How to make good identity cards

1. Introduction

Good identity card scanning is very important in a world of rising terrorism and crime. Counterfeit IDs and fake driver’s licenses have become a norm and cost the United States government between 75 million and 200 million dollars in losses annually. This is because fake IDs provide false proof of identity that is used for illegal activities such as terrorism, underage drinking, and illegal immigration. But, did you know that through the use of the latest technologies such as UV Laminate features, Barcode and PDF417 scanning, and ID card printers, making a good identity card is very easy? With the current high levels of physical and cyber security threats, it is important to issue secure and reliable identity cards to satisfy the needs of an organization or an individual. Governments, airports, public and private organizations, customs and border controls, businesses and transportation manufacturers are some of the entities that must issue identity cards that guarantee maximum security. A good identity card will inspire confidence in a card holder who use it for various purposes such as bank transactions, employment, checking in at the airports and accessing government services. In addition, there is a lot of cost that is associated with the implementation and maintenance of good identity card systems. Some of the direct costs that an organization is likely to incur include the cost of purchasing ID card systems and the operational costs such cost of consumables, card production, issuance, and support. On the other hand, there are indirect costs of implementing a secure and safe environment which includes employee efficiency, profitability and reduction of the risk of lawsuits. This makes it beneficial to ensure secure practices when issuing identity cards to staff and all systems of work are properly managed. Issuing staff with good identity cards will improve the overall security of the workplace. An employer can authorize employees to access sensitive areas or critical activities and at the same time, measures can be put in place to restrict unauthorized access to such areas. With good identity cards, the traditional practice of using keys to access buildings and restrooms will be eliminated because employees can use a single card to open all the doors that they are authorized to open. This in turn enhances the security to the premise. Such kind of measures are also encouraged by authorities in industrial security. For instance, the United Kingdom’s security regulation body; the UK Center for the Protection of National Infrastructure advises that safe practices such as signing out of prohibited materials and health and safety compliance can be facilitated by use of secure systems that are accessed by good identity cards.

1.1. Importance of good identity cards

We will start this journey by breaking down a few things that will help you be informed in knowing a good identity card. An identity card is that it will help you out when you are in trouble or when you are involved in a problem. This is to mean that you can always use it as evidence or to recognize yourself as a responsible person. In order to understand and appreciate the importance of a good identity card, we need to look at the circumstances or the situation in which the identity card is very important. This is the reason why we need a good identity card that does not only help in identifying a certain person but also in stabilizing the security of the nation. Fraud and terrorism are some of the reasons as to why the security of a country should be put ahead of everything. With the current technology again, people are trying to manipulate the way identity cards are designed and used. This therefore means that without a good identity card, anyone can access your personal information and use it for malicious purposes. On the same breath, if the security features of these vital national tools are not up to standard, then the whole nation is put under a threat of attack from the terrorists. In most cases, the police have always been on the front line to emphasize on the importance of every citizen having a credible identity card. This is very important in the investigations and in ensuring that peace is maintained in all the regions of a particular country. When you have a credible identity card, you feel confident even when you are moving to other places away from your local home. This is where the function of identity cards and the benefits that come from having good identity cards come in. Well, for the police to carry out investigation of serious crimes like terrorism, the provision of the national identity cards of a suspect sometimes forms a very important strategy in the investigation processes. So, with the study progress in technology, the police and all the responsible government body should ensure that the citizens are issued for improved and quality identity cards. This reduces the chances of the security being threatened and it also helps in ensuring that every citizen reaps the full benefits of having a good national identity card.

1.2. Benefits of having good identity cards

Good identity card offers many benefits to cardholders. To start with, good identity cards help organizations prove they have been diligent in ensuring individuals who work for them are eligible to do so – this is a key part of the prevention of illegal working. If an employer has been thorough in their checks and can evidence this, they will have a statutory excuse available to them. In comparison, if an employer fails to carry out the necessary document checks (including checking in the presence of the holder that the documents appear genuine and relate to them, and keeping a clear copy of any documents checked), they can be subject to civil penalties and/or criminal sanctions. Good identity cards are helpful in avoiding mistakes caused by common look-alikes. By having a comprehensive good identity card system in place, the risk of someone being mistaken for another member of staff is greatly reduced. Modern good identity cards are produced using high-quality printers and are designed to feature many high-security elements – which when used in combination can provide a trusted and high level of confidence in the validity of the card and hence the cardholder’s entitlements. Modern good identity cards can provide access control solutions to cardholders. Many organizations design good identity card systems so that cardholders can use their cards to access secure areas of their buildings, giving greater flexibility to both the organization and the cardholder. This approach provides a future-proof solution for many organizations and prevents the need to reissue cards as changes in access requirements emerge. Good identity cards can also offer proof of address to the cardholder. This can be advantageous in situations where the individual has to prove where they live and the documents are used, for example, in applications for credit, financial services, and housing arrangements. Modern good identity cards can be used for a variety of applications, such as cashless vending and local shopping discounts, for example by having a signature panel feature or a magnetic stripe option.

