How to certify a copy of your Thai ID card safely — and when you don't need one

A copy of your ID card is the document you hand over most often in Thailand: job applications, bank accounts, all kinds of paperwork. If it isn't marked properly, the copy can be reused for something else. Here is how government agencies advise signing a copy, and when you shouldn't need to give one at all.

Six points from the Department of Provincial Administration

In its article "When you need a copy of your ID card" (30 January 2020), the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) advises:

1. Copy only the front of the card.
2. Draw two parallel lines from the lower-left to the upper-right corner.
3. Write what the copy is for, ending with "เท่านั้น" ("only"), with a # at the start and end — for example #ใช้สมัครงานบริษัท ก เท่านั้น#.
4. Write the date every time.
5. Certify it ("สำเนาถูกต้อง") and sign over the photo, so the photo can't be swapped.
6. Use black ink.

What other agencies add

Other agencies agree, with small differences about where the lines go:

• Office of Justice Affairs: two diagonal lines, but don't cover the card's details; write "สำเนาถูกต้อง" and sign.
• Anti-Fake News Center: write "ใช้เพื่อ…เท่านั้น" between the lines, closed with # or *, and don't draw over the face.
• Government Public Relations Department (citing the Office of the Consumer Protection Board): add a note on the purpose, the date, parallel lines across the copy, and use a black pen.

The shared idea: the recipient can read what they need, but the copy is hard to reuse for anything else.

Make the copy on your phone, without uploading your card

The ID card copy tool applies this advice for you:

1. Photograph the front of the card on a flat surface with all four corners visible.
2. Drag the four points onto the card's corners and the photo is straightened.
3. Type the purpose and date, and add your signature.
4. You get an A4 copy at the card's real size with the parallel lines, #…เท่านั้น#, and your signature over the lower part of the photo, in black.

Your card photo is never uploaded. Everything runs in your browser and is cleared after you download. If you need to send another document containing your ID number, use Redact PDF first.

Can government offices still ask for copies?

Several measures have reduced how often the state asks for copies:

• Cabinet resolution of 2 October 2018: executive-branch agencies should not require copies of documents the government itself issued. People don't need to bring or certify such copies; agencies use the national ID number to access records instead. The first phase had to be ready by 5 November 2018.
• DOPA announcement (30 September 2021): cancels requests for copies of ID cards and house registration for DOPA's own services. If a copy is truly needed, the officer makes it free of charge. The exception is power of attorney, where the appointee still submits a certified copy of the grantor's ID card.
• Act on Facilitation of Licensing and Public Services B.E. 2569 (2026), section 11: rules issued by a government agency must not require people to show or hand over originals or copies of documents the agency itself issued or already holds. Exceptions are possible where unavoidable, as set by ministerial regulation, and when several copies are needed the officer must make them. An OPDC circular states the whole Act takes effect on 4 January 2027.

These rules cover government agencies. Private companies, such as banks or employers, may still ask for copies — so sign them as above every time.

Note

This article is based on government documents read on 27 September 2026. It is general information, not legal advice.