What is the Yellow House Registration Book and Pink ID card? (2024)

Key points

• The Yellow house book (Tabien Baan) is a registration document indicating the place of residence for a foreigner.
• The Pink ID Card serves as an identification card specifically for foreign residents in Thailand.
• To obtain a Pink ID card, a yellow house book is required.

Thailand has two types of house registration book or Tabien Baan: the blue Tabien Baan (Thor.Ror.14) for Thai nationals and permanent residents, and the yellow Tabien Baan (Thor.Ror.13) for foreigners without permanent residency.

A Tabien Baan is an official record that lists all the individuals who reside at a particular address. When a property has been purchased a blue Tabien Baan is issued, however, the blue Tabien Baan is typically left empty for foreign property owners, unless Thai nationals also reside at the address.

The yellow Tabien Baan allows foreigners with valid visas to register their address and place of residence with the authorities. It serves as a record for foreign individuals with a ‘Temporary Stay’ or a ‘Long Stay’ visa/visa exemption who reside at a specific address in Thailand.

The Yellow Tabien Baan does not signify ownership of the property but represents the place of legal residence.

Obtaining a yellow Tabien Baan in Thailand provides various benefits for the holder. Firstly, it serves as a proof of address, which is required for many everyday situations in Thailand such as opening bank accounts, obtaining a driver’s license, or applying for various government services.

In addition to acting as a proof of address, the yellow Tabien Baan offers several other benefits. Furthermore, having a yellow Tabien Baan allows the holder to be eligible to apply for a Pink ID card for foreigners.

• Current passport with a valid Thai entry
• Work permit (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate (if married to a Thai national)
• Thai spouse’s national ID card and blue Tabien Baan (if applicable)
• Blue Tabien Baan for the property owned by the foreigner
• Lease agreement with the landlord’s ID and blue Tabien Baan (if renting the property)
• The original purchase agreement for the condo with a copy of the title/deed (land)
• Certificate of Residence
• Photos of the applicant outside their residence.
• Two witnesses (Thai citizens aged over 20)
• Two passport photos

The Pink Thai ID Card offers numerous benefits for expats living in Thailand. One of the key advantages is that it removes the need to carry your passport everywhere you go. This provides a more secure and convenient form of identification.

A pink ID can be used to check into hotels, and as proof of identity when checking in for domestic flights in Thailand.

Applicants will also need the following documents:

• Thai ID number (Yellow Tabien Baan)
• Current passport with a valid Thai entry
• Work permit (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate (if married to a Thai national)
• Thai spouse’s national ID card and blue Tabien Baan (if applicable)
• Lease agreement with the landlord’s ID and blue Tabien Baan (if renting the property)
• Two witnesses (Thai citizens aged over 20)
• Two passport photos

The Pink Thai ID Card is valid for a period of 10 years from the date of issuance. However, if the applicant is over 60 years old, the card will not have an expiration date.

After 10 years, the card will need to be renewed. The renewal process involves the applicant visiting the District Office and submitting an updated photo and the required documents which are the same as the initial application. The renewal fee is 60 THB. The applicant will also be required to update their fingerprints as well.