2. Designing the identity card

When looking at the text and images on identity card samples, you may notice that their designs can vary significantly. There are a number of different factors that determine the best design for a particular ID card application. For example, a staff ID badge for a small business may have a simple design that includes a logo, whereas a local library card may include information such as a barcode or a signature panel. The first step in designing your ID card is to consider what you want it to look like and the sort of information you want to include. This will help you to decide what layout and format will work best for your card. For example, if you want to include a large photo of the cardholder that takes up most of the card space and their name in a large font, you may choose to use a portrait design. Or if you want the card to double up as a photo ID and include additional information such as a date of birth, you may choose to use a double-sided card layout. It is important to remember that many ID card printers allow you to be flexible with your design and can print a variety of card formats in full colour. However, the largest printable area on many ID card printers is the same size as a credit card, so this may impact the maximum size of the card you are able to design. When selecting the right design for your ID cards, it can be useful to consider the shape and size of the cards and make sure it fits into the wallets or badge holders that the cardholders will be using.

2.1. Choosing the right layout and format

It is also important to bear in mind the card holder’s prospective and the person assessing the data. For example, if the card will be used as a proof of age card, then the use of the individual’s date of birth that segregates the day, month and the year is required. On the other hand, if a card is to be used in a membership application then the card layout should include a section showing the membership number. Also, it is essential to include information such as the organization’s logo and the card issuer’s details. The right side or the center of the card may be used to place the logo and any other text or image personal to the issuance of the card. On the left hand side, the card design should include a statement that brings out the purpose of the card. This normally reads “This card is issued for the purpose of…” and the reason is clearly stated. By doing this, it helps the authority holder who needs to verify the person’s identity and matches the purpose of the inspection.

It is important to choose the right colors when designing an identity card. The colors chosen should be a reflection of the organization’s brand and they should be solid colors without any patterns such as stripes or checkered designs. The signature field and any other variable data should be clearly identified. Normally, a signature is obtained by providing a simple declaration statement for the individual to sign. This is normally found under the heading “I hereby declare the above particulars to be true” and provide a signature line underneath this statement.

It is essential to consider including a full face photograph with a white or off-white background. The photograph should have a clear head and shoulder view and the face must be in the center of the photograph. The photograph should be clear, sharp and a minimum of 600 dpi resolution. Also, make sure the candidate does not wear dark glasses unless for medical reasons. Religious headwear is allowed in photographs but it must be clear and the candidate’s face is showing.

2.2. Selecting appropriate colors and fonts

Selecting suitable colors, which are clear but not distracting, is a crucial beginning to the design of the identity card. Colors should be chosen with the place where a card is often checked in mind. For instance, if gatekeepers use a computer to check a card, light-colored text on a dark background is ideal, as it helps scanners to read the card easily. If a card is checked outside, choose a clear background with strong text. For fonts, a simple sans serif font, such as Arial or Helvetica, is often the most effective. They are the easiest to see and read. Ornate or script fonts should be avoided – they are frequently hard to read and this could cause problems. Also, such fonts are usually larger in file size since they are usually designed to use in titles.

2.3. Including necessary information

There are various important things that you should always ensure you have included on the identity card to make it effective and preserve its purpose. First, the card should include full names of the card holder. The names should be the names which are used in day to day life. It is good that you avoid use of initials in the names if possible. This is crucial especially when the identity cards are used for personal identification. Also, the identity card should have a clear photograph of the card holder. The photo should be recent enough and should be a true likeness of the card holder. In some instances, it may be important to specify the day the photograph was taken to help in proving that the photograph is recent enough. The photograph should have the names of a person written at the back as an authentication. In some cases, the identity card will show the status of the person. For example, if the person is a student, the identity card should have a clear statement that the holder is a student. Other vital information such as blood group and medical notes may also find their way into the identity card. Always ensure that such vital information is included clearly in the card. Lastly, remember to include the expiry date of the card. An expired card should be collected from the holder and destroyed to avoid vulnerabilities.

