Dealing with delays in obtaining chip-embedded CCCD: How long to wait and which documents can be used temporarily?

The phrase 'citizen identity card' has perhaps been the most frequently mentioned term in recent times. However, due to overwhelming demand in the processing stage, obtaining or replacing chip-embedded ID cards has faced considerable challenges and delays.

So, what should you do if you haven't received the new ID card or are facing delays, leading to difficulties in processing essential related documents? I also delved into reputable sources such as Lao Dong newspaper and Vietnamese Law to provide information through this article!

1. What is the correct duration for ID card issuance according to the Law?

According to Article 25 of the Law on Citizen Identity Card, the time frame for issuing, renewing, and reissuing ID cards is as follows:

• In cities and towns, the processing time for new and replacement cases is not more than 07 working days; for renewal cases, it's not more than 15 working days;
• In mountainous, border, and island districts, the processing time for all cases is not more than 20 working days;
• In other areas, the processing time for all cases is not more than 15 working days.

However, in recent times, the excessive number of people applying for chip-embedded ID cards has affected the card issuance timeline. In less than half a year, the country has received over 50 million requests for chip-embedded ID cards. Additionally, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has also caused delays in card issuance.

Read more: Getting chip-embedded ID cards after July 1: Processing at temporary residence, receiving the card in 8 days...

2. What should the police do if there is a delay in returning CCCD cards?

According to Ordinance 40/2019/TT-BCA, valid until June 30, 2021, after completing the ID card process, if citizens register to directly receive the chip-embedded ID card and their old ID card is still clear, they will be issued an appointment paper for collecting the chip-embedded ID card along with the intact ID card for temporary use while waiting for the new ID card.

For individuals exchanging barcode ID cards for chip-embedded ones, according to Article 24 of the Law on Citizen Identity Card, the previously used citizen identity card will be reclaimed for cases requiring a card replacement.

However, in reality, due to the awareness of delayed card issuance, in many areas, if citizens register to receive the ID card via mail or for those exchanging from barcode to chip-embedded ID cards, they are also returned for 'temporary use' while waiting for the new card.

The most challenging situation arises when the old card has expired, lost, or damaged. In such cases, citizens can contact the local police office where they applied for the card to get the most accurate information on when to receive the chip-embedded ID card. This allows individuals to proactively plan for personal tasks requiring the card.

A new update from July 1, 2021, impacting citizens is that, according to Article 11 of Ordinance 59/2011-TT-BCA, the police officers will collect the ID card and chip-embedded ID card being used in cases where citizens are transitioning from ID cards to chip-embedded ID cards or replacing chip-embedded ID cards.

Read more: Old ID cards to be reclaimed when switching to chip-embedded ID cards from July 1

However, starting from this date, the Ministry of Public Security clearly specifies that the processing time for chip-embedded ID cards is only a maximum of 5 to 8 working days, as instructed in Article 11 of Ordinance 60/2021/TT-BCA. Therefore, from July 1, 2021, citizens will receive their chip-embedded ID cards within a maximum of 8 days.

With over half of the population already issued with ID cards, and detailed deadlines set by the Ministry of Public Security, it is likely that after July 1, 2021, the process of returning chip-embedded ID cards will be much more strictly adhered to.

If there are still delays in card issuance, citizens can follow the same procedure as before July 1, by contacting the police office or using alternative documents as replacements.

3. Which documents are temporarily accepted as replacements?

For cases of old ID cards with uncut corners or not reclaimed: Citizens can use the old ID card to carry out transactions and procedures since the uncut ID card still holds legal validity.

For cases of old ID cards with cut corners, reclaimed, or expired:

According to Ordinance 40/2019/TT-BCA, when citizens opt for receiving the chip-embedded ID card via mail, they should cut the corner during the card processing.

In this case, citizens can request to receive the chip-embedded ID card at the headquarters to avoid the concern of delayed card issuance and confidently use the old ID card while waiting for the new one.

If citizens still wish to receive the card via mail or if the old ID card has expired, they are obliged to use alternative documents for administrative transactions and procedures while waiting for the card issuance.

Currently, there are various identity documents apart from the old ID card such as passports, driving licenses, birth certificates, household registration books, etc. In some cases, citizens can use these documents to prove their identity while waiting for the chip-embedded ID card.

Currently, due to the complex and evolving situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in many areas nationwide, the processing and handling of issuing/replacing the chip-embedded ID card face significant challenges and may be temporarily suspended until further notice, especially in heavily affected regions like Ho Chi Minh City.

During this period, I suggest adhering to the 5k pandemic prevention rules, limiting unnecessary travel and document transactions. So, there's no need to rush, folks.

Source: Lao Dong newspaper, Vietnamese Law.

Read more:

• Establishment of a Research Center for Population Data and Chip-Embedded ID cards
• Procedures for issuing, replacing, and renewing ID cards from July 1