CIRCULAR

Provisions on the organization of registration and issuance of license plates for motor vehicles

on land

____________________

 

Pursuant to the Road Traffic Law adopted by the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at its tenth session, ninth meeting on June 29, 2001;

Pursuant to Decree No. 14/2003/NĐ-CP dated February 19, 2003 of the Government detailing implementation of certain provisions of the Road Traffic Law;

Pursuant to Decree No. 136/2003/NĐ-CP dated November 14, 2003 of the Government stipulating functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Public Security.

The Ministry of Public Security hereby provides for the organization of registration and issuance of license plates for motor vehicles on land as follows:

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. Scope and Applicability

1.1. This Circular regulates the registration and issuance of license plates for motor vehicles on land including: Cars, tractors, motorcycles, motorbikes, similar types of vehicles, including motorized vehicles for disabled persons and trailers, semi-trailers (hereinafter referred to as vehicles of domestic and foreign organizations and individuals with offices or residences within the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

1.2. This Circular does not apply to military vehicles used for national defense purposes and special-purpose machines.

2. Classification of Registration Authorities

2.1. The Highway Police Department - Railways (General Police Department - Ministry of Public Security): registers cars of diplomatic missions, international organizations, foreign individuals working in those agencies and organizations, and some central agencies listed in the attached annex, and vehicles of the Ministry of Public Security;

In addition to the aforementioned vehicles, the Highway Police Department - Railways registers vehicles according to operational requirements approved by the Ministry of Public Security or the General Police Department.

2.2. Provincial and Central City Traffic Police Departments: register cars of domestic and foreign organizations and individuals, military vehicles engaged in economic activities; motorcycles and motorbikes of foreign organizations and individuals, joint ventures, and projects in their localities (excluding the subjects specified in point 2.1 above).

2.3. District-level Public Security Departments (including districts, counties, towns under provinces) register motorcycles and motorbikes of domestic organizations and individuals residing or having offices in the district (excluding the subjects specified in points 2.1 and 2.2 above).

If the Director of Public Security Departments of provinces and centrally-administered cities has not delegated motorcycle and motorbike registration to district-level public security departments, they must report in writing to the Ministry (through the General Police Department).

3. Responsibilities of Registration Authorities

3.1. Registration authorities shall implement this Circular and other relevant laws concerning vehicle registration, without adding unauthorized procedures contrary to this Circular; process registrations according to regulations set forth by the Ministry of Public Security.

3.2. Staff receiving vehicle registration applications must check and compare the application with the vehicle, accept and process the application if it meets the prescribed procedures, and provide specific and comprehensive guidance for corrections if the application does not meet the required procedures, and bear responsibility for such guidance.

4. Responsibilities of Vehicle Owners

Vehicle owners must submit complete documentation and be responsible under the law for the legality of the documentation and vehicle when registering; pay registration fees and license plates as prescribed. Any acts of falsifying documentation, tampering with engine or frame numbers to register vehicles are strictly prohibited.

3. Timeframe for Processing Registration, License Plate Issuance, Transfer, and Cancellation Documents

5.1. Upon receipt of a properly submitted registration application, the registration authority shall immediately issue license plates; issue registration certificates, transfer documents, or cancellation certificates (in case of cancellation) or reissue registration certificates and license plates. The maximum processing time shall not exceed three working days (excluding holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays).

5.2. Temporary registration of vehicles: After receiving a properly submitted application, the registration authority shall issue temporary registration certificates and license plates on the same day.

II. SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

Vehicle registration work includes: Registration; transfer, movement, or reissuance of registration certificates and license plates; temporary registration; and cancellation of registration certificates.

A. REGISTRATION

1. Vehicle Registration Application Form

Vehicle owners must fill out the form according to the prescribed model (Model No. 01 attached to this Circular);

2. Owner's Documentation

2.1. For Vietnamese owners: One of the following documents is required:

- Identity card. In cases where the owner has not reached the age for obtaining an identity card or the place of residence recorded in the identity card does not match the registered place of residence in the registration application, a household registration book must be presented.

- Military identification card, public security identification card, police identification card, or other identification cards as prescribed by the Ministry of Public Security or the Ministry of Defense, accompanied by a letter of introduction from the employer.

- Student ID card, accompanied by a letter of introduction from the school.

- Vietnamese citizens residing abroad who return to live and work in Vietnam: Temporary or permanent residence declaration as prescribed and presentation of a valid passport.

2.2. For foreign owners:

- Foreign individuals working in diplomatic missions, consular offices, or international organizations: Presentation of a valid diplomatic or service passport and a letter of introduction from the Protocol Department or the Foreign Affairs Office.

- Foreign individuals living or working in Vietnam: Presentation of a valid passport, work permit as prescribed, or a letter of introduction from a Vietnamese agency managing foreigners, or a valid residence card or temporary residence card for one year or more as prescribed in Ordinance No. 24/1999/PL-UBTVQH10 dated April 28, 2000 of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on entry, exit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

2.3. For organizations and entities:

- Vietnamese organizations and entities: Letter of introduction accompanied by personal identification of the person registering the vehicle.

