Professional Passport & ID Photos Without a Traditional PC Workflow.
The DNP IDW520 combines a dedicated passport camera, 7-inch touchscreen processor and compact DNP QW410 ID photo printer into a purpose-built system for professional passport, visa and identification photo services.
This updated guide explains the current IDW520 v1.5 workflow, automatic image-processing checks, U.S. online passport renewal export, 4.5×6 media, system specifications and the differences between the IDW520 and legacy IDW500.
Who Is the DNP IDW520 Designed For?
The IDW520 removes many of the individual pieces required by a conventional camera + computer + editing software + printer workflow.
The system is particularly attractive for retail counters, shipping and service centers, photo stores, government offices, schools, universities, corporate ID operations and mobile identification services.
Its main advantage is not simply printing a photograph. It provides a purpose-built workflow for capturing, transferring, processing, formatting, reviewing and printing ID photographs from one dedicated system.
What Is the DNP IDW520?
The DNP IDW520 is a wireless passport and ID photo printing system designed to simplify professional identification photography.
The current system combines a Kodak PIXPRO AZ255 ID camera, WiFi EZ Share SD card, 7-inch processor console and DNP QW410 ID Photo Printer.
Images can transfer wirelessly from the camera to the processor console. The console handles template selection, image processing, review and printer control, so a separate computer is not required for the normal IDW520 workflow.
Built for Both Printed and Digital Passport Workflows
One of the most important IDW520 updates is improved support for customers renewing a U.S. passport online.
When the operator uses Copy to USB with the U.S. Passport template, IDW v1.5 creates an additional processed image file sized for use with the U.S. Passport Online Renewal upload process.
The U.S. Passport template can generate an additional file intended for the State Department online renewal upload workflow.
Thumbnail viewing can be enlarged to make image review and selection easier on the touchscreen.
Operators can switch between color and black-and-white output when an ID template or customer workflow requires it.
Current IDW software updates are installed locally with a USB flash drive. Online IDW software updating has been removed from version 1.5.
How the DNP IDW520 Works
The system is designed to reduce the number of separate applications and manual steps normally involved in passport and identification photo production.
Photograph the Customer
Capture the photograph with the included PIXPRO AZ255 ID camera while following the applicable pose, lighting and background requirements.
Send the Image Wirelessly
With the current EZ Share workflow, images can automatically transfer from the camera to the IDW520 processor console.
Review on the 7-Inch Console
Select the preferred image from the touchscreen gallery and choose the appropriate passport, visa or ID template.
Run the Image Checks
IDW software evaluates six image-processing criteria and automatically adjusts head size and position according to the selected sizing guide.
Confirm or Make Adjustments
Operators can review the result and make supported adjustments when difficult subjects or special circumstances require additional control.
Print or Export
Produce the selected ID layout on the QW410 ID printer, and when appropriate, export digital files through USB.
The Six DNP Processing Checks
During image processing, the IDW520 displays six status indicators. DNP identifies the following six requirements in its current v1.5 User Guide.
Evaluates whether the subject's expression is suitable for the selected identification workflow.
Evaluates whether the subject's eyes meet the processing requirement.
Checks the angle of the subject's head relative to the required frontal pose.
Checks whether the face is directed properly toward the camera.
Evaluates positioning within the frame for the selected template.
Evaluates the relationship between subject distance and the required image composition.
What the Operator Still Needs to Get Right
Automated processing is useful, but a passport system cannot replace proper image capture.
For U.S. passport applications, the photographer should work from current Department of State requirements rather than assuming that software alone guarantees acceptance.
A U.S. printed passport photo must measure 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm).
White or off-white, without shadows, texture, objects or lines.
Face the camera directly with the eyes visible and the head properly positioned.
Ordinary eyeglasses are not permitted in U.S. passport photos.
Online-renewal images must follow current State Department digital-photo requirements.
Do not use filters, AI tools or retouching that changes the applicant's natural appearance.
Passport, Visa, State ID & Custom Templates
DNP provides a broad selection of domestic and foreign passport and visa output formats, along with additional identification formats and custom layout capability.
Dedicated U.S. passport workflow including the two-image 2×2 layout.
Select from supported visa formats based on the destination requirements.
Multiple foreign passport formats are available through the IDW template library.
DNP supports additional identification formats beyond passports and visas.
The IDW520 supports adding custom layouts for specialized identification workflows.
DNP IDW520 System Components
The current IDW520 system combines the capture, processing and printing hardware required for the dedicated workflow.
