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Sample and template

Press card sample: what a real press card looks like

A real press card shows the holder’s name and photo, the issuing organisation, a card number, an expiry date and a way to verify it. Below you see a sample of the FJA press card with dummy data. We do not offer printable press card templates: a card you print yourself is not a press card, and using one to pass yourself off as press can get you into legal trouble.

Many people search for a “press card template” or a “press pass sample” – some to see what a professional card looks like, some to make a prop, and some hoping to skip the application. This page covers all three honestly.

Apply for a real press card Check the requirements

Press card sample: front of the FJA press card with dummy data (name, date of birth, nationality, photo and validity)

At a glance

Sample shown: Front of the FJA press card, dummy data
Format: ID-1, 85.60 × 53.98 mm – the size of a bank card
Key elements: Issuer, name, photo, date of birth, nationality, card number, validity, online verification
Templates: Not offered – a self-printed card is not a press card
Real card: From €95 for 12 months, checked before printing

Anatomy of a press card: the elements explained

Whatever the issuer, a credible press card answers the same questions at a glance.

Element	What it shows	Why it matters
Issuer name and logo	Who issued the card	Anyone checking the card must be able to find and contact the issuer
Holder’s name	First name and surname as in official ID	Lets organisers compare the card with a passport or driving licence
Photo	A recent, recognisable portrait	The single most important check: does the card belong to the person showing it?
Date of birth and nationality	Personal details of the holder	Helps to tell people with the same name apart; on the FJA card printed in three languages
Card or ID number	A unique number per card	Allows the issuer to look up the card and its status
Expiry date	How long the card is valid	An expired card should no longer be used
Verification	A QR code or online check run by the issuer	Turns a printed card into something that can be checked in seconds
Security background	Fine line patterns and printed features	Makes simple copies easier to spot

The FJA card shows the elements above. For how the online check works, see press card verification.

Press card format and size

Most professional press cards share a few practical features.

Bank-card size

Press cards are usually printed in ID-1 format, 85.60 × 53.98 mm – the same size as a bank or driving licence card. It fits in a wallet, a card holder or a lanyard sleeve.

Durable plastic

Cards are printed on PVC or similar plastic, so they survive daily use outdoors, in the rain and in crowded places. Paper print-outs or laminated home prints look improvised immediately.

Printed and verifiable

A physical card is still what people expect to see. Online verification adds the security a printout cannot offer: the issuer confirms that the card is real and still valid.

Why we do not offer press card templates

A template can copy the look of a press card – but not what makes it a press card.

What a template cannot give you

An issuer who has checked that you work as a journalist
A card number that exists in anyone’s records
A verification page that confirms the card is valid
Any acceptance by organisers, press offices or police

What it can get you into

Refused entry and a damaged reputation with press offices
Possible criminal liability if you use it to deceive people – for example for fraud by false representation
Serious trouble if it is mistaken for a police or official ID

Details: fake press cards and UK law.

If you work as a journalist, the honest route is quicker than it sounds: you apply online, we check your published work, and your card is printed and posted. If we decline, you get a full refund.

When a template is fine: props, costumes and classroom projects

There are legitimate reasons to make a pretend press card. Keep it obviously fictional.

Print “PROP”, “SAMPLE” or “NOT VALID” clearly on the front.
Use a fictional outlet name – never the name or logo of a real newspaper, broadcaster or press card issuer.
Avoid crests, police-style badges, holograms and anything resembling official ID.
Do not imitate the UK Press Card or any real press card design.
Keep the prop on set, on stage or in the classroom – never use it to get into events or past police lines.

More guidance for film, theatre and costume makers: make your own press card.

What does an event press pass look like?

Event passes are different from press cards – and every organiser designs its own.

Typical features

Event press passes are usually laminated cards or wristbands on a lanyard, showing the event name and date, the word “Press” or “Media”, the holder’s name or outlet and colour codes or symbols for the areas you may enter – for example press room, mixed zone or photo pit.

Issued only by the organiser

You receive an event pass after accreditation and collect it at the media desk. It is valid only for that event. A press card helps you apply; it never replaces the event pass. See press pass and media pass for concerts and festivals.

How to get a real press card instead

Four steps from application to a card you can verify.

Check eligibility

You need to be 18 or older and work journalistically on a regular basis – see the requirements.

Apply online

Enter your details, upload a photo and choose 12, 24 or 36 months.

We check

Every application is reviewed before printing; full refund if we decline.

Printed and posted

Usually 14–18 working days after payment; the card can be verified online.

Frequently asked questions

Can I download a free press card template?

We do not provide press card templates, and we advise against using any. A self-printed card is not issued or verified by anyone, organisers will not accept it, and using it to deceive people can be a criminal offence. If you need a prop, make it obviously fictional.

Can I print my own press card for my blog or channel?

You can print a contributor ID for your own outlet that clearly states your publication’s name and contact details. It should not be called or designed as a press card or imitate official ID. If you publish journalism regularly, a checked press card is the better option – see press card for bloggers.

What size is a press card?

Most press cards are ID-1 format, 85.60 × 53.98 mm – the size of a bank card. The FJA card uses this format and is printed on durable plastic.

What does a UK Press Card look like?

The UK Press Card is issued by gatekeeper organisations under the UK Press Card Authority scheme and carries the scheme’s own design. Only gatekeepers can issue it. See UK Press Card for who issues it and how to apply.

Is it illegal to make a press card?

Making a card is not in itself a specific offence in England and Wales. It becomes a legal problem when the card is used to deceive – for example to obtain entry, goods or services (fraud by false representation) – or if it suggests police authority. See fake press card.

Can a press card be digital only?

Most organisers still expect a physical card. The FJA card is a printed plastic card, and its QR code links to an online verification page, so it combines both.

Is there a press pass template for school projects?

For school or classroom projects, a simple card with a fictional outlet name and the word “SAMPLE” or “PROJECT” on it is enough. Avoid real logos and anything that looks like official ID.

Where can I see what my FJA card will look like?

The card designer on the application page shows a live preview of your card with your details and photo before you order – marked with a “SAMPLE” watermark that is not printed on the real card.

Sources and last review

Fraud Act 2006, section 2 – fraud by false representation
Police Act 1996, section 90 – impersonation of a police officer
UK Press Card Authority – the UK Press Card scheme
UKPCA – list of gatekeepers – who may issue the UK Press Card

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.