Cambodia Enables National ID Card Issuance Outside Registered Residence

Cambodian citizens living away from their registered permanent residences, whether for work, business or study, can now apply for or renew national identity cards anywhere in the Kingdom, without the need to return their hometowns. The new system, which took effect on July 1, was announced by the General Department of Identification under the Ministry of Interior, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve public service delivery and reduce administrative burdens on citizens. Under the new mechanism, Cambodian internal migrants can submit applications for new national identity cards or renew expired ones at any provincial or municipal police commissionerate, regardless of where their permanent residence is registered. “Previously, citizens generally had to travel back to their hometowns to complete the procedures, often incurring transport costs and taking time off work or school,” said the ministry. “For example, a citizen whose permanent residence is in Ratanakkiri province but who works in Prey Veng province can now apply for an ID card at the Prey Veng Provincial Police Commissionerate instead of returning home,” it added. Besides provincial and municipal police headquarters, people can also apply at the identity card service centres located at AEON Mall Sen Sok City (AEON 2), AEON Mall Mean Chey (AEON 3), or at the Department of National Identity Cards in Phnom Penh’s Chbar Ampov district. The ministry said Cambodian citizens aged 15 and above applying for a national identity card for the first time must submit copies of their birth certificate or birth registration certificate together with proof of residence, including a family book, residence book or residence certificate. Citizens renewing identity cards that have expired or will expire within the next 180 days are required to present their existing card. Those replacing lost cards must provide a police complaint reporting the loss, while damaged cards must be submitted with the replacement application. The ministry noted that identity registration officers will continue verifying applicants’ documents and conducting interviews to confirm Cambodian citizenship in accordance with the regulations issued by the interior ministry in 2005. It also warned that both officials and applicants remain legally responsible for any intentionally false information or forged documents submitted during the registration process under the Law on Civil Registration, Vital Statistics and Identification. The identification department of urged all Cambodian citizens whose national identity cards have expired or will do so within 180 days to renew them promptly, reminding the public that expired cards are no longer valid for official use. Further information is available through the ministry’s hotline at 1271 or 017 898 915.