The Residence Certificate aka T.M. 6 is a document that is used to document one's legal address. This is specifically required for things like obtaining or renewing a Drivers License.
In the past, it was possible to use an affidavit certified by one's consulate or embassy. However, that is both more expensive (a fee is charged, it was $50 USD at the US Consulate in 2018), and in the case of Americans, the US Consulate no longer provides this service.
Fees and Requirements for the Residence Certificate
As of 2019, the Residence Certificate is free (previously there was a 500 THB fee). However, there is a wait of 2-3 weeks to receive the certificate once applied for. In order to expedite the certificate and get it within 1-2 working days, a visa company needs to be paid a 1,000 THB fee.
Requirements include:
- Original Passport
- Copy of Passport
- Copy of T.M. 30 (Alien Registration)
T.M. 30 Residence Reporting / Alien Registration
The T.M. 30 is required residence reporting for resident (and non-resident) aliens. This is normally done by hotels and guesthouses. For those who rent (or reside with Thai family), this reporting is extended to those locations. It is mandatory for landlords as well as visitors (and both can be fined). The extent of the requirement is such that if someone were traveling and staying overnight anywhere, such reporting is required. Also, the reporting needs to be updated every time one ends up back at one's residence (whether they left the country, or not, in the meantime). Frankly, this is ridiculous and since it is free, it doesn't even generate revenue (except in terms of fines for non-compliance). While these laws had been on the books, some underworked immigration official decided it would be a good idea to resurrect enforcement (if there ever was any) of this part of immigration law.
Since immigration websites are notoriously down most of the time, the T.M. 30 online reporting option is not necessarily available when needed.