Novelty id cards: The importance of the OVI

The OVI (Optically Variable Ink) is one of the most expensive security features to replicate. It is a special ink that changes color depending on the angle of light. In many novelty id cards, vendors try to fake this with a simple holographic sticker, but it doesn't look the same. Real OVI has a very distinct, smooth transition.

In states like Florida or Arizona, the OVI is used for small icons like flowers or cacti. If you tilt the card and the color doesn't shift from gold to green or purple to red, a bouncer will know instantly. It is one of the first things they look for because it is so hard to fake. Make sure your vendor uses actual OVI and not just a cheap substitute.