Dual-sided printers usually cost significantly more than single-sided printers. In some cases a single-sided printer can be used to print both sides of an ID card:
If the back of every card is identical (i.e.: If lost, return to... This card is property of...), you can use a single-sided printer and pre-print a batch of card backs, often using an inexpensive black ribbon. Those cards can be sent through the printer a second time to include customized information on the other side. This method is not recommended for printing on technology cards due to possible damage it could cause to the card.
Even if the back and front is unique for every card, you can print one side of an ID card, flip it over and print the back. This is much more time consuming, and is not recommended for organizations that print a large volume of ID Cards. This method is also not recommended for printing on technology cards due to possible damage it could cause to the card.