- Diplomatic missions, consular offices, and international organizations: Letter of introduction from the Protocol Department or the Foreign Affairs Office specifying the name of the organization or entity, accompanied by personal identification of the person registering the vehicle.

- Joint ventures, wholly foreign-owned enterprises, representative offices, foreign companies that have won bids, non-governmental organizations: An introduction letter accompanied by the identity documents of the person registering the vehicle (in cases where the agency does not issue an introduction letter, it must be issued by a higher-level management agency).

2.4. The person authorized to register the vehicle must present a power of attorney from the vehicle owner with confirmation from the People's Committee of the commune or ward, or the workplace agency or unit, and produce their identification card.

2.5. The vehicle owner must present the documents specified in points 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4 above. The registration authority shall retain the introduction letters and powers of attorney provided above in the vehicle file.

3. Documents of the vehicle

The documents of the vehicle include: Purchase, gift, or donation certificates; stamp duty and origin certificates of the vehicle.

3.1. Purchase, gift, or donation certificates

The purchase, gift, or donation certificates must include one of the following types of documents:

3.1.1. Decision or contract as prescribed by law.

3.1.2. Sale, gift, donation, or inheritance document as prescribed by law.

3.1.3. Sales invoice as prescribed by the Ministry of Finance (if the vehicle has been sold through multiple organizations, agencies, or enterprises, only the original sales invoice issued by the Ministry of Finance of the final selling organization, agency, or enterprise needs to be presented when registering).

For vehicles of enterprises or business establishments, there must be a value-added tax invoice, sales invoice, or self-printed invoice as prescribed by law; in the case of purchasing assets from the liquidation of administrative and public service units, there must be a sales invoice for liquidated assets; in the case of purchasing goods which are state reserve assets, there must be a sales invoice for state reserve assets.

3.1.4. Vehicles of co-owners when sold or gifted must have signatures or a power of attorney for sale from all owners.

3.2. Stamp duty certificates

3.2.1. Receipt or certificate of payment of stamp duty as prescribed by the Ministry of Finance (if multiple vehicles share one stamp duty certificate, each vehicle must have a certified copy or authenticated copy by the issuing authority).

3.2.2. Declaration form and notification of stamp duty payment.

In cases where the vehicle is exempt from stamp duty, only the declaration form of stamp duty is required.

3.3. Origin certificates

Required documents vary according to the type as follows:

3.3.1. Imported vehicles:

3.3.1.1. Commercial trade imported vehicles, tax-exempt vehicles, special-purpose vehicles with a zero tax rate, aid vehicles, and other vehicles subject to the regulations of the Ministry of Finance requiring the use of an origin declaration form: Vehicle origin declaration form for imported automobiles and motorcycles as prescribed by the Ministry of Finance.

3.3.1.2. Temporary import and re-export vehicles for individuals entitled to diplomatic privileges and immunities; pursuant to Government Decrees or Agreements between two states; or foreign experts implementing ODA projects in Vietnam; Vietnamese citizens returning from abroad to work upon invitation: Import permit for vehicles issued by the Customs Authority.

3.3.1.3. Non-commercial imported vehicles, gifts, or vehicles imported as movable property.

- Non-commercial goods declaration form as prescribed by the Ministry of Finance.

- Receipts for export and import taxes, special consumption tax (if required), or bank deposit slips or transfer orders or bank mandates indicating tax payment.

+ If no export and import tax receipts or special consumption tax receipts are required, a decision on tax exemption or a document granting tax exemption from the competent authority is necessary.

+ For special-purpose vehicles with a zero tax rate: Non-commercial goods declaration form as prescribed by the Ministry of Finance, which must include the vehicle brand, engine number, and chassis number.

3.3.1.4. For imported semi-trailers and semi-trailer trucks: Goods declaration form for export and import as prescribed by the Ministry of Finance.

If multiple semi-trailers or semi-trailer trucks share one goods declaration form for export and import, each vehicle must have a separate copy (certified or authenticated by the competent authority).

If the goods declaration form for export and import does not indicate the brand name, the vehicle registration form must specify the country of manufacture.

3.3.1.5. Foreign-rented special-purpose vehicles:

- Rental contract;

- Goods declaration form for export and import as prescribed by the Ministry of Finance.

3.3.1.6. Vehicles of projects:

3.3.1.6.1. Vehicles of foreign-assisted projects when they expire and are handed over to the Vietnamese side:

- Origin certificates of the vehicles as prescribed at point 3.3 section A part II of this Circular;

- Acceptance decision of the head of the central ministry (for central agencies) or the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee (for local agencies);

- Handover record of the vehicle as prescribed.

After being registered under the name of a Vietnamese agency, if the vehicle is sold: for central agencies, the decision is made by the head of the central ministry; for locally managed agencies, the decision is made by the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee.

