Security & ID Card Films
Fraud, identity theft and counterfeiting call increasingly for constant vigilance and innovation in electronic ID cards, and so consequently accelerating the demand for more safety features to protect ID cards and security documents. The challenge is to incorporate these sophisticated security features into the latest electronic ID cards while offering thinner individual card layers – down to 50 microns or less – to construct them with high durability and all while maintaining ease of manufacturing.
POLYVANTIS offers a high-performance polycarbonate LEXAN™ SD film portfolio specially designed for electronic ID cards, government, military and police ID cards, passport data pages, green cards, border crossing cards and driver’s licenses. LEXAN Secure ID film portfolio includes a clear lasermarkable layer, co-extruded layers, a bright white core layer, flexible coated overlays and a clear overlay grades for the cover or intermediate layers.
These films deliver tight gauge tolerances to simplify manufacturing of cards within mandated thickness parameters providing our customers significantly higher productivity. Thanks to the low and controlled shrinkage of LEXAN films, Smart card, passport and ID card manufacturers can use heat and pressure to join all layers together to form a card that cannot be pulled apart, preventing risk for disassembly, helping not only to extend the card’s service life but also better protect security features inside it. They also provide high performance, exceptional durability and resistance to abrasive cleaning agents and to the chemicals found in sun creams, cosmetics, oils, greases and fuels.
Specifications
| Material | Polycarbonate film |
| Types | LEXAN™ SD8B14, SD8B24, SD8B94, SC8A12E, SD8A12, SD14UV, SDCX CO-EXTRUDED Film and more |
| Thicknesses | 4um – 400um |
| Textures | Transparent & Opal White |
| Certifications | UL Listed |
| Processing | Low and controlled shrinkage |
LEXAN™ Secure ID Films benefits & advantages
The LEXAN polycarbonate film portfolio delivers industry-leading performance, ensuring lasting protection and efficiency:
- High temperature resistance: Withstands lamination and environmental stress.
- Low shrinkage: Maintains flatness for consistent card quality.
- Optimized textures: Enables superior printing, hot stamping, and lamination.
- Tight gauge tolerance: Ensures precise stack thickness after lamination.
- High optical quality: Guarantees readability and clarity of embedded features.
- Maximum opacity: Conceals internal security elements and protects sensitive data.
- Excellent laser markability: Supports durable personalization features.

Potential applications
Our polycarbonate ID cards and films are used in a wide range of secure identification documents:
- Drivers' licenses
- E-passport data pages
- Border crossing cards
- Residence permits
- Military and police IDs
- Smart cards inlays
- Tachometer cards
- Healthcare cards
- Government employees ID
- Vehicle registration tags
For more details on our full range of LEXAN™ Films, explore our dedicated product overview.

Technical Advantages Explained
Maximum opacity
High opacity in polycarbonate ID cards ensures that sensitive data and embedded security elements are not visible through the card layers. This prevents fraudulent attempts, such as data extraction or tampering, and improves print contrast for clearer personalization.
Excellent laser markability
LEXAN polycarbonate films are designed for high-quality laser engraving, enabling secure and permanent personalization. Laser marking ensures that text, barcodes, or images cannot be removed without visibly damaging the card, making counterfeiting virtually impossible.
Tight gauge tolerance
This guarantees that every layer of the card maintains consistent thickness, simplifying lamination and ensuring compatibility with global ID card standards. Consistency also improves efficiency in mass production.
Low shrinkage
Controlled shrinkage during lamination ensures perfectly flat cards without warping. This stability is essential for the smooth integration of electronics in smart cards and for maintaining machine readability.
Why Choose Polycarbonate Over PVC for ID Cards
Traditional PVC film for ID cards is still widely used, but polycarbonate ID materials offer superior benefits:
- Durability: Resistant to wear, chemicals, and UV exposure.
- Security: Multi-layer construction prevents tampering and disassembly.
- Longevity: Extended card service life compared to PVC.
- Advanced features: Compatibility with laser engraving, holograms, and transparent overlays.
This makes polycarbonate cards the global standard for secure government and enterprise IDs.
For more on our role in secure identification, visit our Safety & Security solutions.
Sustainable & Reliable Polycarbonate
POLYVANTIS is committed to sustainability. The LEXAN polycarbonate ID card films are designed for efficient production, lower energy use, and reduced waste. By offering long-lasting secure ID cards, they minimize replacement cycles and reduce environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
A polycarbonate ID card is a high-security identification card constructed from multiple layers of polycarbonate material. These layers fuse together without adhesives, creating a solid, durable card that resists tampering and wear. Its structure supports advanced features like laser engraving and embedded security elements, making it ideal for long-term use.
Regular ID cards, typically made from PVC, are more susceptible to damage and easier to counterfeit. In contrast, polycarbonate ID cards offer greater durability, enhanced tamper resistance, and support for advanced security features that make counterfeiting significantly more difficult.
Many governments around the world have adopted polycarbonate ID cards for secure documents such as passports and driver’s licenses, thanks to their exceptional durability and strong resistance to counterfeiting and tampering.
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