Dedicated camera supplied as part of the current DNP IDW520 package.
Provides wireless camera-to-console image transfer on current systems.
Runs DNP IDW software and manages image processing, templates and printing.
Compact dye-sublimation printer configured for the IDW520 passport and ID workflow.
DNP IDW520 Technical Specifications
Current system specifications based on DNP's published IDW520 information and v1.5 documentation.
| Specification | DNP IDW520 |
|---|---|
| Printer | DNP QW410 ID Photo Printer |
| Camera | Kodak PIXPRO AZ255 ID Camera |
| Wireless Card | WiFi EZ Share SD Card on current systems |
| Console Display | 7" diagonal visible, 1280 × 800 |
| Touchscreen | 5-point capacitive multi-touch |
| Console Dimensions | 7" × 2" × 5.3" without antenna |
| Printer Dimensions | 8" × 7.75" × 9.5" |
| Console + Printer Weight | Approximately 13 lb |
| Wireless LAN | 2.4 GHz · 802.11 b/g/n |
| Wireless Mode / Security | Access Point / WPA |
| Power | 100–240 V AC · 50/60 Hz |
| ID Media Size | 4.5 × 6" |
| U.S. Passport Layout | Two 2×2" images per page |
| Media per Box | 2 paper rolls + 2 ribbons · 150 sheets per roll |
| Total Physical Prints | 300 prints per media box |
| Current Software | IDW version 1.5 |
| Software Updating | Local update using USB flash drive |
*DNP lists 13 lb as the combined console-and-printer unit weight. Specifications are subject to manufacturer revision.
DNP IDW520 4.5×6 Media
The current IDW520 uses dedicated 4.5×6-inch self-laminating DNP ID Photo media.
Each box contains two paper rolls and two matching ribbons. Each roll produces 150 physical prints, for a total of 300 4.5×6 prints per box.
For the standard U.S. Passport template, the system places two 2×2 passport images on each print. This distinction is important when estimating media: the box contains 300 sheets, not 600 sheets.
Think in Physical Prints
For inventory planning, start with the manufacturer's physical print yield:
The number of individual ID images delivered depends on the template being printed. For example, the U.S. Passport layout uses two 2×2 images on one sheet.
View Current Media →DNP IDW520 vs IDW500
The IDW500 already had automatic biometric positioning and a 7-inch touchscreen. The strongest reasons to move to the IDW520 are the newer printer/camera platform, dramatically smaller system weight, updated wireless workflow and current IDW software features.
| Feature | IDW520 — Current | IDW500 — Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | Kodak PIXPRO AZ255 ID Camera | Sony H300 Camera |
| Wireless Card | WiFi EZ Share SD Card | FlashAir Card |
| Printer Platform | DNP QW410 ID Photo Printer | Previous-generation ID Photo Printer |
| Touchscreen | 7" · 1280×800 | 7" · 1280×800 |
| Biometric Assistance | Automatic processing and positioning | Automatic head-size and position adjustment |
| Image Gallery | Current workflow supports up to 16 recent downloads | Gallery of previous 6 images |
| Media Size | 4.5×6" | 4×6" |
| Media Yield | 300 physical prints per box | 350 physical prints per media set |
| Console + Printer Weight | Approx. 13 lb | Approx. 48 lb |
| U.S. Online Renewal Workflow | Dedicated digital-upload file in v1.5 | Legacy platform |
| Product Status | Current DNP platform | DNP legacy equipment |
Where the IDW520 Fits Best
The compact dedicated workflow makes the IDW520 useful anywhere professional ID photography needs to be performed consistently by different operators.
Add professional passport and identification photography to an existing customer-service counter.
Offer passport and ID photography without building a traditional computer-based photo workstation.
Useful for municipal, county and other public-sector environments that require repeatable ID workflows.
Support identification, enrollment and other institutional photography requirements.
Add a dedicated passport workflow alongside existing professional photo services.
Produce standardized identification photographs for employee and security workflows.
The compact printer and console combination is easier to transport than the legacy IDW500.
A dedicated workflow can help standardize passport photo service across multiple locations.
Need Multiple Systems, Volume Pricing or Purchasing Assistance?
Talk to EventPrinters.com before placing a larger DNP IDW520 or media order.
We work with professional businesses, government agencies, schools, institutions and multi-location operations and can assist with system selection, recurring media needs, quantities and our best available pricing.
Questions about the IDW520, media, larger orders or institutional purchasing?