For aid vehicles registered under the name of a Vietnamese agency rather than a project, after the project expires and the vehicle is to be sold, a decision to sell from the competent authority as prescribed above is required.

Humanitarian aid vehicles can be transferred normally according to the regulations.

3.3.1.6.2. Vehicles (already registered) of this project handed over to another project:

- Transfer document of the foreign project owner;

- Confirmation letter of aid goods from the Department of Foreign Financial Affairs - Ministry of Finance;

3.3.2. Domestic produced, assembled, or modified vehicles:

3.3.2.1. Assembled vehicles:

- Quality inspection certificate for motor vehicles before leaving the production or assembly facility.

For vehicles assembled from imported parts as prescribed by the General Administration of Customs, the vehicle origin declaration form for imported automobiles and motorcycles must be included.

3.3.2.2. Modified vehicles:

3.3.2.2.1. Vehicles changing their nature of transport.

- Registration certificate (for already registered vehicles) or origin certificate of imported vehicles (for used vehicles);

- Inspection and acceptance certificate of modified motor vehicles before leaving the production facility as prescribed by the Ministry of Transport; for modified vehicles in the People's Public Security force: Certificate of roadworthiness and environmental protection for motor vehicles as prescribed by the Ministry of Public Security.

Registration shall not be granted for vehicles other than passenger cars that have been modified from other types of automobiles; specialized vehicles that have changed their functions and purposes (referred to as vehicles changing functionality) before five years (for general vehicles) and three years (for refrigerated vehicles) since importation, as prescribed by the Government.

3.3.2.2.2. Vehicles replacing engine blocks, chassis assemblies, or frame assemblies imported:

- Registration certificate (for already registered vehicles) or origin certificate of imported vehicles (for used vehicles);

- The original customs clearance certificate issued by the customs authority handling the importation procedures for such components (imported under commercial contracts). In cases of non-commercial imports, the original declaration form for non-commercial goods and tax receipts for export and import duties must also be provided;

If the engine block, chassis assembly, or frame assembly differs in brand or technical specifications, a Factory Acceptance Report for modified motor vehicles from the production facility, as stipulated by the Ministry of Transport, must be provided.

3.3.2.2.3. Vehicles replacing domestically produced engine blocks, chassis assemblies, or frame assemblies:

- Registration certificate (for already registered vehicles) or origin certificate of imported vehicles (for used vehicles);

- Sales documents for the component parts issued by the production facility;

- Quality control inspection reports (KCS) issued by the production facility.

3.3.2.2.4. In cases where the engine block or frame assembly of a registered vehicle is used to replace another vehicle, a Certificate of Vehicle Registration Cancellation (clearly indicating issuance for the engine block or frame assembly) or a confiscation decision from the competent authority, accompanied by a sales invoice for confiscated assets transferred to the state treasury, must be provided.

For vehicles that have exceeded their prescribed service life as per Decree 92/2001/NĐ-CP dated 11/12/2001 and Decree 23/2004/NĐ-CP dated 13/01/2004 of the Government; tax-exempt vehicles; temporarily imported vehicles for diplomatic missions and international organizations exempted from diplomatic immunity, registration cancellation procedures for engine blocks or frame assemblies to replace other vehicles shall not be processed.

3.3.3. Vehicles with decisions from authorized levels or agencies:

3.3.3.1. Vehicles subject to confiscation and transfer to the state treasury:

- Confiscation decision (original or certified copy by the competent authority);

- Sales invoice for confiscated assets transferred to the state treasury issued by the Ministry of Finance or a document establishing state ownership rights issued by the competent authority (original or certified copy by the competent authority).

In cases where multiple vehicles are confiscated under a single decision, a detailed list of confiscated assets transferred to the state treasury, confirmed by the competent authority or the agency issuing the sales invoice, must be provided. Registration of vehicles confiscated and transferred to the state treasury (without original documentation) will be based on the current status of the engine number and chassis number recorded in the decision and invoice, but the vehicle must be complete with all details matching the type and technical specifications.

3.3.3.2. Vehicles with decisions on the disposal of evidence:

- Decision on the disposal of evidence issued by the investigating agency, Prosecutor's Office, or Court (original or certified copy by the competent authority);

- Receipts for payment or receipt of money or handover records (if the victim is involved). In cases where the decision on the disposal of evidence involves confiscation and transfer to the state treasury (without original documentation), a sales invoice for confiscated assets transferred to the state treasury must be provided.

3.3.3.3. Vehicles auctioned or transferred by the Court to enforce judgments:

- Copy of the Court's decision or excerpt from the judgment;

- Enforcement decision from the enforcement office;

- Payment receipt or asset handover record.

In cases of auctioned vehicles, the original documentation as prescribed in this Circular and proof of lawful ownership of the vehicle by the person whose vehicle was auctioned must be provided. Vehicles with unclear origins or without proof of lawful ownership of the vehicle by the person whose property was auctioned shall not be accepted for registration and must be directed to the place that issued the auction decision for resolution.

