Printer or laminator supply

The present invention relates to electronic printers and laminators of the type used to print or laminate a substrate. More specifically, the present invention relates to the transfer of data between the electronic printer or laminator and supplies which are used during operation of the printer. An identification card printer or laminator system includes a card transport mechanism configured to transport a card along a path, a printer or lamination mechanism configured to print or laminate the card, a print or lamination consumable supply, and a controller. The printer or lamination consumable supply includes a tag circuit that contains supply data including a tag security code. The controller is configured for communication with the tag circuit and is further configured to allow operation of the printer or laminator system with the consumable supply when the tag security code is valid, and to prevent operation of the printer or laminator system with the consumable supply when the tag security code is invalid.