Thai National ID Card Photo Guidelines and Requirements
Discover how the Department of Provincial Administration handles your Thai national ID card photo and what you need to know about the process.
Who Takes Your Official Photo
When you apply for your Thai national ID card, the Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior captures a frontal photo of you directly at the registration office[1]. Because the authority takes the photo itself during your visit, you generally do not need to bring a printed picture for your official application[1].
The authority takes the applicant’s photo at the registration office, and no applicant-supplied photo size is specified[1]. The 35 by 45 mm size is a common studio size for other uses, not an official national ID requirement.
Standard Dimensions and Head Size
Even though the registration office takes your picture on-site[1], many people still look for standard dimensions for personal copies or related documents. The size most often asked for by photo studios is 35 by 45 millimeters, which equals about 1.38 by 1.77 inches.
The authority captures the photo at the registration office; it does not publish measurements for applicant-submitted photos[1].
Rules for Headwear and Glasses
The authority permits headwear for religious reasons if the face remains visible[1].
The source gives conditional rules for glasses[1]. Follow the instructions at the registration office.
Preparing with Practice Photos at Home
Because your official ID card requires the registration office to take the picture[1], you will not submit a home photo for the main card. However, taking practice pictures at home can help you get comfortable with your posture and appearance before you go out.
Try facing a bright window to get soft, natural light on your face. Avoid standing directly under heavy overhead lamps that cast dark shadows under your eyes and nose. Ask a friend or family member to hold the camera or phone at your eye level, standing about one to one and a half meters away from you. Keep your shoulders square and look straight into the camera lens.
For practice, use a plain background and even lighting. The authority captures the official photo at the registration office[1].
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When taking practice photos at home, people often stand too close to the camera, which can distort facial features. Try to keep the correct distance of at least one meter between you and the camera lens.
Another common mistake is tilting your head up or down. Keep your chin level so that your face points straight toward the camera lens. Check that your eyes are wide open and clearly visible. Avoid wearing heavy makeup or distracting items that might change your natural look.
Before You Visit the Office
Before heading to the registration office, check what documents you need to bring along with you. Plan your schedule so you arrive with plenty of time to spare during office hours.
Dress neatly in clean, simple clothes that look professional. Remember that the staff will take your official photo on-site[1], so you do not need to worry about printing a picture for the main application form. Simply follow the instructions given by the staff when you arrive.
Using the Tool on This Page
You can use the tool above to crop and format practice images.
The tool cannot replace the photo taken by the registration office[1]. You can use it to prepare photos for personal use.
Printing a Practice Photo Sheet
If you decide to make a practice sheet of your cropped image, you can format it to fit neatly onto an ordinary four-by-six-inch photo paper. You can then print this sheet at a local store kiosk or on your own home printer.
The authority takes the photo for the national ID card at the registration office[1].
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring my own photo for a Thai national ID card?
No. The Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior captures your frontal photo directly at the registration office when you apply[1].
What size is usually requested for Thai ID photos outside the office?
The authority publishes no single official size for applicant-supplied photos[1], but the size most often asked for by local studios is 35 by 45 millimeters (1.38 by 1.77 inches).
Can I wear religious headwear in my ID photo?
Headwear is permitted for religious reasons if your face remains visible[1].
Are glasses allowed in the official picture?
The source gives conditional rules for glasses[1]. Follow the registration office’s instructions.
Can I use the tool on this page to make my official ID photo?
The official card requires the authority to take the photo at the registration office[1]. However, you can use the tool above to prepare practice images or format photos for other personal documents.