On June 12, the National Assembly passed a resolution on the rearrangement of provincial-level administrative units for 2025 with a 96.44% approval rate. Per the resolution, 52 provincial-level administrative units, including four cities and 48 provinces, will be consolidated to form 23 new units.
Following the resolution’s effectiveness, Vietnam will have 34 provincial-level administrative units, comprising 28 provinces and six municipalities under the Central Government. Of these, 19 provinces and four cities will be formed through mergers, while 11 localities will remain unchanged: Hanoi, Hue, Cao Bang, Dien Bien, Ha Tinh, Lai Chau, Lang Son, Nghe An, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, and Son La.
Many citizens wondered if they would need to reapply for their identity cards and passports following the administrative mergers. The answer is no.
Once the 34 provinces and cities are operational from July 1, residents and businesses can continue using their existing documents until their expiration. If desired, individuals can opt for a free reissue with the new address… (Illustrative image)
Per Article 21, Clause 1 of Resolution 35/2023/UBTVQH15, documents issued before the change in administrative boundaries remain valid until their expiration. This applies to identity cards, birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and other personal documents, even if the old address no longer exists post-reorganization.
Similarly, Article 10 of Resolution 190/2025/QH15 stipulates that documents and papers issued by competent authorities or persons before the state apparatus reorganization remain valid until their expiration or unless amended, replaced, or revoked.
Government agencies are not permitted to request citizens or organizations to apply for document changes if they are still valid, unless otherwise specified by law.
Regarding passports, Deputy Colonel Ngo Nhu Cuong, Deputy Director of Department C06 (Ministry of Public Security), confirmed that citizens need not update their passports with the new administrative boundaries. Passports remain valid until their stated expiration date.
For merged localities, vehicle license plates will retain the pre-consolidation codes. Registration certificates and license plates issued before July 1, 2025, will remain valid.
According to Báo Long An Online, the Traffic Police Department has provided information on vehicle registration and license plate issuance following the provincial mergers.
Registration certificates and license plates issued before July 1, 2025, will remain valid. (Illustrative image)
Per the Traffic Police Department, implementing the National Assembly’s resolution on rearranging provincial-level administrative units for 2025, vehicle registration and license plate issuance will maintain the pre-merger codes for the respective localities.
For merged localities, the vehicle license plates will bear the codes of the pre-consolidation localities.
Registration certificates and license plates issued before July 1, 2025, can continue to be used.
Organizations and individuals can choose to register their vehicles at the commune-level police station within the province or city where the vehicle owner resides or is headquartered.
Today, the National Assembly Votes on the Resolution to Merge Provinces
Today (June 12th), the National Assembly will vote on a resolution regarding the reorganization of provincial-level administrative units for the year 2025.
Revolutionizing Provincial Mergers: A Resolution for Tomorrow’s Progress
On Wednesday, June 11th, the Minister of Home Affairs, Pham Thi Thanh Tra, acting on behalf of the Prime Minister, presented to the National Assembly a proposal outlining the reorganization of administrative units at the provincial level for the year 2025. Following this reorganization, the country will consist of 34 administrative units at the provincial level, comprising 6 municipalities under the direct control of the central government and 28 provinces. The Commission for Legal and Judicial Affairs has proposed that the resolution take effect on the date of its approval by the National Assembly, which is June 12th.
The Great Administrative Reform: A Visionary Proposal for Provincial Consolidation
“The Minister of Finance and the Minister of Education and Training will be addressing the queries and concerns of the National Assembly delegates. Stay tuned for an insightful and informative session as these ministers shed light on pertinent issues and share their expertise and plans for the future.”
“A Streamlined Administrative System: Empowering Vietnam’s Progress”
With a unanimous approval rating, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee has passed in principle 34 resolutions on the rearrangement of communal-level administrative units for the year 2025. These resolutions, pertaining to 34 provinces and centrally-run cities post-merger, signify a pivotal step forward in administrative reform.
925 Vehicle Owners in Hanoi with the Following License Plate Numbers are Subject to Fines Under Decree 168
In recent times, the police forces of several provinces and cities have published lists of vehicles violating traffic regulations through the “cold” penalty system. Notably, a significant number of these vehicles bear Hanoi license plates.
