4 Types Of ID Cards

To enter a corporate building in Taguig, you need to present an ID. 

To board an airplane, you need to present an ID. 

To enter a government building, you need to present an ID.

Presenting an ID is a necessary part of living in the Philippines. Not only do they prove who you are, but they also provide security and comfort. But not all ID cards are the same. This is one of the misconceptions most procurement and supply officers have. As a result, they are unsure what kind of ID cards they should purchase.

This guide will provide you with the different kinds of ID cards that you can purchase.

1. Proximity Cards

Whether or not it’s a modern security system or a simple magnetic card reader, proximity cards are an efficient way to identify people.

What you need to know about proximity cards:

Proximity cards are separated into three categories:

Active: Active proximity cards are the most common of all three proximity cards. These cards need the use of batteries to function.

Passive: These proximity cards do not have batteries and instead work by receiving energy from an RFID reader that emits radio frequencies.

Contactless: As the name implies, these cards are no bigger than a usual debit card but can still perform all the functions of a proximity card. This type of proximity card does not need to touch or be near an RFID reader to function.

The biggest advantage to purchasing proximity cards is their affordability. Compared to smart cards, which are coins and credit-card-sized ID cards that can hold your complete personal information, proximity cards are much more affordable.

2. Standard PVC ID cards

Identity cards are beneficial in most situations. They are great for work, school and even as an extra form of identification such as on your passport. PVC identity cards provide a flexible way to create your own identity card while maintaining the security that you need. However, this type of id card is easy to copy or replicate, so keep that in mind.

What you need to know about standard PVC ID cards: 

PVC cards can be cut with scissors and will not last long if you try to write on them. They are also only one inch thick. To prevent forgery, PVC cards should not be written on and cannot be duplicated using a UV printer. 

Unlike plastic ID cards, PVC ID cards cannot be used as a card to store important information such as your SSN. Also, it is not waterproof. Therefore, PVC identity cards should only be used for storing inventory in a warehouse or on the production line.

3. Metal ID cards

For many years, metal identification was an affordable and secure way of identifying yourself by using your fingerprints or using an encoded magnetic stripe. Some companies and even government agencies still use these systems due to their cheapness and security.

4. Smart ID cards

Smart ID cards can store your personal information and keep your identification photos on the card itself. This card can be used for everything from work to travel.

What you need to know about Smart ID cards:

The most significant disadvantage of a smart card is its high cost. This is also the biggest reason why not every company uses this card. It is best to use this id card for security purposes, as they can store your biometrics data and information.

How To Choose An ID Card

There are two things you need to know about when choosing an id card:

1. How secure the id card is

In the past, id cards were primarily magnetic USB sticks that you would carry around with you. While this is still available to some people, today’s most common id cards are RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips. These cards store your identity until encoded into the card itself, which prevents forgery and duplication.

2. How many photos do you need

While an ID card may be necessary in your country, it is not always necessary. For example, some countries let you enter a building using only a photocopy of your passport or driver’s license. 

In other countries, you may need to present a physical id card that has a photo of you on it. This can get more confusing when you’re purchasing an ID card for an employee, as some companies make their employees have an ID on them at all times while they work.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know what kind of ID cards exist, you can take the next step in purchasing them. There are many companies that also offer ID card printing services, so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of having to print a custom ID.