Custom PVC ID Cards: A Simple Ordering Guide

Whether you run an office, a school, a conference or a concert, ID cards help people know who belongs where. Custom PVC ID cards are durable, look professional, and make check-in and security much simpler.

This simple guide covers everything you need to order custom PVC ID cards: who uses them, which layout to choose, finish options, and how to send your names and photos without stress.

Who Needs Custom PVC ID Cards?

PVC ID cards are useful any time you need to tell people apart quickly.

• Offices and businesses: employee badges with name, photo and job title.
• Events and conferences: staff, speaker, vendor and VIP passes.
• Schools and churches: staff, volunteer and visitor cards.
• Concerts and festivals: backstage, crew and all-access passes.
• Clubs and memberships: member cards that people keep in a wallet.

Choose Your Card Size

Two sizes are common:

Standard Card Size (2.12 x 3.38 in)

This is the same size as a credit card. It fits in wallets and standard badge holders, so it is a great choice for employee and member IDs.

Large Event Size (3.15 x 4.72 in)

A bigger card is easier to read from a distance. It works well for event passes and VIP badges where staff need to check access quickly.

Vertical or Horizontal?

Vertical cards hang straight on a lanyard and are the most popular choice for badges. They give plenty of room for a photo on top with a name below.

Horizontal cards feel more like a classic business or membership card and suit wallets and clip holders.

If your cards will hang on custom lanyards, vertical is usually the easier pick.

Hole and Attachment Options

Think about how people will wear the card. A punched slot lets the card attach to a lanyard or badge clip. If cards will go in a wallet or a holder, you may not need a hole at all. Let us know your plan on the quote form and we will set it up for you.

Pick Your Finish

Glossy

Bright, shiny and colorful. Glossy makes photos and logos pop.

Matte

Smooth with no glare. Matte looks modern and is easy to read under bright lights.

Frosted

A soft, semi-clear look that feels premium and stands out from regular cards.

What to Put on Your Card

• Your logo and organization name
• The person’s name, and a photo if needed
• A role or access level, like STAFF, VIP or CREW
• An ID number, barcode or QR code if you use them for check-in

Use color to show access levels. For example, one color for staff and another for VIP helps security see the difference at a glance. Note that each different artwork, size or color needs an extra mold cost, so plan your versions before ordering.

How to Send Your Name List and Photos

This step is where most delays happen, so a little prep goes a long way.

1. Use a spreadsheet. Put one person per row, with columns for name, title and any ID number.
2. Name your photos clearly. Match each photo file name to the person’s name in the spreadsheet.
3. Use clear photos. Face forward, good lighting, plain background.
4. Double check spelling. We print exactly what you send, so review every name before you submit.

You can upload your logo and files through our request a free quote form.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ordering too late. Leave time for your proof review, production and shipping. If your date is close, choose rush service.
• Too much text. Long messages get small and hard to read. Shorter is almost always better.
• Low quality artwork. A blurry logo prints blurry. Send the largest, clearest file you have.
• Skipping the proof check. Take a few minutes to read every word and check every color on your free proof before you approve it.
• Forgetting extra versions. Each different artwork, size or color needs its own mold cost, so plan all versions up front.

Avoiding these simple mistakes helps your order arrive on time and look exactly the way you pictured it.

Production Time, Shipping and Payment

Here is how timing works at PrintVow, so you can plan backward from your event date.

Regular Orders

Regular production takes 3 to 5 business days after you approve your proof. Shipping then takes 5 to 7 business days.

Rush Orders

Need it sooner? Rush production takes 1 to 3 business days, and rush shipping takes 3 to 5 business days. Rush service adds a $30 charge.

Shipping and Payment

We ship worldwide with USPS and UPS. You can pay with PayPal or a credit or debit card.

Tip: count business days, not calendar days. Weekends and holidays do not count toward production or shipping time.

How to Order

1. Browse our custom PVC ID cards.
2. Choose size, layout, finish and quantity, then send your details on the quote form.
3. We send a free design proof for you to check.
4. Once approved, your cards go into production.
5. They ship to you with USPS or UPS.

Want a more premium card for owners or VIPs? Take a look at our metal cards. Running an event? Add silicone wristbands for fast guest access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum order for PVC ID cards?

No. You can order a single card or a full team set.

Can each card have a different name and photo?

Yes. Send a spreadsheet of names and a clearly named photo for each person.

How long does it take?

Regular production is 3 to 5 business days plus 5 to 7 business days of shipping. Rush is 1 to 3 business days plus 3 to 5 business days of shipping, with a $30 rush charge.

Do I get to approve the design?

Yes. Every order includes a free design proof before we print.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept PayPal and credit or debit cards.

Get Your ID Cards Started

Send us your logo, layout and name list, and we will prepare a free design proof. Request your free quote and design proof today. You can also browse more of our custom designs at Craft and Print Studio on Etsy.