How to Program HID Prox CardsProximity cards, also known as Prox cards or access control cards, are contactless ID cards or keyfobs containing programming that is “read” by a card reader to control and secure physical access.

Inside each card or keyfob is an integrated circuit containing specific numerical programming and a coiled antenna, which increases the range at which the card can be read.  Prox cards have no internal power source, so there are never any batteries to replace.

Anatomy of a prox card - IDCardGroup.com

 

Instead, these cards use a radio frequency signal sent by the transmitter. When the card comes in the range of the card reader, the card reader detects the card and reads the programmed ID data from the card. This ID data is simply a set of pre-programmed binary numbers (ones and zeros) that are used to identify the cardholder.

HID prox cards and HID iClass contactless credentials are the gold standard in proximity technology. But, with a multitude of standard to customizable options, HID prox cards can be complicated to order.

Understanding Your Programming Choices & Options

Shop HID proximity cards now at IDCardGroup.comTo help you understand your choices and options, we’ll review the information required in the ordering process—including card formatting and appearance options—and provide an example order for one of the most popular configurations, the HID 1326 Clamshell Prox Card.

You can also review our HID Prox Card Programming Checklist for additional help determining your facility requirements and preferences before ordering. Just remember any configuration is possible, and we are always standing by to walk you through the ordering process. Contact an ID Expert at 877-868-0012 for details.

The Many Uses of Secure HID ID Cards – See All they Can Do

Step 1 – Find the Right HID Prox Format and Part Number

Find the right HID prox format and part number - IDCardGroup.comHID manufacturers a number of credential formats. The type of HID credential you use will depend on your access control system. So your first step in finding the right credential is to check your HID System, which should specify the correct prox format.

HID assigns a Format code to each Prox Card that indicates how the internal programming of your cards will be read and is determined by your card reader system requirements. This code can be found on the end label of the box in which the cards are shipped to you. Look at your existing box if you are unsure about your format, because it is important to know which format is required by your system.

For example, the standard HID Prox format is 26-bit indicated by code H10301 – these are the format types that can be directly ordered online at IDCardGroup.com. Some formats are considered proprietary by HID and can only be ordered offline by contacting us at (877) 868-0012.

Reordering Tip & Cheat Sheet

Reordering credentials? Check the box label from your original credentials or the actual credential itself. Then use the base part number to find your prox card or fob.

Here is a handy HID Prox Credential Cheat Sheet to help:

HID prox card reorder cheat sheet - IDCardGroup.com

Step 2 – Specify Your Programming Information

After determining the correct base part number, choose your programming specifications. Each HID prox card not only includes the base part number, but also a series of letters to indicate a Credential’s appearance options (e.g., LGSMV).

When ordering, your HID prox card or keyfob will have a combination of the following information. Each prox card may have slightly different options, but the key categories remain the same. Some combinations – for example HID1326LGSMV – are so popular that you can order them directly from our online store. Others require the help of an ID Expert at 877-868-0012.

Base Part Number
(1326, 1386, 2020, 2050, 1536, 1586, etc)

Programming/Frequency
L – Programmed, Low Frequency (125 kHz) HID. Programming information is specified at time of order.
C – Programmed, Low Frequency (125 kHz) Casi Rusco Format. (Not commonly ordered) Programming information is specified at time of order.
N – Non-Programmed, Low Frequency (125 kHz). Programming information NOT required – only for locations with HID Prox programming equipment on site (Not common)*

*Note: Only large organizations that have HID Programming capabilities should order non-programmed cards. Many customers confuse the process of synching your new credentials to your system with ‘programming’ them.

Front Packaging/Graphics
S – HID Standard Artwork – Vinyl with Matte Finish
M – Plain White Vinyl with Matte Finish
G – Plain White PVC with Gloss Finish
A – ProxCard II with Adhesive Front (Only HID 1326 Cards)
B – Black with HID Standard Artwork (Only HID 1391 Prox Patch)
K – Plain Black Finish, (No Artwork) (Only HID 1391 Prox Patch)
G – Plain Gray Finish, (No Artwork) (Only HID 1391 Prox Patch)
C – Custom Artwork – Specify Custom Artwork Number

Back Packaging/Graphics
S – HID Standard Logo
G – Plain White PVC with Gloss Finish
C – Custom Artwork – Specify Custom Artwork Number2

