At their core, ID cards serve a basic yet vital function: verifying a person’s identity. But in 2025, the way that function is achieved has expanded dramatically. Thanks to advances in polycarbonate materials, biometric integration, secure printing techniques and data encryption, modern ID cards are not only smarter—they’re significantly more secure and more durable than ever before. 

The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) Élan Awards of Excellence ID category highlights this evolution by evaluating cards on a range of criteria. These include graphical design, printing sophistication, complexity of manufacturing, embedded technology, overall quality and the implementation of practical, real-world innovations. Judges also consider uniqueness, security and how effectively a card balances aesthetics with usability. The result is a category that shines a spotlight on the best in visual design and engineering precision. 

Winner: North Carolina Real ID Over 21 Driver License 

Submitted by: Canadian Bank Note Company Ltd. 

Taking home top honors in the ID category, the North Carolina Real ID Over 21 Driver License is a standout example of how cutting-edge technology and design can elevate a standard form of identification into a security-rich, visually compelling document. 

Produced by Canadian Bank Note Company (CBN) for the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, this driver license is constructed entirely from 100% monolithic polycarbonate and personalized using precision laser engraving. The card is the most secure credential ever issued by the state—and one of the most secure personal identification documents in the world. 

The design draws inspiration from the natural beauty of North Carolina. The front of the card showcases the state flower (dogwood), the North Carolina flag, a coastal lighthouse and the marbled salamander—an endemic species that’s both symbolic and functional in the card’s security design. On the back, a Colonial Spanish Mustang grazes on a beach, accompanied by a tertiary color photo of the cardholder for added identity verification. 

But beyond its artistic appeal, this card’s true strength lies in its 54 security features, layered and aligned for maximum effect. Some of the most notable include: 

• Asymmetrical Dual-Core Windows: Uniquely shaped overlapping windows visible on both sides of the card, providing a “puddle effect” through internal print that cannot be replicated with standard methods. 

• Multi-Process Alignment Graphics: Combining window design, security print and laser-engraved data that aligns with the primary photo to enable quick and reliable visual authentication. 

• Tertiary Color Photo: A full-color, secondary image of the cardholder on the back adds another layer of validation. 

• Mixed Tactile Data: Laser-engraved elements that vary in tactility and are precisely aligned with lithographic printing. 

• Surface Embossing: Elevated print textures on the front enhance tactile verification and design complexity. 

• Custom Multiple Laser Image (MLI): Displays the cardholder’s portrait and date of birth within a uniquely shaped lens, making duplication extremely difficult. 

• UV Printing and Fluorescence: Features like edge fluorescence and dual-sided UV graphics ensure security even under blacklight inspection. 

• Encrypted 2D Barcode: Embedded with a digital signature that can only be verified by select entities with access to secure public keys. 

CBN applied its Intuitive Design methodology, which focuses on aligning security elements in a way that makes the card easy for humans to authenticate while remaining nearly impossible to counterfeit. The integration of security with familiar state symbols results in a card that not only protects the individual but also resonates with the community it serves. 

Finalist: Yukon Health Card 

Submitted by: Giesecke+Devrient for the Government of Yukon 

The finalist in this year’s ID category is the Yukon Health Card, designed and manufactured by Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) for the Government of Yukon in Canada. While more understated than the North Carolina Driver License, this card is a masterclass in combining durability, design and practicality—critical qualities for any health-related credential. 

Printed on polycarbonate material for extended wear resistance, the Yukon Health Card is designed for long-term use in healthcare environments where both patients and providers rely on consistent, secure access to vital information. What sets the card apart is its seamless integration of security features with stunning visual elements that reflect Yukon’s natural landscape. 

Imagery of rolling hills, native flora and fauna creates a strong visual identity, celebrating the territory’s rich environment. These elements aren’t just decorative—they’re printed using intricate rainbow printing, a technique that fades colors in and out with precision, adding a subtle yet effective security layer. 

Other advanced features include: 

• Optical Variable Ink: Applied to the front of the card, the ink changes appearance under different lighting angles, deterring fraudulent reproduction. 

• Ultraviolet Ink Printing: Invisible under normal light but visible under UV light, this feature is printed on both sides of the card. 

• Personalized Fuse ID: Custom data elements are embedded securely into the card’s structure. 

• Unique Serialization: Each card carries a unique identification number for individual tracking and verification. 

• Personalized Lens: A secure viewing window adds another level of anti-counterfeit protection. 

The Yukon Health Card is both practical and poetic—a reflection of the community it serves and the technological capability of modern card manufacturing. It proves that even essential, everyday credentials can be elevated to an art form while meeting the highest security standards. 

Moving Identity Forward 

The 2025 ICMA Élan Awards ID category showcases the incredible progress being made in identity card design. Whether serving as a driver’s license or a healthcare credential, these cards are now multi-functional tools that enhance security, protect identities and visually reflect the people and places they represent. 

The winning and finalist entries demonstrate that ID cards no longer need to compromise between aesthetics and function. With the integration of advanced materials, secure data features and meaningful visual storytelling, the ID cards of today are setting the standard for the world of tomorrow. As technology continues to evolve, so will the artistry and innovation behind the cards we carry every day. 

Why ICMA Membership Matters  

As ICMA celebrates 35 years of leadership in 2025, the association remains steadfast in its mission to empower the global card manufacturing community. Through a blend of cutting-edge marketing support and robust professional development, ICMA equips its members with the tools they need to lead, innovate and grow.   

ICMA’s professional development programs are designed to elevate technical knowledge and leadership skills. Programs like Advanced Card Education (ACE) and the Card Industry Training & Education (CITE) initiative help individuals deepen their expertise, while the EXPO and CardTREX bring together the brightest minds in the industry for learning, networking and innovation.   

Members who engage in ICMA’s educational offerings and industry events don’t just keep pace with change—they help drive it. Whether contributing thought leadership to Card Manufacturing magazine or gaining recognition through programs like the Élan Awards of Excellence, ICMA provides members with meaningful opportunities to raise their profile and shape the future of the industry.   

For card industry professionals looking to stay competitive and connected in 2025 and beyond, ICMA offers a clear path forward through education, visibility and community.   

Discover the full value of ICMA membership and join a global network of professionals advancing the card industry.