Digital employee ID apps replace physical ID cards with digital versions on mobile devices. I review the top 5 employee ID apps to help you find the best one for your business.
Physical ID cards can easily get lost or damaged, causing security risks and administrative headaches.
Digital employee ID apps offer a modern solution, streamlining identification and enhancing security.
In this article, I explore the top 5 digital employee ID apps, comparing key features to help you find the best fit for your organization.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one digital employee ID app
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Managing digital IDs for employees, contractors, and temporary workers
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Linking employee IDs to perks and rewards
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Our team of unbiased software reviewers follows strict editorial guidelines, and our methodology is clear and open to everyone.
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How I Chose the Best Business To-Do List Apps
I prioritized the following features while looking for the best employee ID badge software.
Must-have features
- Customizable design: Create personalized digital ID cards with company branding, employee details, and unique features.
- Quick distribution: Provide employees with digital IDs quickly via email or app notifications.
- Remote management: Control access by remotely deactivating or activating digital ID cards.
- Real-time updates: Update employee info in the system and see these changes instantly reflected on their digital IDs, without the need to issue new cards for employees who change roles or access levels.
- Anti-fraud features: Include features like live date displays, animations, or holograms on IDs to prevent fraudulent use and enhance security. Also, use alternate methods to ensure only ID holders can access the app—for instance, biometric authentication.
Usability features
- User-friendly interface: Easy-to-use design for both admins and employees.
- Multi-platform accessibility: Works on various devices and operating systems like iOS, Android, Web, Windows, and Mac.
Features that make these apps really great
- QR codes: Enables you to quickly verify employee identities using QR codes (a type of 2D barcode) and standard QR scanners or camera-equipped devices.
- Temporary ID cards: Lets you issue and manage temporary digital ID cards for contractors, interns, and seasonal workers.
- Integrations with other features: Connects with other employee management and engagement features—for instance, by enabling employees to track time, attend company events, or claim rewards with their digital IDs.
- NFC technology: Offers contactless identity verification through near field communication tech, enabling users to hold their device near an NFC reader to activate doors, access company equipment, and more.
The 5 Best Digital Employee ID Apps of 2024
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one digital employee ID app
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform with digital ID cards as part of its broader workforce management suite.
Why I chose Connecteam: I chose Connecteam for its digital employee ID card solution because it’s both efficient and user-friendly. The QR integration feature and live date display add a layer of convenience and security that’s hard to beat.
Customizable ID card structure
The card customization system impressed me with its flexibility. Employee cards are populated with your employees’ details from Connecteam’s system. By default, each displays an employee’s full name, their profile picture, your company logo, the card’s activation date, and a QR code (if activated). Plus, you can add 2 more layers of information—such as an employee’s title or birthday.
As you enter new information and upload images, the card preview updates in real time. I love this because it lets you see exactly how the card will look after you make adjustments. Something doesn’t look right? Easily modify the information or toggle fields on/off until you’re satisfied with the card’s appearance.
Employees can easily access their digital ID cards through the Connecteam mobile app by navigating to the Profile tab, where their cards appear at the top. If a QR code is enabled, they can tap on it for instant access.
Add a QR code for seamless access
Including a QR code on the employee card offers seamless and secure access to essential digital resources. There are 2 options available for QR codes:
- User-specific QR code: Displays information unique to each user, such as job title or company email.
- General QR code: Displays the same information for all users, such as the company name or another general value.
QR codes on the IDs can be scanned using any standard camera-equipped device, like smartphones or tablets, enabling flexible and easy verification without the need for specialized hardware. I love how quickly and easily employees can unlock office doors, redeem employee discounts, and perform other actions with a simple scan. This enhances efficiency, security, and convenience.
Anti-fraud measures
One of the cool features I’ve found in Connecteam’s digital ID app is the live date display on the employee cards. The current date shows up on the card in real time.
This is handy because it prevents people from using screenshots or recordings to cheat the system. For example, if someone tries to use an old screenshot to clock in, the date wouldn’t match up with the live date.
