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Get a Certificate of Residence (Tor.Ror.13/14)
A Certificate of Residence is required for many in-Thailand transactions (driver's licence, bank account, vehicle purchase). Issued by Immigration Office or your embassy.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15 · by Anglo Siam Law Editorial Team · How we research this topic
TL;DR
Certificate of Residence: Immigration Office (free, 1-2 weeks) or your embassy (paid, same-day for most). Required for driver's licence, vehicle registration, bank account, and some property transactions.
Overview
A Certificate of Residence is required for many in-Thailand transactions (driver's licence, bank account, vehicle purchase). Issued by Immigration Office or your embassy. This guide explains what to expect, your rights, and the steps you should take to protect yourself in this situation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Decide: Immigration Office (free, ~1-2 weeks) vs your embassy (typically same-day, fee varies).
For Immigration Office: visit with passport + visa stamp + TM30 + 2 photos + lease/utility bill.
Submit Tor.Ror.13/14 application form + photocopies of relevant pages.
Receive Certificate of Residence after processing.
Alternative — for embassy issuance: book embassy appointment with passport + utility bill or lease.
Legal Considerations
Important legal points to understand about this situation:
Immigration Bureau-issued certificates are recognised universally for Thai bureaucratic uses.
Embassy-issued certificates may be challenged by some Thai authorities preferring Immigration Bureau form.
Tabian baan (yellow book) is a distinct stronger document for long-term residents.
Key Statutes
| Statute | Reference | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Actพระราชบัญญัติคนเข้าเมือง | B.E. 2522 (1979) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to use an embassy certificate where the receiving office insists on Immigration Bureau form.
- Not bringing TM30 receipt — Immigration Office requires it.
- Letting the certificate expire (commonly valid 30-90 days from issue).
Embassy Assistance
What Your Embassy Can Do
Most foreign embassies can issue a Letter of Residence for their citizens; fees and procedures vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Free or paid?
Immigration Office is free; embassies charge varying fees (commonly USD 30-50).
How long is it valid?
Most receiving offices accept up to 90 days from issue.
Expected Timeline
Embassy: same-day. Immigration Office: 5-14 working days.
Related Topics
Get Professional Help
When Legal Representation Matters
If you are experiencing get a certificate of residence (tor.ror.13/14), immediate professional legal assistance is essential to protect your rights and navigate this situation effectively.
Anglo Siam Legal provides experienced legal services across Thailand for both Thai nationals and foreigners.
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