Background
Household and residence records form part of Cambodia’s local identification administration because they connect residents to the commune or sangkat where permanent residence is recorded. The residence book (K2) supports residence management by local administrative police at the commune and sangkat level.
The family book (K4) records Khmer nationality and family relationships, including spouses and biological or adopted children. The family book is not a property title and cannot be used to prove ownership of a home.
Family books and residence books are used as supporting administrative documents for daily civil needs, including school registration, civil status applications, passport applications, Khmer national identity card registration, employment applications, business registration, vehicle ownership procedures, and land-related procedures where required by law.
Key Developments
On May 7, 2026, specialized residence management officials at commune and sangkat administrative police posts under district and city police inspectorates in Preah Sihanouk province handed over residence books and family books to citizens.
The General Department of Identification stated that the documents were provided for necessary use in citizens’ daily lives. The notice also clarified the administrative function of the family book and its limitation as a non-ownership document.
Institutional Role
The General Department of Identification is linked to Cambodia’s civil identification system, while commune and sangkat administrative police posts serve as local access points for residence and family record services. Citizens may request residence books and family books at the administrative police post of the commune or sangkat where they permanently reside.
Operational Implications
The notice is relevant for citizens and local administrators because it identifies where requests for K2 and K4 books should be made and how the documents may be used. It also helps distinguish family relationship documentation from property ownership documentation, which is important for administrative processing and public understanding.
