Bodno ID software.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Automatic two-sided printing
• Includes 300 cards and ribbon
• HoloKote watermark feature

Cons

• Larger body than the compact simplex kit
• Bodno ID software runs on Windows and Mac

The Magicard 400X is the dual-sided choice for badges that need a photo or logo on the front and a barcode or emergency detail on the back. Automatic duplex prints both sides in one pass, without turning and re-feeding each card.

The kit includes 300 blank PVC cards, a 300-print YMCKO color ribbon and Bodno ID Software Bronze Edition. Bodno says the software offers templates and drag-and-drop design for Windows and Mac, with a lifetime license for the life of the printer.

Magicard HoloKote adds a watermark to each card to deter copying. The package also includes a 4-year warranty and lifetime Bodno software support.

Choose this model when you expect regular two-sided production or want the watermark feature. Its 18.9 in depth calls for more desk space than the compact single-sided kits.

5

Magicard 300 Dual Sided ID Card Printer: Best for bundled two-sided printing

8.8/10Our score

• Automatic dual-sided printing
• 100 PVC cards
• Color ribbon and design software
• LCD display

This Magicard 300 bundle includes cards, a color ribbon and design software. Automatic duplex handles both sides without turning and re-feeding each card.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Automatic two-sided printing
• Starter cards and ribbon included
• LCD instructions

Cons

• Bundle includes 100 cards
• Confirm software and setup needs before choosing

This Magicard 300 bundle combines automatic two-sided printing with a color ribbon, 100 PVC cards and design software. Its LCD displays messages and instructions, which can help you follow printer prompts during use.

The bundle is a fit for offices that want duplex output and supplies in one purchase. The included 100-card supply is smaller than the 300-card kit above, so compare how often you'll need to replenish cards.

The bundle information also describes 300 dpi printing and a 3-year warranty. Confirm the setup and software details that matter to your workspace before choosing it.

6

IDP SMART-21S ID Card Simplex Printer Kit: Best for compact PC-based setup

8.5/10Our score

• Single-sided hand-feed printer
• 100-print color ribbon
• 100 PVC cards
• Windows 10 and 11 compatibility

A compact simplex starter kit for PC users, with cards, a color ribbon and IDesigner software. The listed system compatibility is Windows 10 and 11.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Cards, ribbon and software included
• Hand-fed design
• Compact stated footprint

Cons

• Single-sided printing
• Software is PC-only

The IDP SMART-21S kit suits a compact PC-based setup that needs single-sided badges. It includes IDesigner software, a 100-print YMCKO ribbon, 100 PVC cards, a USB cable and a power cord.

IDP states Windows 10 and 11 compatibility. The hand-fed printer is described as producing over 150 color cards and 600 monochromatic cards per hour, and the kit includes a free trial of EasyCapture for employee photo collection.

This is a practical alternative if you want a simplex kit with starter supplies and your office uses a compatible Windows PC. Its software is PC-only, and it won't print both sides automatically.

Should you choose single-sided or dual-sided printing?

Choose a single-sided printer when the card only needs a name, photo and basic details on the front. It can be enough for visitor badges or small offices that don't put extra information on the reverse.

Choose automatic dual-sided printing when the back needs a barcode, emergency information, terms or another identifier. Automatic duplex saves the manual turn-and-feed step; the Badgy100 offers manual duplex if two-sided output is occasional.

Are inkjet printers suitable for PVC cards?

No, an inkjet printer is not the right match for these PVC ID cards. The BKISVWCSop cards specifically exclude inkjet compatibility, so use a badge printer designed for plastic cards.

Searches for an “inkjet PVC card printer” can lead to confusion between printing a paper design with an inkjet and printing directly onto a rigid PVC card. For inkjet projects, use supported paper or printable card stock, and check your printer's media guidance before loading thicker materials.

For paper-based card projects, compare printers for thick cardstock.

What should you check before buying ID cards?

Confirm the card format and thickness your printer accepts, then match the supplies to the printer's ribbon system. The CR80 cards here measure about 85.6 x 53.98 mm and are 30 mil thick.

Also check whether the kit includes cards, ribbon and design software. Starter supplies can simplify setup, but the ribbon's stated print capacity and the number of cards included determine how soon you may need refills.

For computer compatibility, check both the printer driver and the card-design software. These can differ: the Bodno S25 has drivers for three operating systems, while Bodno ID software runs on Windows and Mac.

Verdict: which ID card printer fits your setup?

Choose the Bodno Seaory S25 for a ready-to-start single-sided kit and the Magicard 400X for automatic two-sided cards with a HoloKote watermark. Pick the Badgy100 if bundled design software matters, or the SMART-21S for a compact PC-based simplex setup.

If you already own a compatible badge printer, the 500-card CR80 pack may cover your supply needs. For inkjet work, choose paper-based card projects instead of PVC.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for on-demand single cards

   Bodno Seaory S25 Single Sided ID Card

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for stocking blank cards

   BKISVWCSop 500 Pack Blank White PVC ID

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for straightforward badge design

   Badgy100 Plastic Card Printer with Badge Studio

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Can an inkjet printer print on PVC ID cards?

Most standard inkjet printers are designed for paper, and the blank PVC cards here are explicitly unsuitable for inkjet printers. Use a photo ID badge printer made for plastic cards, and confirm that its accepted card type and size match your supplies.

If you need inkjet output, print the design on compatible paper or labels instead of feeding a PVC card.

What does a dual-sided ID card printer do?

A dual-sided printer can put information on both faces of a card. Automatic duplex models print the second side without your turning and re-feeding the card, while manual duplex requires that extra step.

Choose automatic printing for regular two-sided badges and simplex for cards that only need a front.

What does CR80 mean for blank ID cards?

CR80 is the common credit-card format, about 85.6 x 53.98 mm. The BKISVWCSop cards are 30 mil thick and fit many photo ID badge printers, but you should confirm the printer accepts that card size and thickness.

These cards do not have chips, magnetic stripes or pre-punched slots.

Can I use these PVC cards in a home printer?

The 500-pack of PVC cards is not suitable for inkjet printers. Use them with a compatible photo ID badge printer instead.

If you only have a home inkjet, choose printable card stock or another paper format that your printer supports.

Don't feed a rigid PVC card unless the printer maker specifically supports it.