New rules on Judicial Record Certificates take effect from July 1
From July 1, the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Judicial Records officially takes effect.
Under the new regulations, Vietnamese citizens and foreign nationals aged 16 and above who are residing or have resided in Vietnam are entitled to request a Judicial Record Certificate from the competent authorities. Applicants may authorize another person to submit the application for both Judicial Record Certificate No. 1 and Judicial Record Certificate No. 2.
Notably, if the authorized person is the applicant's parent, spouse, or child, no written authorization is required. This provision simplifies administrative procedures and makes the application process more convenient for citizens.
The issuance period for Judicial Record Certificates has also been significantly shortened. The standard processing time has been reduced from 10 working days to five working days. In cases requiring verification, the processing period may be extended but must not exceed 15 days.
Judicial Record Certificates are commonly required for employment in professions governed by specific legal regulations, applications for professional licenses or practicing certificates, immigration, overseas study and employment applications, certain judicial proceedings, and other cases prescribed by law.
Under the revised law, individuals may only be required to provide Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 in cases specifically stipulated by law. The provision aims to better protect personal privacy, as Certificate No. 2 contains more detailed information on criminal records than Certificate No. 1.
From July 1, 2026, Judicial Record Certificates may be issued in either electronic or paper form, with both formats carrying the same legal validity. Competent authorities responsible for issuing the certificates include the Ministry of Public Security's Professional Records Department and the provincial and municipal police departments.
The new regulations also introduce an updated application form for Judicial Record Certificates. Compared with the current version, the new form includes an additional section on judicial measures, ensuring consistency with the amended law and improving the management and use of judicial record data.
The amended Law on Judicial Records is expected to streamline administrative procedures, accelerate digital transformation in judicial record management, provide greater convenience for citizens, and enhance the effectiveness of state administration.
Hai Phong News