A thermal transfer recording medium comprising a foundation, and a release layer and a heat-meltable colored ink layer provided on the foundation in that order, the release layer containing 50 to 100% by weight of a polyethylene wax having a melting or softening point of not lower than 100.degree. C., the heat-meltable colored ink layer comprising a coloring agent and a vehicle, the vehicle containing 50 to 100% by weight of carnauba wax. The recording medium gives clear print images having excellent fastness without causing falling of ink and is useful for bar code printing.