Everyone has at least one photo ID card. In an age when identity theft is increasingly common, it's important to have a secure method of manufacturing photo IDs-- whether they be drivers licenses, student IDs or passports. And while government ID cards are the most common type of ID, photo IDs emerge in other arenas as well. Employers often issue ID cards to staff to distinguish between those with different levels of security clearance for access purposes. It's also possible to use employee ID badges as time cards.

Important factors to consider when choosing a photo ID printer

• Print method. For most small applications, a direct-to-card printing method will suffice. DTC (or direct-to-card) printers are more affordable, and are good for schools and non-profit organizations that are working on a tight budget. If you need extra-secure cards, however, choose a printer with reverse transfer printing. Instead of printing directly onto the plastic card, the printhead inscribes text and images onto a special film, which the printer bonds to the card surface with heat and pressure. The result? Crisp, smooth images that will be destroyed if anyone tries to peel the film away from the card.