Vietnam Public Security issues new ID card data rules

The Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam issued Circular 118/2026/TT‑BCA, effective 1 July 2026, amending and adding rules for the collection and adjustment of citizen ID (căn cước) data. The circular clarifies the duties of commune‑level police in managing ID records and works alongside Circular 117/2026/TT‑BCA, which establishes a legal framework for biometric data use.

Key provisions allow citizens to sign a commitment when required documents are missing, outline procedures for updating personal information such as place of birth, ethnicity, religion and current address, and require local police to verify and reconcile data before it is entered into the national population database. The changes aim to improve data accuracy while providing flexible yet accountable processes for citizens and officials.