As the ID card industry continues to introduce new technologies, picture ID cards are becoming exceedingly secure and functional for a broad range of end-users. Those issuing photo IDs are finding that the cards can be useful for far more than simple photo identification.
Governmental organizations at the state and federal level, for instance, commonly issue multifunctional ID cards designed to meet the highest of security requirements. A single card can contain a variety of security features and functions. Proximity card technology allows IDs to be utilized for access control for government buildings and restricted areas, while smart chip encoding is often used for safely storing encrypted information, and for controlling access to secure computer networks. New technologies such as biometrics are also being incorporated into governmental identification systems. These enhance security further with the addition of fingerprints, iris scans, and three-dimensional images.
College campuses are also strong candidates for multifunctional picture IDs. Many universities now issue student IDs that operate to not only identify a student, but as a form of convenience for a number of additional applications. Magnetic stripe encoding allows these cards to be used for student meal plans. Some schools use proximity card technology for controlling access to student dorms. And many schools build points programs into their photo IDs, allowing students and parents to deposit money into individual accounts. This enables them to make purchases on campus and in some cases at select businesses off campus, essentially giving their student IDs functionality similar to that of a debit card.
Read more about picture ID cards: