Whether you notice or not, there are some major changes taking place in the ID card industry right now. New technologies, new laws and the continual push for maximum efficiency have created several new and important ID card developments in recent months. Here are some things to keep your eyes open for:

National ID Cards – Several countries including the US, UK and Australia have introduced proposals for national ID cards. Designed to be a solution to a wide variety of domestic problems, card legislation in the US and UK is deeply mired in controversies over individual privacy. The REAL ID Act (US, 2005), when implemented, would mandate that all US citizens acquire a national ID card which displays a photo and demographic information (including the ever-sensitive Social Security Number). Cards would also be embedded with RFID technology, which is said to ease border crossings during travel. Supporters of the bill say that the REAL ID is a surefire way to increase homeland security, prevent illegal immigration and terrorist attacks. The snag behind the REAL ID card? Opponents say that all data would be stored in a large central database, a veritable hacker’s paradise, leaving the information of millions of citizens open and vulnerable to identity theft and more. Also, should a citizen decide that they do not wish to carry a REAL ID card, they would not be able to board an aircraft, drive a car, or enjoy a whole host of other everyday privileges. While the REAL ID act was passed by Congress in 2005, senators and representatives are still engaged in heated debate over the technicalities of the card. 

Combination ID Cards – For years, students have been accustomed to carrying photo IDs with their name, school year and an identifying bar code. These are especially prevalent in colleges and universities, where student ID cards serve as library cards, meal tickets, gym passes, even room keys. Now, many schools are teaming up with banks or credit unions to create ID cards that have credit and debit capabilities. Unlike traditional student IDs, which are typically equipped with just a barcode or a bar code and a (low coercivity) magnetic stripe, these new IDs have many distinguishing features similar to credit cards – a high coercivity magnetic stripe, bar code, embossed letters, even an expiration date. Students may elect to have their ID card linked to a bank account and have a dual-functioning student ID. This is a popular choice among many students, who find that the convenience of having a bank account linked to their student ID makes it easy to eat and shop around their campus. A bank account option also makes it easy for students to open accounts for the first time, and the photo ID on the front of the card can help prevent identity theft.