Can I keep my old number when I renew my identity card in Vietnam?

Can I keep my old number when I renew my identity card in Vietnam?

In Subsection 4, Section I, Circular 04/1999/TT-BCA (C13) regulates the number and validity period of identity cards as follows:

4. ID card number and expiration date.

ID card is valid for 15 years. Each Vietnamese citizen is only issued one ID card and has a separate ID card number. If there is a change or loss of the ID card, the procedure for changing or re-issuing another ID card is allowed, but the number written on the ID card remains the same as the number written on the issued ID card.

Thus, in case you lose your ID card and go back to work, your ID number will still be kept in accordance with the old number on the previously issued ID card in Vietnam.

What are regulations on procedures for reissuing people’s identity cards in Vietnam?

In Item c, Subsection 2, Section II, Circular 04/1999/TT-BCA (C13) stipulates procedures for reissuing identity cards as follows:

c- Procedures for changing and reissuing ID cards.

- The application clearly states the reason for changing the ID card or reissuing it, with confirmation from the Police of the ward, commune or town where permanent residence is registered, photo pasted on the application and affixed stamp;

- Present permanent residence (family registration book or collective population certificate). In localities that have not yet issued two types of household registration books, the Police where procedures for issuance of ID cards are carried out are based on the household registration book and permanent residence registration certificate of the Commune, Ward and Town Police;

- In cases of changing full name, middle name, day, month, and year of birth, in exchange for ID card, a decision of a competent authority permitting changes to the above contents must be presented;

- Take photos (as in new cases);

- Fill out the declaration for issuance of ID card according to the form;

- Fingerprints of two index fingers can be printed on the declaration according to the form or the police agency collects two-finger fingerprints through an automatic fingerprint machine to print on the declaration and ID card;

- Pay fees;

- In cases of changing ID cards, the ID card must be returned according to Decision No. 143/CP dated August 9, 1976 of the Government Council (if any), the ID card has expired, is damaged or has changed content. The police agency immediately after completing the procedures will change it to keep it with the file.

In cases where documents are lost due to misplacement, fire, storm or flood, and other force majeure cases, the police agency must inform the citizen that when they come to complete the procedures for changing or re-issuing their ID card, they will carry out the procedures to issue a new one to these entities.

According to this Article, in case you apply for a re-issue of your identity card, you must follow the procedures prescribed above in Vietnam.

Can I keep my old number when I renew my identity card in Vietnam? (Image from the Internet)

What are rights and responsibilities of citizens in using people’s identity cards in Vietnam? 

In Subsection 3, Section I, Circular 04/1999/TT-BCA (C13) stipulates rights and responsibilities of citizens in using identity cards as follows:

3. Citizen rights and responsibilities:

a- Citizens can use their ID cards as identification documents when traveling and performing transactions. All citizens must have the responsibility to bring their ID card and present it when the competent person requests inspection and control.

b- Vietnamese citizens aged 14 years or older are obliged to go to the police station where their permanent residence is registered to carry out procedures for issuance of ID cards according to the provisions of Decree No. 05/1999/ND-CP dated February 3 -1999.

c- Citizens are responsible for going to the district police to exchange their ID cards in cases where they must change their ID cards and reissue their ID cards if they are lost. Go to the ward or commune police to report in case your ID card is revoked.

d- In cases where the ID card has been lost and another ID card has been reissued, if the lost ID card is found, it must be returned to the police agency where the reissuance procedure is carried out. Anyone who picks up another person's ID card must submit it to the police agency. It is strictly forbidden for one person to use two or more ID cards.

Above are the provisions of law on the rights and obligations of citizens in using identity cards in Vietnam.

Best regards!