Proposal for Online ID Renewal After Administrative Unit Changes

At the 49th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee, discussions centered on amending 10 laws related to security and order, including the Law on Identity. The revisions aim to align with the restructuring of state and local government, streamline administrative procedures, promote digital transformation, and ensure legal consistency.

Under the proposal, citizens whose ID card information changes because of administrative adjustments, as well as those who lose or damage their cards, would be able to renew or replace them online via the national public service portal, the national digital ID app, or in person at designated offices. Authorities would reuse biometric data such as facial images, fingerprints, and iris scans already stored in the national databases, reducing the need for repeated data collection.

This marks an expansion of current rules, which only allow online renewal for lost or damaged IDs. The change is expected to simplify processes, cut down travel time, and reduce administrative burdens for citizens.

Public reaction has been positive. Many agree that the online option matches real needs, especially after nationwide administrative boundary adjustments. Citizens emphasized the convenience of handling the process from home, particularly for the elderly or those with health conditions. However, questions remain about eligibility—such as whether all cases will qualify or only valid IDs can be renewed online.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Police (PC06), current law already allows online replacement for lost or damaged IDs that are still valid. Several cases have been processed this way. If the law is amended to include changes from administrative restructuring, the same procedure would apply, ensuring broader access and greater convenience.