Finally, you can enable device authentication, which requires your employees to use their personal device’s authentication method (facial recognition or fingerprint scanning) to access the app. This way, someone couldn’t use one of your employee’s phones to access the app and use their digital ID.
Improved efficiency for time tracking and event attendance
Connecteam’s digital ID cards make time tracking and event attendance super easy. Employees just scan their cards on a shared device using the Connecteam time clock kiosk app to clock in and out.
At events, it’s a breeze, too. Employees can quickly scan their cards to check in, saving time for everyone involved. For example, unique QR codes ensure that only employees with a certain seniority level can access specific events.
And so much more
Connecteam has so many more features beyond digital IDs. There’s staff scheduling, an online team chat, rewards and recognition features, a company event app, and so much more.
And companies not quite ready to use the full-featured app for ID verification can use Connecteam’s free employee card maker to whip up employee IDs. You and your employees can download cards as PNG image files and quickly access them on your devices or print them.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Try Connecteam here!
Key Features
Customizable details
Live date display
Authentication animation
QR code integrations
NFC technology
Time tracking and event attendance
Pros
User-friendly setup process
Real-time updates and great customization options
Several anti-fraud features
Seamless integration with the Connecteam ecosystem
Cons
More integrations in development
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
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ID123 — Managing digital IDs for employees, contractors, and temporary workers
ID123 is a cloud-based digital ID card system that transforms traditional physical badges into mobile-friendly digital credentials.
Why I chose ID123: ID123 supports various digital ID cards, including employee, member, student, and professional—catering to different industries and needs. I was particularly drawn to its user-friendly interface, offline functionality, and multi-platform support.
Mobile ID card display and management
The app’s interface is clean and intuitive—both employees and administrators can easily manage multiple ID cards to fit different roles or departments. As admin, you can input employee details, upload photos, and add company logos. I especially appreciate the customizable fields feature that lets you add up to 16 different data points on each card, including clickable links and phone numbers.
The live preview feature ensures you can see exactly how the final card will look before it’s activated in the app.
After cards are activated, employees can access and use them directly within the app.
Security features
I found the security implementation quite strong. You get single sign-on (SSO) capabilities, encrypted cloud storage, and automatic card expiration. Plus, you can remotely deactivate, activate, or delete installed mobile ID cards. This can help prevent unauthorized use if an employee leaves or changes roles.
ID123 includes animated holograms on digital ID cards to verify authenticity. The hologram rotates on display, indicating that the card is valid. Administrators can customize the animation to match their company’s branding. QR integration further enhances security and convenience.
What I particularly like is the screen recording prevention feature—the app immediately blocks any attempt to take screenshots.
Temporary ID cards
The app allows you to issue temporary digital ID cards for contractors, interns, seasonal workers, and other temporary employees. These cards can have expiration dates, automatically deactivating when the period ends. Renewing or revoking these cards is straightforward.
Communication tool
ID123’s messaging system allows administrators to send in-app messages to cardholders, which is primarily a 1-way communication channel. This feature is useful for sending important alerts, updates, and reminders directly to users’ devices.
That said, I felt mildly disappointed to learn it doesn’t support dynamic 2-way chat. It’s only a broadcast tool.
Key Features
- Multiple card designs
- Remote deactivation and activation
- Temporary ID cards
- QR code integration
Pros
- Offline function
- Flexible designs
Cons
- Costly for small businesses
- Lacks 2-way chat
Pricing
Starts at $50/month Trial: Yes — 30 days Free Plan: No
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PassKit — Linking employee IDs to perks and rewards
PassKit is a digital employee ID card system that makes it easy to create, distribute, and manage digital ID cards for employees.
Why I chose PassKit: I find its intuitive design and integration with Google and Apple Wallets to be highly efficient for managing digital IDs.
Designer tool
PassKit provides a highly intuitive designer tool that lets you create custom digital ID cards with ease. Unlike other platforms, PassKit offers a drag-and-drop interface, so you can simply drag elements like text, images, and QR codes onto the card template. There are also options for background colors, fonts, and even interactive elements that can be updated in real time.
When you modify an ID card, changes update instantly in the app.
