An identification card registration system uses a cloud-based server to authenticate and register an identification card from a user. A device captures card data for the identification card and transaction information generated at the device. The card data and transaction information is sent to the cloud-based server as a primary notification for registering the identification card. The cloud-based server sends an alert to an administrator to approve or decline the registration. During the approval process, the identification card subsequently is used at the device or another device. The cloud-based server provides notice that the identification card is awaiting approval and takes corrective action after too many registration attempts are tracked.