Purchasing multiple IDW520 systems or larger quantities of media? Ask about available pricing.
Talk to us about ongoing 4.5×6 media requirements for active passport-photo operations.
We welcome inquiries from government, municipal and institutional customers.
Need help confirming the system, media or workflow before ordering? Contact our team.
EventPrinters.com Is an Authorized DNP Dealer
EventPrinters.com is operated by Southtrend Corp., a Miami-based professional photo printing supplier serving the industry since 1996.
We supply genuine DNP printers, media and professional photo solutions to businesses and organizations throughout the United States.
DNP's official U.S. Where to Buy directory lists Southtrend Corp., providing an additional manufacturer reference for our DNP dealer relationship.
DNP IDW520 Manuals, Media & Government Guidance
For technical operation and government requirements, use current manufacturer and government documentation.
Current DNP product features, specifications and media information.
OFFICIAL MANUAL IDW520 v1.5 User GuideCurrent operation, workflow, maintenance and software documentation.
U.S. GOVERNMENT Printed Passport Photo RulesCurrent U.S. Department of State passport-photo requirements.
ONLINE RENEWAL Digital Photo RequirementsOfficial guidance for photographs submitted with online passport renewal.
EVENTPRINTERS GUIDE IDW520 Media GuideLearn about the 4.5×6 replacement paper-and-ribbon media.
SHOP DNP Passport Photo ProductsBrowse IDW520 systems, media and related passport photo supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DNP IDW520?
The DNP IDW520 is a dedicated wireless passport and ID photo system built around a Kodak PIXPRO AZ255 ID camera, WiFi EZ Share SD card, 7-inch processor console and DNP QW410 ID Photo Printer.
Does the DNP IDW520 require a computer?
A separate computer is not required for the normal IDW520 capture, processing and printing workflow. DNP's IDW software runs on the dedicated processor console.
Is media included with the IDW520 system?
DNP's current v1.5 documentation specifies that printer paper and ribbon are sold separately. Order compatible IDW520 4.5×6 media before putting a new system into service.
What media does the DNP IDW520 use?
The current IDW520 uses dedicated 4.5×6-inch DNP ID Photo media. A media box contains two paper rolls and two ribbons, with 150 physical prints per roll and 300 physical prints total.
How many U.S. passport photos fit on one IDW520 print?
DNP lists the U.S. Passport layout as two 2×2-inch passport images on each 4.5×6 print.
What six image checks does the IDW520 perform?
DNP's v1.5 User Guide identifies the six processing requirements as Neutral Expression, Eyes Open, Head Tilt, Face Direction, Head Position and Camera Distance.
Does the IDW520 guarantee that a passport photo will be accepted?
No equipment should be treated as a guarantee of government acceptance. The IDW520 assists with ID-photo processing and formatting, but the operator must capture the image correctly and the issuing government authority makes the final decision.
Can the IDW520 provide a digital photo for U.S. online passport renewal?
Yes. IDW version 1.5 adds a Digital Upload File feature. When Copy to USB is used with the U.S. Passport template, the system exports an additional processed file sized for the U.S. Passport Online Renewal workflow. The photo must still meet current State Department requirements.
Are IDW520 software updates automatic?
No. DNP's v1.5 User Guide states that online IDW software updating has been removed. Current software updates are supported locally using a USB flash drive.
What is the difference between the IDW520 and IDW500?
The legacy IDW500 already provided biometric assistance and a 7-inch touchscreen. The IDW520 moves to the compact QW410 ID printer, PIXPRO AZ255 camera, current EZ Share workflow, 4.5×6 media and a much lighter console-and-printer combination, while current IDW software adds features such as the U.S. online-renewal digital-upload file.
Can I use IDW500 media in an IDW520?
No. The systems use different media. The IDW520 uses dedicated 4.5×6 media, while the legacy IDW500 uses its own 4×6 media.
Is EventPrinters.com an Authorized DNP Dealer?
Yes. EventPrinters.com is operated by Southtrend Corp., an Authorized DNP Dealer serving the professional photo printing industry since 1996.
Do you offer assistance for government or volume orders?
Yes. Government agencies, schools, institutions, multi-location businesses and customers purchasing multiple systems or larger quantities of media can call EventPrinters.com at 305-653-0037 or contact us through our contact page.
A Dedicated Professional Workflow for Passport & ID Photography
If your business or organization needs a compact, purpose-built system for professional passport and ID photography, explore the IDW520 and genuine DNP media from EventPrinters.com.