After merging provinces under the Resolution of the National Assembly, many people wonder whether they will have to change their passports to suit the new administrative unit.
However, according to regulations, valid passports can still be used, and cannot be changed.
valid passport continues to be used
According to Article 10 of Resolution No. 190/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly dated February 19, 2025 on handling a number of issues related to the arrangement of the State apparatus, it is clearly stipulated that:
"Documents and papers issued by competent authorities before the restructuring of the apparatus that have not expired will continue to be used until they expire or have other changes according to the law".
Also according to this Resolution, individuals are not required to carry out procedures for granting and exchanging documents just for the reason of merging provinces if those documents are still valid.
Thus, people do not need to reissue their passport if the current passport is still valid. Except for special cases prescribed by law.
Cases of wanting to issue a new passport
If citizens need to issue new passports (due to expiration, loss of passport, first issuance, etc.), the implementation will be applied according to the Law on Exit and Immigration of Vietnamese Citizens 2019 (amended in 2023).
The documents to prepare include: Declaration according to form, complete information; 2 portraits; personal documents (CMND, CCCD or old passport if any).
The submission of documents can be done directly at the Immigration Department of the provincial police; online through the Ministry of Public Security's Public Service Portal.
Time and fee: Processing time: 58 working days depending on the place of application submission; normal fee of 200,000 VND/re-issuance.
Incentives when submitting documents online: Reduced to 180,000 VND, applicable until January 1, 2026.
In Khanh Hoa, people can contact the Immigration Department of Khanh Hoa Provincial Police at 069.4401249 (during office hours) or use the National Public Service Portal for direct support.
The competent authority notes: There is no need to change the passport just for the reason of joining the province; only change if the passport is expired, lost, or needs to be renewed; you should use online public services to get a fee reduction.