3.3.3.4. Vehicles pledged or mortgaged by banks and subsequently auctioned:

- Copy of the credit agreement or guarantee contract (signed by the financial institution);

Purchase and sale contract, asset transfer contract, receipt of assets, or auction sale document (depending on the specific case);

- Vehicle registration or origin documents;

- Payment receipt according to the regulations of the Ministry of Finance.

In cases where the pledged or mortgaged vehicle is in dispute, a lawsuit vehicle, or a vehicle subject to enforcement, additional documents must be provided:

+ Excerpt from the judgment or certified copy of the judgment or decision from the Court;

+ Enforcement decision from the enforcement agency.

For vehicles registered in another locality, an additional transfer name change form and the original documentation, along with a transfer name change declaration signed by the vehicle owner, the entity signing the asset sale contract, or financial institutions, must be provided.

3.3.3.5. Vehicles subject to back taxes on import duties:

3.3.3.5.1. Registered vehicles now found to have false origin documents:

- Import duty collection notice;

- Special consumption tax collection notice (if applicable);

- Vehicle registration; Evidence disposal decision or investigative report by the investigation agency.

3.3.3.5.2. Vehicles requiring additional import duties:

- Decision on import duty collection by the General Department of Customs or provincial/township Tax Departments;

- Payment receipt for import duties deposited into the state budget;

- Original documentation of the vehicle.

3.3.4. National reserve vehicles:

- Order for the sale of national reserve goods issued by the National Reserve Corporation. In cases involving multiple vehicles, each vehicle must have its own order (certified copies must be authenticated by the National Reserve Corporation);

- Import origin declaration form for vehicles or confirmation letter from the General Administration of Customs (one original per vehicle) specifying the brand, engine number, and chassis number;

- Combined sales invoice and warehouse release document issued by the National Reserve Corporation according to the Ministry of Finance regulations, one per vehicle, clearly stating the brand, engine number, and chassis number.

3.3.5. Vehicles missing origin documents:

A legal declaration by the vehicle owner regarding the loss of the vehicle's origin documents and presentation of documents as prescribed in point 2, section A, part II of this Circular.

- Certified copy of the vehicle's import origin documents must be confirmed by the issuing authority. For domestically produced vehicles, the production facility must reissue the Factory Quality Control Inspection Report (the registration file must comply with the requirements specified in section A, part II of this Circular). After thirty days, if no violations or disputes are discovered, the vehicle registration process can proceed.

3.3.6. Financial leasing companies may register vehicles at the residence or operational headquarters of the lessee.

- Vehicle documents as prescribed in Point 3, Section A, Part II of this Circular.

- A letter from the leasing company requesting vehicle registration at the place of residence or location of operations of the lessee.

3.3.7. Vehicles of public security agencies and military sold to civilians.

- Vehicle documents as prescribed in Point 3, Section A, Part II of this Circular;

- Decision on selling vehicles issued by the General Logistics Department (for public security vehicles) or the General Staff Department (for military vehicles).

In cases where vehicles have origins from the Ministry of National Defense issued before December 31, 1989 and registered before December 27, 1995, they must have the original certificate issued by the Motorcycle Management Department under the General Technical Department for each vehicle.

3.3.8. Registration and management of vehicles of military enterprises engaged in economic activities; military vehicles performing defense tasks requiring civilian license plates shall be implemented according to Joint Circular No. 16/2004/TTLT-CA-QP dated November 1, 2004 of the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense.

3.3.9. Vehicles that are joint property of spouses.

The vehicle owner voluntarily declares the vehicle as joint property of both spouses, must fully record the full name and signature of both spouses in the application form for registration. In cases where vehicles were jointly owned by spouses and registered before October 18, 2001, and now wish to re-register as joint property, they must submit the application form for vehicle registration (according to Form 01 attached to this Circular). The registration authority will collect the old registration certificate and issue a new one.

3.3.10. Vehicles with similar structures.

Vehicle documents as prescribed in Point 3, Section A, Part II of this Circular.

In cases where vehicles produced or assembled before December 31, 2004 have origin certificates not meeting the regulations, the vehicle owner must provide a commitment regarding the legitimate origin of the vehicle (confirmed by local authorities); Inspection report by the transportation department certifying the vehicle meets safety and environmental protection conditions (usage period as stipulated by the Government).

B. TRANSFER AND CHANGE OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Within thirty days from the date of issuing purchase, sale, gift documents, the buyer must go to the registration authority managing the vehicle to handle the transfer and change of registration procedures.