Links employee perks and rewards
One standout feature I found particularly useful is the ability to link digital ID cards with company rewards and perks. This means employees can easily access exclusive offers, discounts, and benefits you give them through their ID cards, which is a fantastic way to boost satisfaction and engagement.
Additionally, PassKit’s native integration with Apple Wallet and Google Pay is especially convenient, as employees can access their ID cards right through their phone’s built-in wallet.
Location-based features
PassKit.io’s geofencing capabilities enable you to create virtual boundaries around specific locations. When employees enter these areas, their digital ID cards automatically display on their devices, and location-triggered notifications are sent out. This feature is great for ensuring employees are present in designated work zones at the required times.
Key Features
- Designer tool
- QR and barcode integration
- Geofencing
- Employee rewards and perks linked
Pros
- Multi-platform accessibility
- Wallet integration
Cons
- Initial setup can be complex for beginners
- Limited customization
Pricing
Starts at $39.50 Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Yoti — Versatile ID services with strong security
Yoti is a digital identity platform that offers employee ID verification alongside a broader suite of identity verification services, including age verification and document authentication.
Why I chose Yoti: The platform’s strong focus on biometric verification and its government-grade security protocols caught my attention.
Design & QR code integration
I liked the clean and user-friendly interface, with clear sections for personal details, ID documents, and passwords. Each digital ID card includes a photo of the staff member, plus their name, role, and the organization.
Yoti incorporates a live hologram into its digital ID cards, which shows you if a card is legit. Plus, you can include QR codes on digital IDs and scan them using smartphones or dedicated scanning devices, which makes verification fast and efficient.
Fraud detection system
What sets Yoti apart is its comprehensive fraud detection system.
I liked how liveness detection ensures the presence of a real person during verification. The system requires employees to take selfies and detect if the selfie is of a photo, mask, or video. Biometric face match compares the live face scan with the ID document photo to confirm identity ownership.
Together, these features ensure that the person attempting access is the ID’s legitimate holder—like a multi-factor authentication process that combines physical proof (liveness) and biometric verification (face match).
Privacy-first architecture
Yoti’s approach to privacy stands out. The platform uses encryption and data minimization principles. This means admins can provide the app with only those employee details that are essential for the verification process. This safeguards sensitive employee data—and I think they’ll appreciate that.
Key Features
- Digital ID verification
- QR integration
- Biometric verification
- Liveness detection
Pros
- Strong security
- Versatile ID services
Cons
- Less intuitive interface
- Limited customization options
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
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CardsOnline — Digital IDs and physical card printing
CardsOnline is an enterprise-focused employee ID card maker platform that combines physical card printing capabilities with digital ID management.
Why I chose CardsOnline: I found the dual physical-digital system quite comprehensive. You can manage traditional plastic cards and digital IDs from the same interface, though I noticed the digital features aren’t quite as polished as those of dedicated digital-only solutions.
Card design and layout
CardsOnline provides an intuitive online Card Designer that lets users create professional card layouts. You can use shapes, images, placeholders, dynamic text, and logos to design your cards. I appreciate how the designer supports multiple designs and card templates, making it easy to manage and reuse card layouts across different locations.
Also, CardsOnline supports photo capture through the phone camera, webcam, file upload, or IntelliTWAIN capture software. I find the auto-capture and auto-cropping functionality incredibly useful for adding photos to the ID cards.
The centralized management system makes it easy to add, modify, or revoke IDs. Plus, QR codes offer a quick and secure way to verify identities. However, CardsOnline lacks a live animation, hologram, and live date display.
Data management
I like how the platform lets you import cardholder data from various resource systems—including HR systems—ensuring that the information on the ID cards is always current.
CardsOnline also supports batch printing and inline encoding (process of embedding data directly into the card during the printing process), streamlining the production process. However, it comes as a paid add-on named Cards Print Manager, which must be installed on local workstations for instant printing.
Service portal
The Service Portal is an add-on service that allows cardholders to interact with their card data, send and receive requests, upload new photos, and report lost or broken cards. I think this portal could enhance user engagement and simplify the management of ID cards.
