In an era of networking events, customer‑facing roles and corporate conferences, a well‑designed name tag does more than display a name—it communicates professionalism, helps people connect and reinforces your brand. Whether you’re outfitting a retail team, preparing for a trade show or labeling staff at a gala, choosing the right engraver ensures that your name tags look polished and last through repeated use. Chicago is home to many engraving shops ranging from family‑run businesses to high‑tech studios. This article evaluates the top providers for name tag engraving in the Chicago area as of 2025, with Viking Awards again taking the lead. We explain their specialties and provide a buyer’s guide and creative ideas for making the most of engraved name tags.
Top Name Tag Engraving Providers in Chicago
1. Viking Awards – Personalized Signs and Nameplates
📍 10405 W Cermak Rd, Westchester, IL 60154
Viking Awards shines when it comes to custom name tags and signage. In addition to trophies and plaques, Viking offers personalized signs and nameplates. The company uses precision laser engraving combined with traditional methods to deliver crisp, durable text. Because they handle design and production in‑house, clients can work directly with their team to choose materials (plastic, metal, wood or acrylic), fonts and even logos. Viking’s white‑glove approach includes mockups and revisions, ensuring that your final product matches your vision. They’re known for accommodating tight deadlines, which is ideal when ordering name tags for a last‑minute event. Whether you need a handful of engraved badges for executives or hundreds for conference volunteers, Viking’s combination of artistry and efficiency sets them apart.
2. Chicago Award Source – Same‑Day Rush and Walk‑In Service
Operating since 1981, Chicago Award Source sits in the Lincoln Park/West Loop area and is renowned for its quick turnaround. The company offers walk‑in service and same‑day rush options for engraving. While best known for awards, they also engrave name tags, badges and small signage. A key selling point is their ability to deliver finished pieces within 24 hours for rush orders. Customers appreciate the personalized service; staff members work one‑on‑one to refine layouts, select fonts and determine the best engraving method for each material. If you need professional name tags in a hurry without sacrificing quality, Chicago Award Source is a strong contender.
3. Engrave Tech – Laser Precision and Versatility
For those seeking advanced laser engraving on a variety of materials, Engrave Tech offers impressive versatility. This shop handles everything from small personalization jobs to industrial projects. Clients can bring wood, glass, acrylic, leather or metal, and Engrave Tech has the tools and expertise to customize it. Turnaround is typically three to four days and pricing is competitive. Small business owners favor Engrave Tech for its ability to manage bulk orders without sacrificing quality. For name tags, this means you can order dozens of laser‑etched badges with your company logo and staff names while still receiving crisp, consistent results. Their laser engraving is deep and precise, making tags easy to read and resistant to wear.
4. Laser Engraving Pros – “If You Can Imagine It, We Can Engrave It”
Laser Engraving Pros built its reputation on flexibility and creativity. Their motto—“If you can imagine it, we can engrave it”—reflects a willingness to tackle unconventional projects. They engrave pet tags, drink tumblers, tools, ceramics, wood, stainless steel, glass and acrylic. Clients often come in with half‑formed ideas, and the team collaborates through mockups, samples and production to bring concepts to life. Name tag orders can range from minimalist metal badges to colorful acrylic pieces shaped like a company logo. The shop offers volume discounts and bulk ordering, making them an excellent choice for corporate conferences or large staff orders. If you’re looking for creative name tags that double as conversation pieces, Laser Engraving Pros will help turn your vision into reality.
5. Better Engraved LLC – Personalized Promotional Gifts and Signage
Better Engraved LLC describes itself as “your home for personalized promotional & corporate gifting and signage.” Their emphasis is on quick order turnaround and memorable gifts, and they are located at 119 S Western Ave, Unit 1, Chicago, IL 60612. Although primarily focused on promotional products, Better Engraved offers custom engraved name tags and plates that stand out at conferences and trade shows. Customers can choose from metal, plastic or wood badges, and the shop’s designers assist with layout and branding. With a mission to deliver personalized items that leave an impression, Better Engraved is ideal for businesses seeking name tags that match branded swag such as pens, tumblers and signage.
6. Art Engravers – Hand‑Engraved Custom Pieces
Art Engravers operates more like a boutique studio than a mass‑production shop. Tucked away in Chicago, it combines old‑school craftsmanship with modern design. Art Engravers focuses on hand‑engraving pens, watches, knives, letter openers and unique collectibles. Although they cater mostly to luxury clients and custom gifts, their skill set translates beautifully to engraved name tags for high‑end events. Imagine a gold or silver name plate hand‑engraved with a cursive script—perfect for gala hosts or board members. In addition to new engraving, they offer restoration services for antique pieces. If you want a name tag that feels like jewelry rather than plastic, Art Engravers delivers an elevated experience.