1. For vehicles transferred within the same province or centrally-administered city, required documents include:

1.1. Application form for vehicle registration.

Vehicle owners must fill out the form according to the prescribed model (Model No. 01 attached to this Circular);

1.2. Vehicle registration certificate.

1.3. Purchase, sale, or gift documents as prescribed in Point 3.1, Section A, Part II of this Circular.

1.4. Stamp duty payment receipt as prescribed in Point 3.2, Section A, Part II of this Circular.

When transferring ownership, retain the original license plate (except for three-digit plates which can be changed to four-digit plates of the same type) and issue a new registration certificate in the name of the new owner.

In cases of transferring motorcycles or motorbikes between different districts, the owner must go to the district police station where the vehicle was originally registered (no need to bring the vehicle for inspection) to handle the procedure of transferring the original file to the district police station where the new owner registers.

2. For vehicles transferred out of the province or centrally-administered city, required documents include:

2.1. Two application forms for transfer and relocation.

The vehicle owner must fill out the application form for transfer and relocation according to the specified model (Form 02 attached to this Circular).

2.2. Vehicle registration certificate.

2.3. Purchase, sale, or gift documents as prescribed in Point 3.1, Section A, Part II of this Circular.

Must return the license plate; no need to bring the vehicle for inspection.

3. Relocation of the same owner.

When the owner changes their place of residence to another province or centrally-administered city, required documents include:

3.1. Two application forms for transfer and relocation.

The vehicle owner must fill out the application form for transfer and relocation according to the specified model (Form 02 attached to this Circular).

3.2. Vehicle registration certificate.

3.3. Decision on job transfer or relocation of household registration.

No need to bring the vehicle, but must return the license plate. If the registration certificate or license plate is lost, a request must be submitted; if the required documents are complete, a transfer and relocation certificate will be issued.

4. Relocation to another locality, but the owner has not yet registered and resold the vehicle to a new owner, if the purchase and sale procedures and stamp duty comply with regulations, then accept and process the registration and notify the relocated locality to adjust the vehicle registration records.

5. In cases of gifted or donated vehicles; temporarily imported vehicles; vehicles of overseas Vietnamese returning home; project vehicles not yet expired and transferred in Vietnam, the owner must first handle the cancellation of registration at the registration authority, then proceed to the customs office to handle import procedures according to regulations and submit the documents to the registration authority to handle the transfer and relocation for the new owner.

In cases where the above types of vehicles have not handled cancellation procedures, but have been subject to customs import tax recovery or received a written response from the competent agency of the Ministry of Finance stating no tax recovery is necessary, they may be transferred and relocated, and the written response will be kept in the vehicle file. Specifically, vehicles of overseas Vietnamese returning home, which are exempt from import tax up to a certain quantity, if no longer needed, can be transferred and relocated.

For imported vehicles exempt from import tax that have been used for more than ten years, according to the Ministry of Finance's regulations, the import tax is zero percent; in such cases, the transfer only requires: Import declaration for non-commercial goods with confirmation from customs, along with the original registration file.

C. REPLACEMENT AND ISSUANCE OF NEW VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSE PLATES.

1. Replacement of vehicle registration and license plates:

1.1. The following situations require replacement of vehicle registration and license plates: modified vehicles; vehicles with repainted colors; damaged, torn, or faded registration certificates or license plates.

1.2. The vehicle owner requesting replacement of registration and license plates must submit a letter of request (for organizations) or a personal statement (for individuals) and return the old registration certificate or license plate. There is no need to bring the vehicle for inspection (except for modified vehicles or those with repainted colors). The registration authority will issue new registration certificates and license plates (with the same number), except for three-digit plates which must be replaced with four-digit plates.

2. Issuance of new vehicle registration and license plates due to loss:

In cases where the vehicle registration or license plate is lost, the owner must submit a request for issuance of new ones without bringing the vehicle to the registration authority. If the required documents are complete, new registration certificates and license plates will be issued (with the same number), except for three-digit plates which must be replaced with four-digit plates.

3. Vehicle owners who are former military personnel, public security officers, or graduates of high schools or universities; if they have changed their address or workplace, they can apply for new registration certificates according to their permanent or temporary residence addresses in the new location.

D. TEMPORARY VEHICLE REGISTRATION

1. Objectives include:

1.1. New imported and domestically assembled automobiles moving from warehouses, ports, factories, or dealerships to registration locations or other dealerships and storage facilities.

1.2. Automobiles with transfer certificates moving to another locality.

1.3. Automobiles undergoing cancellation procedures for re-exportation to their country of origin or transfer within Vietnam.

1.4. Vehicles permitted to transit (excluding vehicles under State-signed agreements).

1 5. Cab chassis vehicles; cargo trucks without bodies.

1.6. Examination vehicles.

1.7. Vehicles bearing economic and trade zone license plates operating within mainland Vietnam according to Government regulations.

1.8. Newly assembled vehicles in Vietnam undergoing trial runs on public roads.

1.9. Vehicles temporarily imported and re-exported with a time limit as prescribed by the Government (excluding vehicles operating in border areas with customs gates).

