Direct-to-Card ID Card Printers

Direct-to-card (DTC) printers are the most popular choice for everyday ID badge printing. Using dye-sublimation technology, they print directly onto the card surface, producing sharp images and vibrant colors at a cost-effective price. DTC printers are ideal for organizations that need reliable, high-quality badges quickly, without the added expense of advanced security features.

At IRIS, we offer top-selling direct-to-card printers from IDP and Entrust, backed by our expert support team. While these are our most popular models, we also carry all major ID brands to ensure you find the right fit for your needs.

Speak with an IRIS account manager today. Whether you’ve found the printer you need or are looking for a specific model not listed, we can source it through our trusted distributor network and help you find the perfect ID card solution.

IDP Smart-31S - Perfect for small organizations or entry-level ID card printing, the IDP Smart-31S combines speed, reliability, and professional-quality results in a compact, lightweight design. With optional encoding and security features, it’s an easy-to-use solution that grows with your needs.

Single-sided printer
Lightweight & compact
300 dpi full color (up to 1200 dpi for monochrome printing)
Prints a full-color card in 20 sec. (monochrome in 5 sec.)
Edge-to-edge printing
Field-upgradeable to dual-sided printing with flipper option

Optional encoding (magnetic stripe, contact & contactless smart cards)
Optional UV printing
Easy to use & maintain with LED status light and tools
Backed by a 3-year warranty

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IDP Smart-31D - The IDP Smart-31D is an affordable dual-sided ID card printer designed for small businesses and organizations that need professional results without complexity. Compact, reliable, and feature-rich, it offers built-in dual-sided printing plus optional encoding and security upgrades to grow with your needs.

Dual-sided printing
Lightweight & compact design
300 dpi full color (up to 1200 dpi for monochrome printing)
Prints a full-color card in 26 sec.
FINE™ Imaging Technology for vivid, high-quality cards
Easy to use & maintain with LED status light and monitoring tools

Optional encoding: magnetic stripe, contact, & contactless smart cards
Optional UV printing for extra security
Optional Ethernet for secure network printing
Backed by a 3-year warranty

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IDP Smart-51S - Built for speed and durability, the IDP Smart-51S is a single-sided printer with a metal frame and user-friendly LCD controls. It delivers sharp, professional cards at high speed, with optional upgrades that allow you to add dual-sided printing, lamination, and advanced security features as your needs grow.

Single-sided card printing
Prints a full-color card in 17 sec. (monochrome in 5 sec.)
300 dpi full color (up to 1200 dpi for monochrome printing)
Edge-to-edge printing
LCD display and LED controls
Optional encoding: magnetic stripe, contact & contactless smart cards

Optional UV printing for added security
Upgradeable to dual-sided printing, lamination, and Ethernet networking
Compatible with SMART IDesigner
Backed by a 3-year warranty

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IDP Smart-51D - Dual-sided printer built for organizations that need speed, reliability, and long-term durability. With a strong metal frame, fast dual-sided printing, and upgrade options like lamination and advanced encoding, the 51D is ideal for higher-volume programs that demand professional results and future-ready flexibility.

Dual-sided printing
300 dpi full color (up to 1200 dpi for monochrome printing)
Prints a dual-sided full-color card in 22 sec. (monochrome in 5 sec.)
Edge-to-edge printing
User-friendly LCD display
Optional UV security printing

Optional encoding (magnetic stripe, contact & contactless smart cards)
Upgrade options: lamination module & Ethernet networking
Backed by a 3-year warranty

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IDP Smart-51L - For organizations that require maximum card security and durability, the IDP Smart-51L is the clear choice. With patented Direct Lamination™ technology, it delivers fast printing and lamination in one seamless process, protecting credentials against wear, fading, and tampering. Ideal for government, healthcare, education, or corporate environments where card longevity and security matter most.

Field-upgradeable: 51S & 51D models can be upgraded to 51L
Patented Direct Lamination™ heats up in just 8 seconds
Prints and laminates a full-color card in 22 sec.
300 dpi full color (up to 1200 dpi for monochrome printing)
Edge-to-edge printing
User-friendly LCD display

Supports holographic lamination for advanced security and card durability
Optional encoding: magnetic stripe, contact & contactless smart cards
Optional Ethernet connectivity

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IDP Smart-70 - When you need high-volume card issuance without sacrificing quality or security, the IDP Smart-70 delivers. Built for large organizations, government agencies, and service bureaus, the Smart-70 offers modular scalability with input hoppers up to 500 cards, fast print speeds, and optional dual-sided lamination. Its durable construction and advanced security features make it a top choice for large-scale ID programs.

High-volume ID card printer with modular design
Input hoppers available in 100, 200, 500, or 700-card capacity
Prints a dual-sided full-color card in 18 sec. (monochrome in 5 sec.)
300 dpi full color (up to 1200 dpi for monochrome printing)
Single or dual-sided printing with optional lamination
Optional UV printing

Optional encoding (magnetic stripe, contact & contactless smart cards)
Robust physical and electronic security,
Network-ready with Ethernet and SNMPv3 support
Backed by a 3-year warranty

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Entrust Sigma DS1 & DS2- The Entrust Sigma series is built for modern, secure card issuance with speed, reliability, and flexible connectivity. With its compact design, the DS1 (single-sided) and DS2 (dual-sided) models make it easy for organizations to produce professional, secure IDs. Both printers use the same ribbons and supplies, simplifying inventory management.