Vietnam: Digital Upgrades for Judicial Records
Applying for background checks and judicial record certificates is about to get a lot easier. On 17 April 2026, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) released a draft plan to modernize how these documents are managed and issued.
Set to take effect on 1 July 2026, these changes aim to cut through the red tape and bring your records directly to your smartphone.
What’s Changing?
The new rules focus on making the application process more flexible based on where you live and how you prefer to handle paperwork:
Online First: If you have a digital ID, you'll be able to apply for your certificate entirely online.
Physical Options: Foreigners or those without digital IDs can still apply in person or via mail.
Direct Sharing: Instead of you acting as the "middleman," government agencies and organizations can now request the info they need directly from the authorities.
Your Records, Now Digital
The biggest shift is the move toward a fully digital system. Here’s what the future looks like:
VNeID Integration: Your judicial record will show up right inside the VNeID app. This digital version carries the exact same legal weight as the paper copy.
Smart Forms: New electronic forms will automatically pull your data from the national population database—meaning less typing for you and fewer errors for the government.
QR Codes: Even if you prefer a paper certificate, it will now come with a QR code so anyone can instantly verify it's the real deal.
Why This Matters
The goal of this overhaul is convenience. By integrating these records into the digital ecosystem, the Ministry is reducing the need for you to carry physical folders of paperwork to every administrative appointment. It’s a faster, more secure way to prove your status.
Note: If you spot an error in your digital record once the system goes live, the new rules give you a clear path to request corrections immediately.
Does your current role require you to provide background checks or judicial records frequently?
Reference: official information is available - here