Fake ID Glossary – All Terms Explained

This glossary covers the key terms you’ll encounter when browsing novelty ID cards. Understanding these features helps you spot quality and know exactly what you’re getting.

Printing & Visual Features

UV-Reactive Ink

Invisible under normal lighting but glows under blacklight (ultraviolet). A great feature that adds hidden detail to novelty cards.

Holographic Overlay

A thin film layer that creates shifting rainbow or 3D effects when you tilt the card. Gives a premium look and makes cards difficult to copy.

Raised Text

Text you can feel with your fingertip – it sits slightly above the card surface. A sign of professional-quality printing.

Microtext

Tiny printed text, often smaller than 0.2mm. Only visible with magnification and extremely hard to reproduce on standard printers.

Guilloche Pattern

Intricate, geometric line patterns used in borders and backgrounds. Originally designed as an anti-copying measure.

Laser Engraving

Text or images burned directly into the card with a laser. Creates permanent marks that can’t be scratched off.

Card Materials

PVC Stock

Polyvinyl chloride – the standard material for novelty cards. Durable, flexible, and widely used.

Polycarbonate

A harder, more rigid material used in higher-end cards. More resistant to wear and tampering.

Decorative Elements

Magnetic Stripe

The black stripe on card backs. On novelty cards, this is purely decorative and doesn’t store or connect to any data.

Barcodes & QR Codes

Printed codes that look authentic. These are visual only and don’t link to any database or system.

Security Thread

A thin metallic strip embedded in or printed on the card. Changes appearance when tilted – a nice premium touch.

Why It Matters

Quality novelty cards combine several of these features: UV elements, holograms, raised text, and microtext. Sellers who clearly explain their features are more likely to deliver what they promise.

At UK ID Pro, we use high-definition printing with UV elements, durable card stock, and professional finishes on every card we make.

All cards sold on UK ID Pro are 100% legal novelty items compliant with the Identity Documents Act 2010.