1.10. Vehicles serving conferences or sports events at the request of the Government or the Ministry of Public Security.

1.11 Trailers and semi-trailers.

2. Required documents:

2.1. Vehicles produced or assembled in Vietnam:

2.1.1. Vehicle registration application form.

Vehicle owners must fill out the form according to the prescribed model (Model No. 01 attached to this Circular);

2.1.2. Quality inspection certificate issued by the production facility in accordance with regulations.

2.1.3. Sales invoice or warehouse release note.

2.2. Imported vehicles; temporarily imported and re-exported with a time limit, or transiting:

2.2.1. Vehicle registration application form.

The vehicle owner must declare according to the prescribed model (Model 01 attached to this Circular).

2.2.2. Customs declaration form for imported goods or detailed import vehicle declaration form. In cases where vehicles have been registered in economic and trade zones according to Government regulations, a vehicle registration certificate must be provided.

2.3. Vehicles serving conferences or sports events at the request of the Government or the Ministry of Public Security: Only the vehicle registration certificate or a detailed list of approved vehicles is required.

2.4. For vehicles transferring ownership to another locality or undergoing cancellation registration procedures, the temporary registration file consists of the Transfer Certificate or the Certificate of Registration Cancellation.

If the vehicle has completed the import procedures, the temporary registration process includes the documents specified in Point 3 of Section A, Part II of this Circular (excluding tax clearance certificates).

When applying for temporary registration, the vehicle owner must bring the original file and a copy thereof for verification purposes; there is no need to bring the vehicle for inspection but the engine number and frame number must be affixed to the registration application form. Upon issuance of the temporary registration certificate, the original file will be returned to the owner, while the registration authority retains a copy of the original file.

3. Temporary registration validity period:

3.1. Temporary registration is valid for seven days; if expired, it can be extended once for up to seven additional days.

3.2. Vehicles temporarily imported for advertising, exhibitions, sports, or other lawful purposes shall have a validity period as stated in the temporary import permit.

Vehicles with temporary registration are allowed to operate during the time and between the locations specified in the temporary registration.

E. VEHICLE REGISTRATION CANCELLATION

1. Situations requiring registration cancellation:

1.1. Vehicles that are unusable due to damage or destroyed in traffic accidents.

1.2. Vehicles having their engines and frames removed for replacement in other vehicles.

1.3. Temporarily imported vehicles of foreign organizations, individuals, which are re-exported or transferred within Vietnam.

1.4. Project vehicles exempted from import duties, now transferred to other purposes.

1.5. Vehicles registered in economic and trade zones according to Government regulations, now being re-exported or transferred into Vietnam.

1.6. Vehicles reaching their service life as stipulated by the Government.

1.7. Stolen vehicles not found. The owner requests cancellation.

2. Cancellation procedures:

The vehicle owner must declare the vehicle cancellation application form (according to Model 03 attached to this Circular). The owner does not need to bring the vehicle to the registration authority but must return the registration certificate, license plate, and the cancellation application form. In cases of stolen vehicles, only the cancellation application form and the registration certificate (if available) are required.

After receiving all the required documents as stipulated above, the registration authority issues a cancellation certificate to the owner.

F. RESOLUTION OF SPECIFIC CASES

1. Cases of re-engraving engine and frame numbers

1.1. Imported vehicles without engine or frame numbers; if the customs declaration indicates no engine or frame numbers or they cannot be found, the numbers may be re-engraved based on the registration license plate number. If the numbers are found, the owner must confirm with customs.

- If the engine or frame numbers are etched on a sticker, painted, or faded, they may be re-engraved based on the numbers confirmed by customs in the import declaration (including both registered and unregistered vehicles).

- Vehicles with tampered engine or frame numbers will not be accepted for registration and the owner will be directed to customs for resolution according to Government regulations.

1.2. Domestic production and assembly vehicles:

1.2.1. Vehicles with engine or frame numbers engraved with pins (lade) or faded numbers may be re-engraved based on the quality inspection certificate.

1.2.2. Vehicles with overlapping engine or frame numbers must undergo appraisal. If the appraisal concludes that the numbers were tampered with, the vehicle will not be accepted for registration according to regulations.

If the appraisal concludes that the numbers are original, they may be re-engraved based on the quality inspection certificate.

1.3. For registered vehicles that have had their engines replaced or body blocks installed without engine numbers, the numbers may be re-engraved based on the registration license plate number.

1.4. Vehicles subject to confiscation decisions, evidence processing decisions, or investigative conclusions: If the engine or frame numbers are tampered with or cannot be identified, the numbers may be re-engraved based on the registration license plate number.

1.5. Re-engraving of engine and frame numbers is carried out by the registration authority.

2. Resolution of issues related to vehicle transfer documents

2.1. When transferring ownership, if the registration file for vehicles registered before September 1, 1993 lacks a sales invoice or continuous transfers, the file is considered valid according to Circular No. 61/TT-TCT dated July 22, 1993, issued by the Ministry of Finance.

