A modular card issuance system comprises a plurality of sequentially ordered modules configured such that each module is in electrical communication with its adjacent modules. This system also comprises a main controller that is in electrical communication with each of the modules. Upon power-up of the system and without assistance from the main controller, each module determines its own identity, its relative position among the plurality of modules and the total number of modules in the system. This information is then reported to the main controller upon request from the main controller.