3. Printing and production

Printing and production processes are critical in creating a good identity card. Identity cards are usually printed using digital and lithographic printing methods. Dye sublimation, an example of digital printing, involves the use of heat to transfer dye to a plastic surface. Digital printing is advantageous in that it allows for the easy personalization of individual cards. Lithographic printing, on the other hand, leads to higher quality printing and is therefore suitable for situations where large numbers of identity cards are involved. This is because the high set-up cost is usually spread over the many cards that are printed. Ultimately, lithographic printing is more cost-effective. Both digital and lithographic printing methods are able to support the production of colored cards. However, digital printing is more flexible in that it becomes relatively easy to include photographs, signatures, and other personalized features on the identity card. In addition, digital printing is ideal for situations where different personal details and features need to be printed on each card, as may be necessary in the case of large-scale card personalization. The materials used in the printing process play a critical role in determining the quality of the final output. It is advisable to use durable materials to ensure that the production process runs smoothly and to avoid reprinting. Good printing materials should possess features such as good surface quality, consistent thickness, high tensile strength, and resistance to fading and aging. High gloss materials are preferred in the printing field due to their ability to produce cards with high-quality images. Such materials ensure that the identity cards bring out a highly professional look. In addition to good design and printing methods, it is important to include features that enhance the security and durability of an identity card. This could be in the form of a signature panel, a hologram overlay, a magnetic stripe, or a barcode. The use of such security features not only helps to prevent unauthorized alterations to the card but also enhances the credibility and integrity of the card. For high-security applications, smart cards which incorporate a chip or a magnetic stripe are used. Smart cards are ideal not only because they provide a reliable way of storing and securing identity information but also because they have the capacity to accommodate multiple technologies in a single card.

3.1. Selecting the right printing method

Using high-quality materials starts with choosing the right printing technology. Depending on your card programme, creating cards quickly and cost-effectively can start with the right method of personalisation. The three main printing methods are dye-sublimation, direct-to-card, and retransfer. Each method has its own strengths in terms of printing quality, speed, cost, and security. Cards, ITSO passes, travel cards, student ID and higher education cards, membership cards, and loyalty cards. These methods generally dictate the initial design and printing of a card, as well as the personalisation timescales and the length of a card production run. So, it’s important to get this stage right. Dye-sublimation technology produces the highest quality print in the industry and is ideal for the state of the art, professional quality ‘bespoke’ or ‘on demand’ card production. By contrast, direct-to-card printers are a simpler and more cost-effective method of card production compared to the dye-sublimation technique. They are faster and give a near photo-quality image, making them perfect for larger volume double-sided card printing and top up or replacement card programmes. Retransfer printers, also known as ‘over-the-edge’ printers, are the most advanced and provide the highest quality print finishes. These types of printers, working in conjunction with ‘smart’ or ‘intelligent’ printer encoders and lamination units, are suitable for producing the cards used for cashless payment programmes and large-scale event badging where high levels of security are required.

3.2. Using high-quality materials

Once we have decided the most suitable printing method, it’s important to use good quality materials. If we are using paper substrates for digital printing, it is necessary to ensure that the paper has the appropriate smoothness and is optimized for our equipment to ensure the best quality printing and overall security in the physical application itself. For example, a good quality digital print substrate will eliminate ‘mottle’ – this is when the ink is not consistently laid onto the paper and it can slow down the drying process and cause ink to be transferred to other things – and this will then further improve secondary printing and ensure that the final outcome meets the desired quality. Having decided that we are using a PVC card material and digital printing, we need to make sure that the PVC sheets are stored and handled correctly before they even reach the printers. PVC is a hygroscopic material, meaning that it absorbs moisture from the air. This can have potential catastrophic effects on the card in both its printed and secondary processed forms. If the moisture content in the digital press sheet is too high, the quality of the printing can be severely compromised. The ink can become water-logged and so when it is cured by UV light, the ink may not bond correctly and it will be easily removed from the cards. Also, when the cards go through the different heat laminating and spot punching processes as part of the card construction, the moisture in the PVC can turn to steam and cause blemishes or holes in the final product. This in turn means that there is a risk of producing a card that is not physically secure and will lack that visual security feature (in this case being the quality printing). If the moisture content is too low, static electricity can build up as the sheets move through the digital printer. This can cause issues and ruin quality of the printed image with tiny arcs of electricity jumping between the sheet and the print head. This could even damage the print head itself. But as importantly, a lack of proper static control in the printing process workflow can also potentially make printed images susceptible to static-related dirt and dust. Visual or mechanical security features, such as hot foil stamping presses and magnetic stripe applicator heads, can also be compromised as static electricity will cause the silver/gold foil or iron oxide of the magnetic stripe material to be incorrectly applied to the cards.

