An ID card has very little space, so every line on it must earn its place. Too little information and the card is not useful. Too much and the card is crowded, hard to read, and may even put a child's privacy at risk.
Quick answer: A student ID card should have the school name and logo, the student's photo, full name, class and section, admission number, parent's name, a contact phone number, blood group and the session year. Put the school address, an emergency number and a "please return if found" line on the back. Never print Aadhaar numbers or a full date of birth with the home address on the same card.
Use the checklists below for each type of card.
Student ID card: what to print on the front
Must have
- School name and logo
- Student photo (recent and clear)
- Full name, spelt exactly as in school records
- Class and section
- Admission number (or enrolment number)
- Session year, for example 2026–27
Good to have
- Father's or mother's name
- A parent's phone number
- Blood group
- House name or house colour
- Principal's signature
- A QR code that opens the student's record (only for staff, not public)
Student ID card: what to put on the back
The back is the best place for details that everyone needs but nobody looks at every day:
- School address, phone number and website
- An emergency contact number
- "If found, please return to the school office" line
- Bus route and stop, for students who use school transport
- Three or four short school rules (for example, "Wear this card at all times on campus")
A double-sided card costs only a few rupees more. Our guide to school ID card prices shows exactly how much.
Staff ID card checklist
- School name and logo
- Staff photo
- Full name
- Designation (Teacher, Accountant, Driver, Guard…)
- Employee ID
- Department or subject (optional)
- Blood group and an emergency contact
- Valid from and valid till dates
- Principal's or manager's signature
A different card colour for staff helps gate staff and visitors tell staff from students at a glance.
Parent and guardian card checklist
Parent cards make dismissal time safer. Print:
- Parent's or guardian's photo
- Parent's name and relation (Father, Mother, Grandfather, Driver…)
- Child's name, class, section and admission number
- A second child, if the family has more than one child at the school
- Phone number
- Card number and session year
- School seal or signature
Our Parent Card (ATM Style) is made for this. It is waterproof PVC in the bank card size, so parents can keep it in their wallet.
Visitor card checklist
Visitor cards are reused, so keep them simple:
- The word VISITOR in large letters
- A card number (to match the visitor register)
- School name and logo
- Space to write the date, or a different colour for each day of the week
What you should never print on a school ID card
ID cards get lost on buses, in markets and on the road. Anyone can pick them up and read them. Keep these details off the card:
| Do not print | Why |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar number | It is sensitive personal data and is not needed for identification at school |
| Full home address on the front | Together with a photo, it tells strangers where a child lives. If you must include it, put a short address on the back. |
| Full date of birth plus home address | Together they make identity misuse easier |
| Medical details beyond blood group | Keep allergies and conditions in school records, where nurses can see them |
| Personal mobile numbers of teachers | Use the school office number instead |
Make the layout fit the details
Once you know what to print, choose a layout that fits it:
- Vertical cards suit students: a big photo with a few short lines
- Horizontal cards suit staff and parents: more room for longer text
See 15 school ID card design ideas for layouts, and the standard ID card size for exact measurements. When your list is ready, put every detail into one sheet: our guide on making ID cards from Excel and photos shows how.
Order your cards
Browse our ID cards, pick a ready design in the design studio, or send your own design on the Upload Your Design page. We send a print proof before printing, so you can check every detail.
Frequently asked questions
Is blood group necessary on a school ID card?
It is not required, but most schools print it. In an emergency, it saves time. Make sure the data comes from parents, not guesses.
Should the home address be printed on a student ID card?
Not on the front. Print the school's address instead. If you need the home address, put a short version on the back.
Should a school ID card have a validity date?
Yes. Print the session year, for example 2026–27, so old cards cannot be reused next year.
Can a QR code be printed on a school ID card?
Yes. A QR code can open the student's record for staff or mark attendance. Make sure the link does not show personal details to anyone who scans it.
What details go on a teacher's ID card?
Name, photo, designation, employee ID, blood group, an emergency contact, validity dates and the school's signature and seal.
