the complete guide to id cards and lanyard printing in 2025

The Complete Guide to ID Cards and Lanyard Printing in 2025

ID cards are everywhere. Schools use them. Offices use them. Hospitals, gyms, and even events rely on them. An ID card is not just a piece of plastic. It is proof of identity. It gives access. It builds trust.

By 2025, ID card printing services will have gotten bigger and better. The advancements in technology are making ID card printing faster, safer, and more custom. Companies want cards that look beautiful with their name or brand on them, will last longer, and have some new technology in them. A photo card does not cut it anymore.

Think about it. A school needs student ID cards with barcodes for library access. An office needs employee cards with smart chips for door entry. An event might need colorful visitor badges with lanyards to make guests feel welcome. ID card printing today is about much more than names and photos. It is about function, security, and design.

In Ireland, the demand for ID card printing and lanyard printing is rising. Small businesses, large companies, and even community events now need custom solutions. With modern machines and online ordering, it has become easier than ever.

This guide will explain everything about ID card printing services in 2025. We will look at the benefits, types of cards, costs, and new trends. You will also see tables and charts that make things clear. By the end, you will know why ID cards matter and how to choose the best service in Ireland.

Why ID Cards Matter in 2025

  • Proof of identity for schools, offices, and events.
  • Security through barcodes, chips, and QR codes.
  • Branding with logos, colors, and lanyard designs.
  • Easy tracking for attendance and access.

In short, ID cards are both practical and professional.

Types of ID Cards Available

ID card printing services offer many types today. Here are the main options:

  • Standard Photo ID Cards
  • Simple design.
  • Name, photo, and role.
  • Used in schools, offices, and clubs.
  1. Smart Cards

Have chips or magnetic strips.

Used for secure access and payments.

  • Event Badges

Bright, colorful, and larger in size.

Paired with lanyard printing for branding.

  • Eco-Friendly Cards

Made from recycled plastic or paper.

Good choice for green businesses.

Comparison of ID Card Types in 2025

Let’s have a look at a quick comparison of different types of ID cards.

TypeFeaturesCommon Use Cost (Ireland)
Standard ID CardName + PhotoSchools, Offices  €1–€2 per card  
Smart CardChip/Mag StripeSecure Workplaces€5–€7 per card
Event BadgeLarge + Custom DesignConferences, Fairs€3–€5 per card
Eco-Friendly CardRecycled MaterialsGreen Companies€2–€4 per card

The Role of Lanyard Printing

An ID card is not complete without a lanyard. Lanyards are the colorful straps that hold cards. They make IDs easy to wear and visible.

  • Great for branding with logos.
  • Available in different materials (polyester, satin, or eco-friendly).
  • Can be printed in bulk at low cost.
  • Example: A company in Dublin prints lanyards with its logo for all employees. This not only looks professional but also promotes the brand outside the office.

How ID Cards Are Printed in 2025

The process is now much faster and simpler:

  • Design

Upload logo, colors, and details.

  • Select Card Type

Standard, smart, or eco.

  • Choose Lanyard Printing

Add custom straps if needed.

  • Printing

High-quality machines print cards within hours.

  • Delivery

Cards are shipped or collected locally.

  • Growth of ID Card Printing Market (2020–2025)

Here’s how the market has grown worldwide:

Year  Market Size (Billion $)
2020 5.2  
2021 6.0
2022 6.8
20237.6
2024 8.3  
2025  9.0  

More schools, offices, and events mean steady growth.

Benefits of ID Card Printing Services

Out of numerous benefits, here we have enlisted a few of them.

  1. Security

Protects workplaces from outsiders.

  • Professional Look

Staff and students look organized.

  • Branding

Custom lanyards promote your business.

  1. Convenience

Easy access with chips and barcodes.

Whether in Cork, Galway, or Dublin, ID Cards Ireland are being used by businesses daily.

Cost of ID Cards in Ireland (2025)

Service           Average Price
Standard ID Printing€150–€200  
Smart Card Printing€500–€600  
Event Badge Printing€250–€350  
Custom Lanyard Printing€80–€120

Costs drop when you order in bulk. Many services also offer free design.

Trends in 2025

Let’s have a look at some of the trends in 2025.

  • Eco-Friendly Printing

More demand for recycled cards.

  • Contactless Smart Cards

Used for payments and access.

  • Custom Lanyards

Bright colors and logo prints are popular.

  • Online Ordering

Upload, pay, and get delivery in days.

Future of ID Cards and What’s Next?

ID cards are changing fast. In 2025, they are not just plastic cards anymore. New tech is making them smarter, safer, and even digital. Here’s what’s coming:

  • New Trends in ID Cards

Here are some new trends in ID cards:

  • Biometric cards

Use fingerprints or face recognition. No need for pins or passwords.

  • Digital ID cards

Stored on your phone in a secure app. No need to carry a card everywhere.

  • Smart lanyards

With NFC tags. Just tap the lanyard to get instant info about the person.

  • Eco-friendly cards

Made from recycled plastic or paper, reducing waste.

Future Features of ID Cards

FeatureWhat It Means for YouExample Use
Biometric cardsUnlock with your fingerprint/faceOffice entry, banks  
Digital IDsID stored on your phoneAirports, schools
NFC lanyardsTap to share info quicklyEvents, conferences
Eco-friendly cardsMade from recycled materialsUniversities, NGOs  

These updates make ID cards easier to use, safer, and better for the planet.

Conclusion

ID cards aren’t just boring old plastic anymore. Now in 2025, they can be smart, stylish, and secure. An ID card service in Ireland can print you almost anything tailored to your needs, including standard IDs, smart cards, event badges, and custom lanyard printing.

With an increasing demand for ID cards, the cost is competitive, and printing technology continues to advance. Whether you’re a school, commercial business, or event supplier, ID cards are a way to build trust and security.

So, if you need ID cards in Ireland, find an ID card service you can trust. Pick your card type, order your lanyards, and wait for delivery. ID card printing in 2025 will all be about great quality, branding, and less hassle in your life.