3.3. Ensuring durability and security features

Independent of the specific materials that are used in the manufacturing process, it is of crucial importance that an ID card or badge is designed to last. Because they are carried in wallets and pockets and frequently swiped, they are often exposed to much more wear and tear than cards of a similar size. Thus, a modern ID should be at least as durable as a regular credit or debit card, and to ensure longevity it is important that safety and durability testing is also carried out at the end of a card printing process. These tests are generally non-invasive and can be as simple as flexing the card across both axes to ensure that it cannot be snapped or bent out of shape. However, other tests might include subjecting the card to rapid changes in temperature or humidity, in order to check that the materials aren’t simply going to expand, contract, warp, or separate over time, or they might involve trying to scrape or smudge a printed surface. Modern methods of enhancing the durability of a printed image include using high strength and colorfast dye sublimation inks, coupled with a heat-saturation application. This technology essentially embeds the pigment inside the card material, and this obviously protects the printed image from external damage, in the same way that paper is protected at the laminating stage of a card with a laminated surface. Another key feature of modern ID and access cards is the use of additional security measures, to make them as resilient to tampering as possible. For example, many cards use what is known as a ‘composite sandwich’ construction. This involves printing the cardholder design onto one piece of laminate, the data onto a second, and then fusing them together around the perimeter. By sealing the edge of the card, this essentially makes it very hard to ‘delaminate’ the card and remove or change the information inside. Newer card varieties, known as ‘Multi technology’ have also emerged, which allow for multiple types of physical access control system to be integrated into a single card. This has the advantage of reducing the number of cards that a user has to carry around, and also leads to less card material being used in the first place, making the systems more environmentally friendly. Such added functionality does not come at the cost of increased size; some modern access cards are only a fraction larger than a pound coin in all dimensions.

3.4. Implementing quality control measures

Regular quality control checks help to ensure high levels of card quality and an effective quality management process. One way to achieve this is through tests during and after the manufacturing process. One such test consists of using a digital microscope. This microscope is a portable digital magnification tool with a built-in camera. It provides high-quality images and videos, aiding the visual inspection process. In particular, it is especially useful when looking for defects in the card’s laminate. The microscope connects to software on a computer, allowing the operator to navigate between different lenses and lighting. Images can be saved and measurements can be taken, invaluable for evidence in future reports. However, the most important benefit of a digital microscope is that it enables manufacturers to identify even minor defects in the cards – even those that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Regular visual and dimensional checks are also invaluable to ensure that the manufacturing facility remains capable of producing quality ID cards. Quality control processes can highlight when human error occurs, such as issues with the print area of the card coming out of alignment. Once the nature of a defect is discovered, for example through repeated observations on a pre-printed batch of PVC cards, preventative action can be taken to eliminate the problem. This ensures that a high quality and consistent product is delivered to the customer, and that the production process remains efficient and free from interruptions that problem-solving of defects during manufacturing would cause. Another important aspect of quality control includes scheduled and unscheduled audits. Customer-led audits, where the customer will visit the manufacturing facility to ensure quality requirements are being met, can be part of the card orders contract. It provides customers with confidence that their orders are being completed and monitored effectively. The customer may also take the findings of an audit as evidence that a manufacturing process can produce the required standard of card. This practice can therefore attract more business, and subsequent follow-on work, from the audit customer, other potential customers and all those customers who trust the audited customer’s judgment.

4. Distribution and usage

Another most important part of the ID card system is its proper distribution and usage. I have seen many systems that are really good but are not efficient enough to distribute identity cards. In Sri Lanka, they distribute identity cards through divisional secretariats. Even though there are technical advancements in such systems, people are not even aware of that. Therefore, we need to be very careful when designing a distribution mechanism. There are many modern technologies for very efficient distribution. For example, we can implement database systems linking the immigration and emigration department, registrar general’s department and the police department. Then we can include computerized applications for data entry. This will minimize the manual work, unnecessary paper usage and human errors. Also, if you are using the latest technology, make sure that you always utilize the web application services provided by the relevant authorities. If we improve the distribution mechanism, we can easily avoid a lot of unnecessary problems. However, improving the system is not enough and the people should be educated on how to use the ID cards properly. For my knowledge, many people don’t know the importance of the national identity cards. There should be programs to educate people about it, highlighting that it is not just a plastic card. ID card education can run through for many years. For example, it can be included in the school curriculum as a part of the civics and citizenship education. The education process should focus on the importance of the ID card, types of IDs available, verification processes and different uses of the card. Also, the activities of the card verification servers and card readers are underestimated. In my experience, we implement really good card readers but most of them are not properly utilized. For example, there are networks of automatic card verification that are available for use by relevant parties. These systems should not be underused. Make sure that you spread the knowledge to the relevant organizations and they make use of these facilities. Well, we should always implement standard practices in card verification processes. And no matter what’s the type of your ID card, those processes should be strictly adhered to.