7. Mallers Building Jewelers & Personalization House – One‑Stop Downtown Options
The historic Mallers Building in downtown Chicago—often called the city’s “diamond district”—houses dozens of jewelers and engraving professionals under one roof. It’s a convenient destination when comparing engraving styles and prices. Many jewelers here offer same‑day or next‑day service, making it possible to get engraved name tags during a lunch break. Nearby Personalization House provides an array of customizable products, including cutting boards, plaques, notebooks, tumblers and corporate gifts. They handle bulk orders and offer design support to tweak artwork and match branding. For professionals working downtown who want quick turnaround and the ability to see samples in person, these spots are worth exploring.
How to Choose the Right Name Tag Engraver
Selecting a vendor requires weighing practicality against aesthetics. Here are key factors to consider:
- Material Choice: Name tags can be made from plastic, aluminum, brass, wood or acrylic. Plastic and laminated tags are lightweight and economical but may not suit formal events. Metals lend a premium feel and last longer. Wood or bamboo offer eco‑friendly options that pair nicely with sustainable branding.
- Attachment Style: Popular options include magnetic backs, pins and clips. Magnetic backs protect clothing but may not be suitable for individuals with pacemakers. Pins are secure but can damage fabric. Badge reels and lanyards work well for events where IDs need to be displayed frequently.
- Engraving Method: Laser engraving burns or etches the material to create precise, permanent text and graphics. Rotary engraving uses cutting tools for deep relief. Art Engravers demonstrates that hand engraving can add a bespoke touch. Ask vendors which method they recommend for your chosen material and design.
- Design and Branding: Consider whether you need a company logo, employee title or color accents. Vendors like Laser Engraving Pros collaborate on creative shapes and color fills. Better Engraved and Viking Awards can align name tags with other branded items. Ask to see proofs before production to avoid typos and layout issues.
- Turnaround Time: If you’re on a tight schedule, choose a local shop with a reputation for quick service. Chicago Award Source offers same‑day rush engraving, while Viking Awards often accommodates tight deadlines. For large orders, confirm that your deadline is feasible.
- Budget: Basic plastic engraved tags typically cost a few dollars each, while metal or custom‑shaped tags can cost more. Volume discounts may apply. Balancing cost with desired quality is key—especially if the name tags will be reused.
Creative Ideas and Use Cases for Engraved Name Tags
- Conference and Trade Show Badges: Move beyond paper badges in plastic sleeves. Engraved tags with your logo convey professionalism and durability. Include QR codes or small NFC chips to share digital business cards or links to company websites.
- Retail and Hospitality Staff: Uniformed teams benefit from consistent, high‑quality name tags. Choose metal or durable plastic with a branded color band. Magnetic backs allow for easy attachment without damaging clothing. Engrave job titles on a second line to assist customers.
- Corporate Board Meetings: Provide executives and board members with elegant engraved name plates for meetings. Use brass or wood to match the boardroom décor and include titles or committee names. These can be reused for recurring meetings.
- Volunteer Recognition: For nonprofit events, create unique name tags that double as keepsakes. Consider a small custom shape or an acrylic tag in the organization’s colors. Pair them with thank‑you messages or event slogans.
- Weddings and Formal Events: Name tags aren’t just for business. For large weddings or galas, engraved escort cards or seat markers help guests find their places. Materials like brushed gold acrylic or bamboo add a chic touch. After the event, guests can keep them as mementos.
Conclusion
Engraved name tags may seem like a small detail, but they can make a big impression on clients, customers and colleagues. Chicago offers a spectrum of engraving services—from the full‑service customization and reliable turnaround of Viking Awards to the rapid rush jobs at Chicago Award Source, the precision of Engrave Tech, the creative flair of Laser Engraving Pros, and the boutique craftsmanship of Art Engravers. Better Engraved provides a marketing‑driven approach, while downtown jewelers and personalization shops offer convenience and variety. By considering material, attachment style, engraving method, branding and timing, you can select an engraver that produces name tags worthy of your event. Viking Awards remains our top recommendation for name tag engraving because of its attentive service, wide range of materials and ability to meet tight deadlines. However, each of the providers listed brings unique strengths that may suit different budgets, aesthetics and timelines. Invest in high‑quality name tags, and your guests and employees will notice the difference.
