ID Card Printer Ribbon Finder & Compatibility Guide

Find the right ribbon for your ID card printer

Choose the exact printer model to see only supplies mapped to that machine. Every result links directly to the matching product—no broad keyword searches.

Ribbon Finder

1. Printer brand

2. Printer model

or search the manufacturer part number

Start by choosing the printer brand and model, or enter the part number printed on the ribbon box.

Compatibility note: match the complete manufacturer part number. “Legacy” means the printer is no longer in the current manufacturer lineup; available supplies may be limited. Regionalized supplies must match the printer’s region.

HID FARGO newer-generation ribbon setup: If you use a newer-generation ribbon in a DTC1500 or DTC4250e, HID recommends updating the printer driver, firmware, and color profile for best color output. Use HID’s current downloads for the DTC1500 or DTC4250e.

Browse all ribbons by manufacturer

Entrust Datacard Evolis IDP HID FARGO Magicard by Brady Polaroid / Valid

Ribbon terms that matter

Term	What it means
YMCKO	Full color plus black resin and a clear protective overlay.
YMCKOK / YMCKT-KT	Color on the front and black resin on the back for compatible dual-sided printers.
Monochrome resin	One-color printing, commonly black, for text, barcodes, and simple graphics.
Retransfer film	A separate film required by retransfer printers in addition to the color ribbon.
Overlaminate	A separate durability or security layer applied by a printer laminator.

OEM or compatible ribbon?

All Things Identification recommends genuine manufacturer supplies unless the product page clearly identifies a tested compatible alternative. A compatible ribbon should state the exact printer family, part-number cross-reference, yield, and warranty terms—not simply look similar.

Still not sure which ribbon fits?

Call 1-800-560-8158 or use our contact form with the printer model and the complete part number on the current ribbon.