How to Buy Printable Blank ID Cards for your Card Printer

Dec 5th 2025

Whether you're printing blank ID cards, membership cards, gift cards, access cards, VIP cards, or loyalty cards, having the right printable plastic cards is essential for producing professional results. If you're new to plastic card printing or looking to streamline your ordering process, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ordering printable blank ID cards for your printer.

Understanding Blank ID Card Basics

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic cards are the industry standard for card printing. They're the same size and thickness as a credit card—CR80 size, measuring 3.375" x 2.125" and 30 mil thick. These cards are durable, affordable, and compatible with most direct-to-card and retransfer plastic card printers on the market.

Determine Your PVC Card Specifications

Before placing your order, consider these key specifications:

Card Color: While white cards are the most popular and least expensive choice, blank cards are available in various colors including black, red, metallic silver, metallic gold, and a range of additional colors including fluorescents. White cards provide the best background for artwork containing a full-color design. Blank colored cards are more expensive, however, printing on them using less expensive black ink (resin) can actually result in a more affordable out the door cost with more impactful results.

Card Finish: Choose between glossy or matte finishes. Glossy cards offer a shiny, professional appearance and are easiest to clean, while matte cards provide a smooth, upscale look and are less prone to showing fingerprints.

Special Features: Depending on your needs, you might want magnetic stripe cards or other optional upgrades like pre-punched holes for lanyards, or proximity/smart card RFID or NFC technology embedded inside.

Quantity: While some vendors offer quantities as low as 100, BlankPlasticCards.com has a minimum quantity of 1,000. While this may sound like a lot, purchasing in batches of 1,000 or more could reduce your per-card cost by over 50%.

Verify Printer Compatibility

Plastic cards cannot be run through a standard inkjet or laser. Most modern plastic card printers work with standard CR80 PVC cards, but some specialized printers may require specific card types or thicknesses. Check your printer manufacturer's specifications to ensure compatibility with printable plastic cards. 

Direct-to-card printers work with standard PVC cards, while retransfer printers can handle both PVC and composite cards. If you're using a printer with encoding capabilities for magnetic stripe cards, proximity cards, or RFID cards, make sure your blank cards have the appropriate technology. Request a free sample to ensure compatibility prior to ordering.

Consider Your Quality Needs

The quality of your blank cards directly affects your finished product. Look for cards that are:

  • Made from pure, high-grade PVC for consistent printing results
  • Manufactured with uniform thickness throughout
  • Packaged to prevent damage during shipping and storage

Premium-grade cards may cost slightly more but deliver better print quality, longer card life, and fewer printer jams or errors.

Calculate Your Quantity Needs

Estimate how many cards you'll need based on your typical usage. Consider factors like:

  • For printable ID cards or membership cards, determine the number of employees, members, or customers you serve
  • Frequency of card replacement or renewal
  • Potential for misprints or errors during production
  • Storage space and shelf life (PVC cards have a long shelf life when stored properly)

Ordering in bulk can provide substantial cost savings, but make sure you have adequate storage in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Place Your Order for Printable Blank ID Cards

When you're ready to order:

  1. Select your desired card color
  2. Choose your quantity
  3. If needed, select the type of magnetic stripe you’d like to add. Options include:
    1. .330 LoCo 300 Oe Magnetic Stripe
    2. .500 LoCo 300 Oe Magnetic Stripe
    3. .330 HiCo 300 Oe Magnetic Stripe
    4. .500 HiCo 2750 Oe Magnetic Stripe 
  4. Select from gloss or smooth matte finish
  5. Review your order and proceed to checkout

Most orders ship out within one to two business days while unique colors and configurations like fluorescent plastic cards are made to order and will ship out in roughly 10 business days. Inquire about expedited shipping options available for urgent needs.

Tips for First-Time Buyers

If you're ordering blank id cards for the first time, consider starting with a smaller quantity to test compatibility with your printer and ensure the cards meet your quality standards. You can also request sample cards before placing a large order.

Keep track of your usage patterns so you can anticipate when you'll need to reorder and avoid running out of supplies during critical printing jobs.

Storage and Handling of PVC Cards

Once your blank cards arrive, store them properly to maintain their quality. Keep them in their original packaging until ready to use, store them in a climate-controlled environment between 50-80°F, and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or humidity.

When handling blank cards, be sure to only touch the edges of the card. If the front or back of the card is touched, the oil from your fingers can cause the ink/ribbon from your card printer not to adhere well in that spot. Dust will do the same thing so be sure to keep your cards in the box until needed.

Prefer to Receive Printed Cards?

Not everyone has a card printer or wants to handle the printing process in-house. If you'd rather receive fully printed, professionally finished cards without investing in printing equipment, Print Robot offers a complete printed plastic card solution. They handle everything from design to production, delivering finished cards ready to distribute—perfect for businesses that need high-quality cards without the hassle of managing their own printing operation.

Ready to Order Blank Cards?

Ordering printable blank plastic cards doesn't have to be complicated. By understanding your specific needs and choosing quality cards that match your printer's specifications, you'll be producing professional-looking cards in no time. Buy direct from one of the leading U.S. manufacturers and know you are getting a great price on blank cards.


Looking for a custom color, quantity, shape, or size? Contact us for a custom quote.