2.2. For vehicles that have been resold through multiple owners and now cannot determine the intermediate owners, when transferring ownership registration, there must be purchase-sale certificates, gift certificates from the first owner and the final seller. The vehicle registrant must provide a sworn statement taking responsibility for the legality of the vehicle and present personal identification documents. In cases where personal identification documents are not available, confirmation from the People's Committee of the commune, ward, or workplace regarding the individual's identity is required. The registration authority must publicly announce at the registration location the type of vehicle, license plate number, engine number, and frame number. After thirty days, if there are no disputes or complaints, the transfer of ownership registration, change of license plate, or transfer will be processed.

3. Motorcycles imported illegally, which have been allowed to pay commercial taxes by the People's Committees of provinces and cities, registered before February 31, 1995, shall be processed for transfer of ownership, change of license plate, or transfer.

4. Vehicles that were registered and later discovered to have false import origin certificates (customs papers), or engine/frame numbers altered, erased, or rewritten:

- Transfer the file to the investigation agency for investigation and handling according to the law.

- If the investigation agency issues a written conclusion stating that the vehicle is not stolen, the registration agency shall transfer it to the Customs Department or local Tax Department for tax recovery. After obtaining the tax recovery certificate, the registration process will be processed.

5. Vehicles that were registered ten years ago or earlier (excluding smuggled vehicles or stolen vehicles),  shall follow the provisions of Circular No. 113/2005/TT-BTC dated December 15, 2005, of the Ministry of Finance when transferring ownership if the original file is incomplete but there are no disputes or complaints, the transfer of ownership, change of license plate, or transfer will be processed.

6. Vehicles that were registered before December 31, 1995, and now have engine/frame numbers altered but still match the original file records, the vehicle owner must write a sworn statement and can be processed for transfer of ownership, change of license plate, or transfer. 7. Motorcycles registered before December 31, 1995, with the stamp "not for sale, exchange, gift" on the registration certificate,

if there are no disputes or complaints, the transfer of ownership, change of license plate, or transfer will be processed. For motorcycles imported illegally but whose taxes have been recovered by customs authorities, registered now can be processed for transfer of ownership, change of license plate, or transfer.

8. Modified vehicles registered before June 4, 1996,

if the file lacks the technical inspection report as stipulated in Joint Circular No. 223/TT/LB dated December 7, 1979 of the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Home Affairs, they can now be processed for transfer of ownership, change of license plate, or transfer.Assembled vehicles registered before February 19, 1998,

9. if they have a copy of the product certification or acceptance report by the acceptance committee as stipulated by the Ministry of Transport, they can be processed for transfer of ownership, change of license plate, or transfer.III. MANAGEMENT OF VEHICLE FILES AND LICENSE PLATES AND AUTHORITY TO SIGN DOCUMENTS

1. Management of vehicle files:

Vehicle registration files are managed according to the file system of the Ministry of Public Security; vehicle information data is uniformly managed on computer systems, and monthly, the registration agency is responsible for reporting registration and management data to the Highway Police Corps - Railway Police Bureau for unified management. Any violation of the file management system resulting in loss or misplacement of files must be promptly detected and strictly dealt with.

2. Provisions on license plates:

2.1. Vehicles registered at the Highway Police Corps - Railway Police Bureau; provincial or municipal public security organs shall bear the license plate code of the Highway Police Corps - Railway Police Bureau or the province/city (Annex 1 attached to this Circular). Vehicles of organizations and individuals from foreign countries shall also bear their country's specific code (Annex 2 attached to this Circular).

2.2. License plates of domestic organizations and individuals

- Non-commercial vehicles of administrative state agencies; state power agencies; judicial agencies; public security forces; Party agencies; political-social organizations: Blue background, white letters and numbers. License plate series using one of the following five letters: A, B, C, D, E.

- Vehicles of enterprises; economic vehicles of state management agencies; public institutions; revenue-generating institutions; individual vehicles: White background, black letters and numbers. License plate series using one of the following fifteen letters: F, H, K, L, M, N, P, R, S, T, U, V, X, Y, Z. Specifically:

- Economic vehicles of the Military marked with "KT".

- Vehicles of foreign joint ventures, wholly foreign-owned enterprises, and foreign rental vehicles marked with "LD".

- Vehicles of projects marked with "DA".

- Trailers and semi-trailers marked with "R".

2.3. License plates of foreign organizations and individuals

- Vehicles of diplomatic missions; consular agencies and foreign nationals with diplomatic status working for these agencies: white background, black letters and numbers; with red serial code "NG". Diplomatic license plates of Ambassadors and Consuls General have an additional red bar across the middle of the nationality and registration sequence numbers.

- Vehicles of international organizations and foreign nationals with diplomatic status working for these organizations: white background, black letters and numbers; with red serial code "QT". Diplomatic license plates of heads of United Nations organization representative offices have an additional red bar across the middle of the nationality and registration sequence numbers.

Vehicles of organizations; representative offices; foreign individuals (including foreign students): white background, black letters and numbers, with "NN" code.

