Law on Household Registration officially takes effect

The Law on Household Registration took effect on January 1st. The law stipulates that each individual has the right to choose where to register their household registration. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong and Danang are the first cities to have implemented the law. 

Hung's family is one of the first family to register the birth of their child in accordance with the Law on Household Registration. He doesn’t have to wait too long and the paperwork is less complicated compared to previously.

"I can register the birth for my children where I live. Birth certificates of the children include both parents and are not restricted to only the mother like before", said Tran Ngoc Hung, Khuong Trung Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi.

Birth certificates are considered one of the most important contents of the Law on Household Registration. Parents no longer have to return to their hometown to register their children if they live elsewhere.

According to the law, children under 14 now also have an ID number.

"The software for identification number showed some errors on the first try. We have immediately reported the problems to the department to fix it", said Nguyen Thi Thanh Loan, Deputy Head, Justice Department, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi.

"Only a birth certificate is required now along with other related documents as prescribed by law, it is much less complicated than before", said Nguyen Cong Khanh, General Director, Civil Status, Nationality & Authentication Authority Department, Ministry of Justice.

Even though the first days of implementing the law faced some technical errors, the Law on Household Registration is expected to simplify household registrations, making it things easier for the public.