Database functionality is an important factor to consider when choosing a program for identification card software.  Databases are essential for a busy card administrator who has to coordinate and manage hundreds, or even thousands of cards.  With databases, users can design and manipulate thousands of cards on the fly without having to worry about endless data entry.  Databases are a feature that nearly every form of ID card software has, but the way a database functions depends greatly on the type of software that is used.

Some programs have native databases, which must have data from other sources either re-entered or imported.  Some programs allow users to use existing databases from compatible programs like Access or SQL.  The functionality and type of database depends on the type of ID card software.