Background
The General Department of Identification (GDI) administers national identity card application, issuance, and renewal procedures across Cambodia. National identity cards are used to verify legal identity for administrative transactions and access to public services.
Under current practice, Cambodian citizens aged 15 and older may apply for a national identity card, and applicants whose cards are expired or will expire within 180 days can request renewal free of charge. The identification system operates through a mix of commune- and district-level police posts, provincial offices and designated central service centres to process applications and maintain identity records.
Key Developments
On 18 May 2026, an identification team from the Pou Rieng district police unit conducted on-site application and renewal processing at Wat Chey Mongkol in Phum Chrei Krohhem, Kampong Russey commune, Pou Rieng district, Prey Veng province. The field visit involved accepting completed application forms and continuing the validity of national identity cards for local residents.
Institutional Role
Residents may submit identity card applications and renewal forms at the following administrative points: commune or sangkat administrative police posts; district, municipal or khan police stations; and provincial or municipal police headquarters. Capital and provincial residents can also access central service locations, including the National Social Security central office for eligible social security members, the ION2 (Saensouk) and ION3 (Mean Chey) identity service centres, and the Department of National Identification headquarters.
Operational Implications
Field-based outreach by identification teams allows application intake and renewal processing to occur at community venues beyond provincial headquarters. Citizens who meet age or expiry conditions specified by the GDI can obtain identity card services without fee at the listed service points.
