Where to apply for the Pink ID Card?

Last updated on April 12, 2026

Where to apply for Pink ID Card

When considering where to apply for Pink ID Card, it’s essential to know the requirements and processes involved.

First, let’s clarify what we’re talking about:

• The “pink ID card” (บัตรประจำตัวคนซึ่งไม่มีสัญชาติไทย or “Pink Card”) is an official ID. It is given by the Thai government to non-Thai nationals. These people have permanent residency in Thailand but are not full citizens. Even if it is written in Thai that it is NOT AN ID.
  • It’s pink in color (hence the nickname) and includes details like name, photo, address, and a 13-digit ID number starting with “6” or “7.”
  • Who gets it? Typically, it’s for:
    • Stateless individuals (e.g., some ethnic minorities like hill tribe people from northern Thailand).
    • Long-term residents without Thai nationality (e.g., migrants from neighboring countries with permanent residency permits under special programs).
    • Certain refugees or displaced persons granted residency.
  • It’s not the same as the blue Thai national ID card (for citizens) or the yellow house registration book (Tabien Baan) for foreigners. It’s also distinct from work permits or visas.
• The card is essential for daily life in Thailand, allowing access to services like banking, healthcare, education, and employment. It must be renewed every 10 years (or earlier if details change).

This card is managed under the authority of the Ministry of Interior, specifically through DOPA, which oversees civil registration.

Roles of Amphur and Tessaban in Thailand

To understand why issuance varies, it’s helpful to know the administrative structure:

• Amphur (อำเภอ): This is the district office, a sub-provincial level government body. It is the main authority for most civil registrations. This includes births, deaths, marriages, and ID cards in rural areas. Amphurs handle a wide range of services and are found in every district across Thailand.
• Tessaban (เทศบาล): This refers to municipal offices, which are local government bodies in urban or town areas. There are different levels:
  • Tessaban Nakhon (for large cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai).
  • Tessaban Mueang (for medium-sized towns).
  • Tessaban Tambon (for smaller sub-district towns).
  • Tessabans have more freedom in crowded areas. They often take on tasks from the central government, like civil registration. This helps make services easier to access locally.

Both are part of the Ministry of Interior. However, Tessabans are “upgraded” local governments in cities. They have authority given by laws like the Municipality Act B.E. 2496 (1953) and its updates.

Why Is the Pink ID Card Issued at Amphur in Some Places and Tessaban in Others?

The location for issuing or renewing a pink ID card depends on several factors, primarily geographic location, population density, and administrative delegation. Here’s the breakdown:

Default Issuance at Amphur:

If you want to know where to apply for a Pink ID Card, there are specific places for this.

1. In most cases, especially in rural districts or smaller provinces (e.g., outside major cities like in Isan or the North), the pink ID card is handled exclusively at the local Amphur office.
2. Why? Amphurs are the primary civil registration hubs under DOPA. They have the full infrastructure for verifying documents, taking photos, and entering data into the national registry. For non-Thai residents in these areas, the process is simple. You need to submit applications with proof of residency and photos. These applications go directly to the Amphur. After approval, the Amphur will issue the card.
3. Legal basis: The Civil Registration Act says that registration must happen at the district level. Amphurs are the standard for this unless another method is chosen.

2. Issuance at Tessaban in Urban Areas:

1. In larger cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, you can go to the Tessaban office. This is instead of or in addition to the Amphur office.
2. Why the difference?
   • Delegation of Authority: In busy urban areas, the Ministry of Interior gives some tasks to Tessabans. This helps reduce red tape and makes services easier to access. This is common for ID-related issues. Tessabans usually have their own registration departments for tasks like issuing IDs.
   • Local Convenience: Tessabans are near city centers, making them “one-stop shops” for people living in urban areas. In Bangkok, there are Khet offices, similar to Amphurs, but with city oversight. Some Tessaban branches manage pink ID cards directly.
   • Special Programs: Local government offices can give out cards to specific groups. This includes hill tribe members in northern Tessaban areas. These cards are part of community outreach programs.
3. Legal basis: According to the Local Administration Act and DOPA rules, Tessabans can do civil registration tasks. They must meet certain criteria, like having the right systems and staff. This delegation is outlined in ministerial notifications and can vary by province.
4. Key Factors Influencing Where It’s Done:
   • Location: Rural = Amphur; Urban/Municipal = Tessaban (or a mix).
   • Applicant’s Address: The card is issued based on your registered address (from the Tabien Baan or residency permit). If it’s in a Tessaban jurisdiction, you’ll go there.
   • Type of Application: New applications or complicated cases, such as first-time requests for stateless individuals, typically go to Amphur for verification. Renewals are often handled at Tessaban.
   • Changes Over Time: From 2020 to 2025, digital tools like the DOPA app and online portals let some pre-applications be done online. However, you still need to visit an office in person to get physical documents.
   • Exceptions: In some border areas or for certain ethnic groups, special centers may help. These centers are under the Ministry of Social Development. However, the final issuance still goes through Amphur/Tessaban.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting a Pink ID Card – Where to apply for Pink ID Card

Regardless of the office, the process is similar. Read our other article on the pink Thai ID that explains everything.

Tips and Potential Challenges

• How to Confirm Where to Go: Check your residency documents or contact DOPA hotline (02-141-9899) or their website (www.dopa.go.th). You can also use the “Thailand Digital Government” app for location-specific info.
• For Foreigners/Expats: If you are not Thai and have a long-term visa, you may not get a pink card. Pink cards are for permanent non-citizen residents. Instead, you could get a “yellow book” or rely on your passport/visa.
• Common Issues: There may be delays in rural Amphurs because of heavy workloads. Tessabans might need appointments in busy cities. Always bring Thai translations if your documents are in another language.
• Legal Note: If this relates to prenups or marriages (like for a non-Thai spouse), the pink card is important. It helps prove residency when registering at the Amphur.