Duplicating dog tags

From time to time we get emails from customers after they receive their dog tags concerned that our tags do not look like the ones they were issued. We are careful to post large, sharp and accurate photos on our website of what our tags look like. Over the years tags have been made using many different models of machines and some operate differently than others. Tags have been made with the rolled edge up and some with the rolled edge down. Some with the hole on the left and others with the hole on the right. The biggest point of contention though is the text. The modern standard is raised text which is called embossed. Older machines used sunken or debossed text. When the military purchases new machines however they do not scrap all of the old ones. Many of these machines are very rugged and last for decades. That is why we still get the occasional Guard or Reservist soldier asking why the tags we sent them have raised text. Their units still use older machines. Your best bet is to look at the photos closely because not all dog tags were made alike.

Do you guys make the actual tag?

We are the embossers. We take your text and put it on the tag using our embossing machines. We purchase blanks from one of several manufacturers who make the blanks for the military. There are no machines that take a piece of metal, cut out the dog tag shape and them emboss the letters. They are two completely separate processes.

Black Dog Tags

Black dog tags are favored by some special ops units because of the reduced glare. However, we no longer carry them because of the problems with the black finish flaking off. The black tags most commonly sold are made using black powder coating. The problem is that as the tags are embossed, the powder coating is weakened and eventually flakes off. We had a couple of soldiers tell us that they simply spray painted their tags or just duct taped over them.

Are dog tags good for dogs?

Dog tags look great on a big, strong dog like a German Shepard, no doubt about it. The tags measure 2" x 1 1/8" so they are ideally suited for larger dogs. There are 5 lines available and each has 15 characters. That is plenty of room for your dog's name, address and phone number. Our dog tag key rings come with a split ring ideal for attaching to a collar.