ID Card Printing in Nepal: Size, Materials, Lanyards, Data
Quick answer: The standard ID card size is 85.6 × 54 mm (ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1, the credit-card size), usually printed on PVC plastic at about 0.76 mm thick. Choose PVC for staff and student cards used daily, thick paper or laminated card for events and short-term passes, add a lanyard or holder for wear, and send names, numbers and photos in a spreadsheet and folder so each card prints correctly.
"ID card printing near me" is a rising query in the Nepal Google Trends data (about +120%). Offices, schools, colleges, clubs, cooperatives and events order ID cards in batches, so the work is mostly about clean data and clear layout. This guide covers employee, student, member and event cards. Government-issued identity documents, such as citizenship, passport or national ID cards, are produced by government bodies and are not covered.
The standard card size
ISO/IEC 7810 defines the ID-1 card size at 85.60 × 53.98 mm. It fits wallets, card readers, lanyard holders and most ID printers. Larger formats exist for event badges (for example 4 × 3 in or A6) but standard cards are the default.
Materials
| Material | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PVC card (about 0.76 mm) | Staff, student, member cards | Durable, waterproof, takes a magnetic strip, chip or barcode |
| Laminated thick paper or card | Events, visitor passes, short courses | Low cost; wears faster |
| PET or composite card | Heavy use, eco options | Ask for options |
| Badge with pouch | Conferences | Reusable holder |
Layout: what goes on the card
- Organisation name and logo
- Photo, if used
- Name and role or class
- ID number or barcode or QR code
- Validity or issue date
- Return address or phone, on the back
- Signature line, if needed
Keep the layout simple. Fewer elements are easier to read at card size. Keep text at least 5 pt, and keep important content at least 3 mm inside the edge.
Photo rules
- Same background and framing for every photo. A plain light background works best.
- Minimum size. Square or portrait crops at 600 × 800 pixels or larger.
- File names match the data. For example `1023-sita-sharma.jpg`.
- Face centred, no heavy filter.
Lanyards and holders
- Lanyard: a neck strap, normally printed with your logo or name. Choose width, colour and attachment clip.
- Holder: a plastic pouch or card holder for badges.
- Reel or clip: a retractable clip for frequent swiping.
See Thankyooou's hang tag and insert products for related printed items.
Data setup for a bulk order
Send one spreadsheet and one photo folder:
| Column | Example |
|---|---|
| ID number | 1023 |
| Full name (as it should print) | Sita Sharma |
| Role or class | Class 8 |
| Department | Science |
| Photo file name | 1023-sita-sharma.jpg |
| Validity date | 31/12/2027 |
Check spellings, because the printer prints what you send. If Nepali names are printed, provide them in Unicode and check how the font renders. See artwork file prep for the Devanagari check.
Design a card template first
- Send a sample of the card with a few real records.
- Approve the proof for one card per type.
- Then send the full data.
This catches layout problems before hundreds of cards are printed.
Variable data printing
ID cards are a classic variable-data job: the layout stays fixed while name, photo and number change per card. See digital printing in Nepal.
Privacy and security
- Share only the data needed for the card.
- Send files securely and delete shared copies after the job.
- Ask how the printer handles personal data and when files are deleted.
- Do not include sensitive numbers on the card unless you need them.
Brief for an ID card order
- Number of cards, and whether it is a recurring order
- Card material and thickness
- Single or both sides
- Features: magnetic strip, barcode, QR, chip
- Lanyards or holders, with colour and print
- Spreadsheet and photo folder
- Layout proof approved
- Delivery date and place
Frequently asked questions
What is the size of an ID card?
The standard size is 85.6 × 54 mm (ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1).
Can I print ID cards on paper?
Yes, for events and short-term use. For daily wear, PVC lasts longer.
How do I add a barcode or QR code?
Send the number to encode. The printer will generate it on the card, or you can supply the code image.
Can I print a few cards at a time?
Digital printing suits small batches. Ask for the minimum.
Start your ID card project
Send your sample layout and number of cards to Thankyooou and see printing prices in Nepal for how price is compared by specification.
Sources
- ISO/IEC 7810 — ID-1 card format — 85.60 × 53.98 mm and the ID-1 specification.
- Google Trends, Nepal, "printing", exported 11 November 2026 — "id card printing near me" as a rising query.