4.1. Developing efficient distribution channels

Efficient distribution channels can be developed through designing and producing cards with security features and tamper-evident elements, upgrading from basic paper- or optical-memory based systems to integrated circuit or more advanced card technologies. This is so as to leverage modular or secure system architectures that will allow the use of multi-application cards which can be used for a variety of applications rather than using single-function cards. One approach that has been proven to be very effective is the use of customized card management application systems that can enable secure and fast data transmission between personalization bureaux and the city-cards management team. Such a system allows cards to be personalized one by one as they are being issued at the distribution centers and the overall production and personalization process can be closely monitored. Also, these distribution channels can be used as a platform for a smooth and systematic review of the card’s design and the underlying card production, management and quality control processes. By leveraging on internet-based technologies as well as building interfaces between card management systems, such as the creation of centralized inbox functions that can communicate card ordering statuses between residents’ and district digital city-card management team, distribution channels can be further enhanced. This approach can effectively reduce the lead-time between card order placement and the delivery of the card to the resident, which is a key performance target in ensuring high levels of user satisfaction with city card services. Residents can be given a choice to apply for smart cards at different distribution centers nearest to their homes over the counter or through the internet. Sites where the distribution centers will be located can be determined through site analysis to identify locations that are best served by such centers and taking into account potential future expansion. Residents may also have the added convenience of being able to apply through mobile channels such as by engaging mobile counters or roving teams to reach out to specific community groups and carrying out the application processes in mobile and flexible locations such as local community centers or residential gathering places.

4.2. Educating users on proper card usage

In educating users on the correct and efficient usage of the identity cards, a number of approaches can be used. First, users need to be informed of the risks that are involved in case of an unauthorized use or loss of the card. This can be done in many ways, including attaching pamphlets outlining the dos and don’ts of a lost identity card. In addition, while giving the card to the users for the first time, a detailed written document highlighting the implications of unauthorized use and the procedural steps which should be taken in case the card gets lost should be provided. Educative messages can be included also in the website of the issuing authority so that whenever a user is coming to collect the card, he or she can be requested to visit such educative segments in the website. Regular communications through short messaging services, emails and more conventional methods such as letters can be used to remind the users on the significance of responsible use of identity cards. A campaign can also be enacted to sensitize users on the need to avoid sharing information with unauthorized persons or other forms of misuse. Education and sensitization on the importance of the proper use of identity cards should not be limited to the card holders only. Every other stakeholder should be involved; that is, parents, guardians, law enforcers and all the agencies who may rely on the information provided in the identity cards for effective service delivery. For instance, parents should be educated on the significance of ensuring that their children access medical care under the cards which contain their details rather than using their own cards. Over and above, then the card issuing authority has the mandate to ensure that all guardians and parents are provided with the necessary information required capturing the biometric details of minors so that the practice is harmonized. It’s also important to put measures in place in order to ensure that all users of the identity cards have indeed taken the time to familiarize themselves with the information provided. For example, certain services can be offered only after the users have passed a simple online test to confirm that they have indeed understood the terms of usage. Such measures can be used to ensure that not only are the users educated on the correct usage of the cards but the risks of unauthorized use and other malpractices are reduced to very minimal levels.

4.3. Implementing card verification processes

Another crucial step to take when securing the proper usage of the cards is to implement a card verification process. This is a system in which when an identity card is used, the user must verify that he or she is indeed the person printed on the card before access to a resource is granted. The most commonly used method to do this involves the use of Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and in some cases, passwords. Every user is required to create a PIN or password that will be used whenever the card is presented for identity verification. In the verification process, the user will be prompted to enter the PIN or password if the method in use asks for this information. The PIN or password entered will be matched with the information stored on the card’s microprocessor chip. If the provided information matches the stored information, then the verification process will be successful. The implementation of a card verification process adds a further layer of security and makes it more difficult for fraudulent activities to be carried out using fake or stolen cards. With such measures in place, the instances of abuse not only to the cards but to the resources and personal information as well are greatly minimized. However, to ensure the effectiveness of the verification processes, operators of such card systems need to employ a mix of different verification methods to suit the purpose for which the cards are used and as well, update these methods as advancements in technology occur. Other methods that can be incorporated in a card verification system include the use of fingerprint scanners, digital image capturing and recognition amongst others. This provides a form of flexibility and puts the operator in a position to install systems that will benefit from the very latest security innovations within the industry.