Key Features
- Card designer
- Service portal
- Print manager
- Photo upload and capture
Pros
- Supports physical ID cards
- Integrates with facility systems
Cons
- Limited features and customizations
- Lacks live date and hologram
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
Compare the Best Digital Employee ID Apps
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Best all-in-one digital employee ID app
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Managing digital IDs for employees, contractors, and temporary workers
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Linking employee IDs to perks and rewards
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Versatile ID services with strong security
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Digital IDs and physical card printing
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What Is Digital Employee ID Card Software?
A digital employee ID system typically works by securely storing employee identification information—such as their name, photo, title, and other relevant details—within a mobile application. Administrators can set up and configure the app to their organization’s specific needs—for instance, by defining access permissions and customizing the layouts of ID cards.
For managers and HR personnel, the process often starts with entering employee data into the app, either by inputting it manually or importing it from existing HR systems. They can then assign digital smart cards to each employee and manage them centrally, with the ability to activate, deactivate, or update the cards as needed.
Employees can access their IDs directly through the app, using features like QR codes to check in, access certain areas at work, and more.
The Benefits of Digital Employee ID Apps
Here’s how a digital employee ID badge system can make things better at your workplace.
Boost operational efficiency
Switching to digital IDs saves the time it takes to make, hand out, and replace physical cards. Plus, everything’s managed from one central spot, so your HR and security teams can easily update or cancel IDs remotely.
Enhance security and access control
Digital IDs come with strong security features—including anti-fraud features—that make it difficult for fraudsters to misuse IDs to gain access to areas, equipment, events, and so on that they shouldn’t have access to.
These features also help prevent other forms of fraud, such as buddy punching, by ensuring that only the rightful owner of the ID can use it for tasks like clocking in. Additionally, if an ID is lost or stolen, you can remotely and instantly deactivate it.
Reduce administrative tasks and manual work
Managing plastic ID cards takes time—from printing them to handing them out and keeping track of them. Digital ID apps automate many of these processes—like updates and expirations—and make it easy for admins to quickly revoke access when needed.
Plus, with digital IDs, automated access systems can handle identity verification without requiring staff to manually check IDs.
Improve the employee experience
Your team will appreciate having digital IDs accessible on their smartphones—they’re less likely to forget or lose their phones than physical ID cards.
Environmental sustainability and reduced costs
By eliminating the need for plastic ID cards and the associated printing and disposal, digital IDs are an eco-friendly option. This can help reduce your organization’s carbon footprint and align with sustainability goals.
It also removes expenses for plastic, lanyards, and advanced card technologies—like magnetic stripes or chips—plus all other overhead costs.
How Much Do Digital Employee ID Card Apps Cost?
Digital Employee ID Card Apps typically follow a subscription-based pricing model, with costs varying based on the features and number of users. For instance, ID123 starts at $50/month, offering strong security features and customization options. PassKit, known for its seamless integration with Apple Wallet and Google Pay, starts at $39.50/month.
On the other hand, Yoti and CardsOnline don’t provide transparent pricing, which can make it challenging for businesses to compare costs directly.
Connecteam stands out with its cost-effective pricing structure. The Small Business Plan is entirely free for up to 10 users, making it an attractive option for startups and small businesses. For larger teams, the paid plan starts at just $29 per month for up to 30 users, offering a comprehensive set of features at a fraction of competitors’ costs.
FAQs
How do you make a work ID badge?
To make employee ID badges, gather employee details and photos, use ID card design software—like Connecteam’s free employee card maker—to create the layout, and print the badges on durable card stock or plastic. For digital badges, use an app like ID123 or Connecteam to design and distribute them electronically.
Which app is best for creating an ID card?
Connecteam is one of the best apps, boasting a user-friendly interface, rich customization options, and seamless integration with other systems. Connecteam supports QR integration, live date display, and NFC, making it a comprehensive solution for digital employee ID cards.
The Bottom Line on Digital Employee ID Card Apps
A good employee ID app helps you simplify operations and enhance security by offering features like customizable design, remote activation and deactivation, and QR integration.
Connecteam stands out as my top choice due to its user-friendly interface, QR integration, live date display, NFC capabilities, and cost-effective pricing.
Get started with Connecteam for free today.