At MyDogtag.com we offer 5 different methods to customize the text on your dog tags.
United States military issued dog tags are imprinted with one of two types of letters: embossed or debossed, both of which are valid since both types of machines are still used depending on the base. However, embossed is far more common.
MyDogtag.com recommends the modern embossed type for most people since it is easier to read and a larger selection of characters is available.
All five methods are made with computer controlled machines. Watch our production process here:
Mil-Spec Embossed
Embossing is the method where the metal is deformed so that letters are raised ABOVE the surface of the dog tag, similar to the way a name and number looks on a plastic credit card. Modern military Dog Tags use this method.
Character size: 2mm x 3mm (mil-spec)
Standard Character set: A…Z 0…9 " ' *. # ? $ % ! : ; + = ( ) , \ / &
Special Symbols: @ © ® ™ ° Ø _ - ¯ •
Special Emoji Characters: ☆ ✝ ♡🍁🐾 ⚓ ⌵ ⋱ 💎⋰
Large Embossed
Characters are raised above surface. Larger than regular mil-spec font makes it easier to read.
Character size: 3mm x 4.5mm
Standard Character set: A…Z 0…9'*.#,/-&
Mil-Spec Debossed
Debossing is the method where the metal is deformed so that letters are sunken BELOW the surface of dogtag. These look like they have been stamped or indented into the tag.
This was the most common type issued during WWII, Korea and Vietnam era wars and was usually issued on a notched dog tag with the rolled edge down. It should be noted that deboss tags were never designed to be read by people, rather their purpose is for transcribing the dogtag information to carbon copy medical paperwork (like an old mechanical credit card machine). Nevertheless it is possible to make them easier to read by rubbing in black shoe polish , a service which we offer for a fee.
We recommend choosing this debossed type for the notched style dogtag to be consistent with the era. However it is somewhat harder to read and less characters are available to choose from than embossed type. The most similar true type font is Rockwell.
We are one of the few dog tag manufacturers to make our debossed dogtags with a modern computer controlled debossing machine to ensure accuracy and uniformity (Most other suppliers use WWII era human operated Addressograph machines).
Character size: 2mm x 3mm (mil-spec)
Standard Character set: A…Z 0…9 '*.#:;_-+&,/
Braille Cells ⠃⠗⠁⠊⠇⠇⠑
Braille is a system that enables blind and visually impaired people to read and write through touch. A cell is made up of six dots that fit under the fingertips, arranged in two columns of three dots each. Each cell represents a letter, a word, a combination of letters, a numeral or a punctuation mark.
At MyDogtag.com we can make your custom BRAILLE dogtags and signs for FAR less than a typical braille sign manufacturer. Choose from a selection of different sized dogtags, plaques, and materials to make your own custom braille tag! Unlike other braille dogtags available on the web, ours are machine made to ensure accuracy and uniformity. Made of 304 stainless steel they won't wear down as quickly as plastic.
Using our pre-assigned BRAILLE keypad buttons you can quickly create basic braille letters, numbers and punctuation. More advanced users can use our custom braille-cell creator to make any 6 dot combination of Grade 1, Grade 2, or any Braille contraction that you require including all of the following dot combinations:
Braille Character Generator Keypad
⠁ ⠂ ⠃ ⠄ ⠅ ⠆ ⠇ ⠈ ⠉ ⠊ ⠋ ⠌ ⠍ ⠎ ⠏ ⠐ ⠑ ⠒ ⠓ ⠔ ⠕ ⠖ ⠗ ⠘ ⠙ ⠚ ⠛ ⠜ ⠝ ⠞ ⠟
⠠ ⠡ ⠢ ⠣ ⠤ ⠥ ⠦ ⠧ ⠨ ⠩ ⠪ ⠫ ⠬ ⠭ ⠮ ⠯ ⠰ ⠱ ⠲ ⠳ ⠴ ⠵ ⠶ ⠷ ⠸ ⠹ ⠺ ⠻ ⠼ ⠽ ⠾ ⠿
Braille Cell size: 4.3mm x 6.3mm
Standard Character set includes all 6 dot braille cells.
Laser Engraved
Characters are Laser Engraved in black flush with surface of the tag. Various font types and sizes can be used and the tag be oriented vertically.
Character size: Variable
Standard Character set includes: Variable