Card Numbering
M – Sequential Matching Internal/External (Printed)
N – No External Card Numbering
S – Sequential Internal/Sequential Non-Matching External (Printed)
R – Random Internal/Non-Matching Sequential External (Printed)
O – Sequential External Only (Printed)
A – Sequential Matching Internal/External (Engraved)
B – Sequential Internal/Sequential Non-Matching External (Engraved)
C – Random Internal/Non-Matching Sequential External (Engraved)

Slot Punch

N – No Slot Punch (Printed location of vertical and horizontal slot punch will remain)
V – Vertical Slot Punch (Printed location of horizontal slot punch will remain)
H – Horizontal Slot Punch (Printed location of vertical slot punch will remain)

Custom Artwork
You can add custom artwork to your HID Prox Cards by contacting one of our ID Experts at (877) 868-0012.

Step 3: Choose Your Card Range and Facility Code

Facility Code – also sometimes called “Site Code”, this is part of the internal programming that is common to all cards on an order. Your organization may or may not have a specific protocol for specifying facility code, either by location (e.g. Code 50 for a New York office and code 80 for Los Angeles) or other variable. HID Prox card numbers and facility codes - IDCardGroup.comBecause most systems generally accommodate multiple facility codes – and read both the facility code and card number to validate a card – it is typically not a requirement that the facility code be the same as your existing cards for them to be read correctly.

Starting Card Range Number – this is the specific internal card number that is uniquely programmed into each card issued by HID.  The cards are programmed with sequential numbering based on the starting number you specify.  It is important that you do not overlap card ranges.  If two cards are identically programmed, your system will not be able to distinguish between them.  It is possible to use the same card range if you are using multiple facility codes (see above), because each card reader uses the combined facility code and card number for access control.Shop HID proximity cards now at IDCardGroup.com

Step 4: Choose Between Pre-Selected or Custom Programming

  • Pre-Selected Programming – These credentials contain default programming numbers that are pre-determined by HID. They can be ordered in small quantities, usually ship within 1-2 business days, and offer the same security as custom-programmed credentials.
  • Custom Programming – Custom credentials contain personalized facility codes and/or sequential card numbers. Custom Facility Codes must be between 1-255, and Card Numbers between 1-65,500. Custom programmed credentials must be ordered in quantities of 100 or more and take up to 10 days to ship.

Example Final Part Number for HID Prox Card 1326LGSMV

Example Final Part Number for HID Prox Card 1326LGSMV

For this sample order of an HID Prox Card 1326, the card appearance options (LGSMV) break down as follows:

L = Programmed, Low Frequency (125 kHz) HID. Programming information is specified at time of order.
G = Plain White PVC with Gloss Finish on front
S = Base with Molded HID Logo
M = Sequential Matching Internal/External (Printed)
V = Vertical Slot Punch

Other HID 1326 Prox Card Configurations

Examples of other HID 1326 card appearance configurations are:

Final Part Number: 1326LGSNV
L = Programmed, Low Frequency (125 kHz) HID. Programming information is specified at time of order.
G = Plain White PVC with Gloss Finish on front
S = Base with Molded HID Logo
N = No External Card Numbering
V = Vertical Slot Punch

Final Part Number: 1326LSSMV
L = Programmed, Low Frequency (125 kHz) HID. Programming information is specified at time of order.
S = ProxCard II Artwork – Vinyl with Matte Finish
S = Base with Molded HID Logo
M = Sequential Matching Internal/External (Printed)
V = Vertical Slot Punch

Final Part Number: 1326LSSNV
L = Programmed, Low Frequency (125 kHz) HID. Programming information is specified at time of order.
S = ProxCard II Artwork – Vinyl with Matte Finish
S = Base with Molded HID Logo
N = No External Card Numbering
V = Vertical Slot Punch

Contact an ID Expert at (877) 868-0012 to order your HID1326 card in one of the above configurations.

More Helpful How-to Resources

For more helpful prox card advice, check out our popular blog posts:Shop HID proximity cards now at IDCardGroup.com

Questions?

For help choosing and configuring the right HID prox card to fit your needs, contact our expert sales staff at (877) 868-0012 or [email protected]. We’re happy to walk you through your card programming and appearance options.

ID Card Group accepts purchase orders, provides free shipping on orders over $100, and has a price match guarantee.