What Documents Are Needed for a New ID Card in 2026? Complete Guide for Lost or Expired Cards

What documents are needed to apply for a new ID card? Thairath Online clarifies common questions and updates important information for those whose ID cards are lost, expired, or for those applying for a new card, including children aged 7 applying for the first time. Here's a straightforward list.

What is an ID card, and who is required to have one?

ID Card is an official government document used to verify identity for various transactions. The qualifications for those required to have an ID card are as follows.

• Thai nationality
• Registered in the household registration book (form ท.ร.14)
• Aged 7 years or older but not exceeding 70 years

Individuals exempted by law from holding an ID card include:

• Those over 70 years old (may request to have a card if desired)
• Those studying abroad who cannot apply for an ID card
• Persons in detention
• Persons with disabilities
• Monks, novices, ascetics, and religious devotees
• Members of the royal family at the level of Prince or higher
• The Queen

What documents are required to renew an expired ID card in 2026?

For those whose ID cards have expired, prepare the following documents:

• The previous ID card
• If the card has been expired for a long time, a household head or a trustworthy person must provide certification.

*You can apply for a new card before the expiration date.
*Renewing an expired ID card is free of charge, but if more than 60 days have passed since expiration, a fine of 100 baht applies.

What documents are needed for a new ID card for a child aged 7?

Thai law requires children aged 7 years old, listed in the household registration, to apply for an ID card within 60 days. Prepare the following documents:

• Birth certificate or other official document proving the child is the person named in the household registration.
• If there has been a name change, provide the name change certificate; if unavailable, a household head or trustworthy person must certify.
• If the parents are foreigners, present their identification certificates.
• For first-time applications at age 16 or older, submit documents 1-4 along with the household head and at least two trustworthy persons.

*A trustworthy person is someone with a permanent residence, stable occupation, and familiar with the applicant; they may or may not be a relative.
*First-time ID card applications are free, but if delayed more than 60 days, a 100 baht fine applies.

What documents are needed to replace a lost ID card?

For lost or destroyed ID cards, prepare the following:

• A government-issued document with the applicant's photo.
• If no government-issued photo document is available, a household head or trustworthy person must certify.

*Replacing a lost or destroyed ID card costs 20 baht; if delayed more than 60 days from the loss date, a fine up to 100 baht applies.

What documents are required when changing name or surname on an ID card?

For name or surname changes, prepare the following:

• The old ID card
• Legal proof of name or surname change

*Changing name or surname on an ID card costs 20 baht; if delayed more than 60 days from the change in the household registration, a 100 baht fine applies.

What documents are needed for persons released from special status?

Certain individuals are exempted from holding an ID card, such as those released from prison. Prepare:

• Proof of release from exempt status, or passport and documents proving graduation from abroad.
• If the card has been expired a long time, a household head or trustworthy person must certify.

*For persons released from exempt status, applying for an ID card is free, but if delayed more than 60 days from release, a 100 baht fine applies.

What documents are needed for those over 70 years old?

For individuals aged over 70 years, prepare the following:

• Previous ID card (if available)
• Copy of previous household registration
• If the card has been expired for a long time, a household head or trustworthy person must certify.

*ID card application for persons over 70 years old is free of charge.

What documents are needed when changing address?

If you have moved and your old ID card is expired, bring the old card and pay a 20 baht fee.

What documents are needed when adding a name to the household registration?

When adding a name to the household registration, apply for an ID card with these documents:

• If the birth was registered late, use the birth certificate.
• If previously overlooked but the person had a registered name before, use official documents issued by the government.

*Adding a name to the household registration is free, but if delayed more than 60 days from the addition date, a 100 baht fine applies.

What documents are needed for those who have acquired or regained Thai nationality?

Persons granted Thai nationality should prepare:

• Certificate of nationality conversion or certificate of regaining Thai nationality.
• Other government-issued documents and verification by a household head or trustworthy person.

*Applying for an ID card after acquiring or regaining Thai nationality is free, but if delayed more than 60 days from the date of registration, a 100 baht fine applies.

What documents are needed when changing a title (prefix)?

For a change in title, prepare:

• Previous ID card
• Proof of title change

*Changing a title on an ID card is free, but if delayed more than 60 days from the date of change, a 100 baht fine applies.

Where can you apply for a new ID card in 2026?

New ID card applications can be submitted at district offices, district administration offices, municipal offices, the Registration Administration Bureau, the Department of Provincial Administration, or express service points located at BTS stations and shopping malls, including:

• BTS Mo Chit Station, Exit 2
• BTS Udom Suk Station, Exit 3
• BTS Wongwian Yai Station, Exit 1
• Purple Line BTS, Khlong Bang Phai Station
• MBK Center, 5th Floor, Zone A
• Paradise Park, Ground Floor, Paradise Service Zone
• Gateway Ekamai3rd Floor

. Applying for a new ID card in 2026 At BTS stations, you can book a queue in advance via the free "BMA Q" application available for smartphones oniOSandAndroidHowever, applications for lost cards cannot be made at BTS stations.

For those planning to apply for a new ID card, it is recommended to check which documents or evidence are required. What documents are needed to apply for a new ID card? And complete the process within 60 days to avoid paying fines.

References:Watthana District Office