2.4. Size of license plates

- Car license plates consist of two plates of different sizes but identical letters and numbers; one plate mounted at the front and one at the rear of the vehicle. Dimensions are as follows:

+ Front plate: Height 110 mm, length 470 mm.

+ Rear plate: Height 200 mm, length 280 mm.

- Trailer and semi-trailer license plates: One plate mounted at the rear of the vehicle. Dimensions: Height 200 mm, length 280 mm.

- Motorcycle license plates: One plate mounted at the rear of the vehicle. Dimensions: Height 140 mm, length 190 mm.

2.5. Material of license plates

2.5. Material of the license plate

Vehicle registration plates shall be produced from metal, uniformly issued and managed nationwide by the Ministry of Public Security. Temporary vehicle registration plates made of paper shall comply with the specified dimensions. In special cases where vehicles serve political, conference, or sports events as required by the Government, temporary registration plates may be made of metal, with a blue background, white letters and numbers, and specific symbols, approved by the General Police Department. The General Police Department shall guide the size and arrangement of letters and numbers on vehicle registration plates and inspect the implementation thereof.

It is strictly prohibited to produce and use vehicle registration plates that are not produced and issued by the Ministry of Public Security.

Regulations for marking vehicle registration plates and characters on the body and doors of automobiles:

For all types of automobiles (excluding automobiles with nine seats or fewer), the vehicle owners must comply with the following regulations:

3.1. Mark the vehicle registration plate on the rear panel and both sides of the vehicle body.

3.2. Mark the load capacity and gross weight on both side doors of the vehicle.

3.3. Mark the name of the organization or unit on both side doors of the vehicle (except for private vehicles of Vietnamese citizens).

Validity period of the vehicle registration certificate:

4.1. In the vehicle registration certificate of diplomatic missions, consular offices, international organizations, and foreign employees working in these entities, at the section marked "Vehicle registration valid until day, month, year," it shall be recorded according to the validity period stated in the letter of introduction from the Protocol Department or the Provincial Department of Foreign Affairs.

4.2. In the vehicle registration certificate of domestic organizations and individuals, at the section marked "Vehicle registration valid until day, month, year," it shall be recorded according to the usage period of the vehicle as prescribed by the Government.

Authority to sign various documents:

5.1. The Director of the Highway Traffic Police Corps shall sign the vehicle registration certificate (forms 04, 05, 06 attached to this Circular) and other related documents concerning vehicle registration work directly handled by the Highway Traffic Police Corps.

5.2. The Head of the Traffic Police Division of the Public Security Departments of provinces and centrally-administered cities shall sign the vehicle registration certificate (forms 04, 05, 06 attached to this Circular) and other related documents concerning vehicle registration work managed by local authorities.

5.3. The Chief of Public Security of counties, districts, provincial cities, and towns shall sign the motorcycle registration certificate (form 04, form 06 attached to this Circular) and other related documents concerning motorcycle registration work in their respective areas.

IV. IMPLEMENTATION

This Circular shall take effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette and shall replace Circulars No. 01/2002/TT-BCA (C11) dated January 4, 2002, "Guidelines for Organizing the Issuance of Registration Certificates and Number Plates for Motor Vehicles"; No. 02/2003/TT-BCA (C11) signed on January 13, 2003, supplementing certain provisions of Circular 01; No. 11/2003/TT-BCA (C11) dated July 3, 2003, "Guidelines for Issuing Permits and Controlling the Operation of Temporarily Imported and Re-exported Vehicles with a Specified Period"; No. 08/TT-BCA (C11) dated August 3, 2005, amending and supplementing certain provisions of Circular 11; No. 17/2005/TT-BCA (C11) dated November 21, 2005, amending and supplementing Point 2 of Circular 02; No. 03/2006/TT-BCA (C11) dated February 22, 2006, amending and supplementing Point 2 Subsection D Part II of Circular 01; No. 06/2005/TT-BCA (C11) dated June 24, 2005, "Guidelines for Registering and Managing Motor Vehicles in Special Economic and Trade Zones"; No. 07/BNV (C26) dated July 14, 1993, guiding the implementation of Decision 258-TTg of the Prime Minister regarding the use of two-wheeled motorcycles with cylinder capacities of 175 cubic centimeters or more.

2. It is requested that Ministries, agencies equivalent to Ministries, government agencies, People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities within their respective functions, tasks, and powers cooperate with the Ministry of Public Security to effectively implement vehicle registration and management of motor vehicles.

3. The Director of the Highway Traffic Police Corps, the Directors of Public Security Departments of provinces and centrally-administered cities shall guide, inspect, and urge the strict compliance with the provisions of this Circular and other relevant laws concerning vehicle registration.

4. The General Police Department shall direct, guide, and inspect the implementation of this Circular.

Any difficulties encountered during implementation should be reported to the Ministry (through the General Police Department) for timely guidance./.