Consolidated Document number 1067/VBHN-BTP on issuing certified copies from original registers, certifying copies from originals, certifying signatures, and certifying transaction contracts

DECREE

Regarding the issuance of certified copies from original registers, certification of copies from originals, certification of signatures, and certification of contracts and transactions

Decree No. 23/2015/NĐ-CP dated February 16, 2015, of the Government on the issuance of certified copies from original registers, certification of copies from originals, certification of signatures, and certification of contracts and transactions, effective from April 10, 2015, has been amended and supplemented by:

Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP dated January 9, 2025, of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and certification, effective from January 9, 2025.

||| Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated June 19, 2015;

At the proposal of the Minister of Justice;

The Government promulgates the Decree on the issuance of certified copies from original registers, certification of copies from originals, certification of signatures, and certification of contracts and transactions^[1]

Chapter I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree stipulates the authority, procedures for issuing certified copies from original registers; certification of copies from originals; certification of signatures; certification of contracts and transactions; the legal validity of certified copies issued from original registers, certified copies certified from originals, certified signatures, and certified contracts and transactions; state management of certification.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Decree, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. "Issuance of certified copies from original registers" means the act of an agency or organization managing the original register, based on the original register to issue certified copies. Certified copies from original registers contain full and accurate content as recorded in the original register.

2. "Certification of copies from originals" means the act of an agency or organization with the authority as prescribed in this Decree, based on the original to certify that the copy corresponds accurately to the original.

3. "Certification of signatures" means the act of an agency or organization with the authority as prescribed in this Decree certifying that the signature on a document is the signature of the person requesting certification.

4. "Certification of contracts and transactions" means the act of an agency with the authority as prescribed in this Decree certifying the time and place of conclusion of the contract or transaction; the capacity for civil acts, free will, and signatures or thumbprints of the parties involved in the contract or transaction.

5. "Originals" are documents and papers issued initially, reissued, or reregistered by agencies or organizations with the authority; documents and papers self-prepared by individuals with confirmation and stamp of agencies or organizations with the authority.

6. "Copies" are photographs or typed versions from the original containing full and accurate content as recorded in the original register.

7. "Original register" is a register established by an agency or organization with the authority when implementing the issuance of originals according to the law, containing full and accurate content as the original that such agency or organization has issued.

8. "Certified document" is a paper, document, contract, or transaction that has been certified according to the provisions of this Decree.

9. "Person performing certification" is the Head or Deputy Head of the Justice Sub-department of the district, town, city under province; Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson of the People's Committee of commune, ward, town; notary public of the Notary Office, Notary Public Office; diplomatic officer or consular officer of the Diplomatic Mission, Consular Mission, and other agencies authorized to perform consular functions of Vietnam abroad.

Article 3. Legal validity of certified copies issued from original registers, certified copies certified from originals, certified signatures, and certified contracts and transactions

1. Certified copies issued from original registers have the value to be used in lieu of the original in transactions, except where otherwise provided by law.

2. Copies certified from originals according to this Decree have the value to be used in lieu of the original used for comparison and certification in transactions, except where otherwise provided by law.

3. Signatures certified according to this Decree have the value to prove that the person requesting certification signed the signature, serving as a basis to determine the responsibility of the signer regarding the content of the document or paper.

4. Contracts and transactions certified according to this Decree have the evidentiary value to prove the time and place at which the parties concluded the contract or transaction; the capacity for civil acts, free will, and signatures or thumbprints of the parties involved in the contract or transaction.

Article 4. Authority and responsibility for issuing certified copies from original registers

1. The agency or organization currently managing the original registers has the authority and responsibility to issue certified copies from original registers as prescribed in this Decree, except where otherwise provided by law.

2. Issuing certified copies from original registers shall be carried out simultaneously with the issuance of the original or after the issuance of the original.

1. The Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level has the authority and responsibility:

1. The Department of Justice of districts, towns, cities under provinces (hereinafter referred to collectively as the Department of Justice) has the authority and responsibility:

a) To certify certified copies from originals of documents issued by competent authorities in Vietnam; competent authorities of foreign countries; or joint ventures between competent authorities of Vietnam and foreign countries;

c) To certify the signatures of translators in documents translated from foreign languages into Vietnamese, or from Vietnamese into foreign languages;

d) To certify transactions related to movable assets;

d) To certify contracts and transactions related to movable assets;

đ) To certify agreements on the division of estates and declarations of inheritance where the estate consists of movable assets;

The Head and Deputy Head of the Department of Justice shall implement certification of matters stipulated in this Clause, sign the certification and affix the seal of the Department of Justice.

2. People's Committees of communes, wards, towns (hereinafter referred to collectively as People's Committees at commune level) have the authority and responsibility:

a) ^[2] To certify certified copies from originals of documents issued by competent authorities in Vietnam; competent authorities of foreign countries; or joint ventures between competent authorities of Vietnam and foreign countries;

b) To certify signatures on documents, except for the certification of translators' signatures;

c) To certify contracts and transactions related to movable assets;

b) To certify contracts and transactions related to the exercise of land users' rights as prescribed by the Land Law;

đ) To certify contracts and transactions concerning housing as prescribed by the Housing Law;

e) To certify wills;

g) To certify documents declining inheritance;

h) To certify agreements on the division of estates and declarations of inheritance where the estate consists of assets as specified in points c, d, and đ of this Clause;

The Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons of People's Committees at commune level shall sign the certification and affix the seal of the People's Committee at commune level.

3. Diplomatic missions, consular offices, and other agencies authorized to perform consular functions of Vietnam abroad (hereinafter referred to collectively as diplomatic missions) have the authority and responsibility to certify matters stipulated in points a, b, and c of Clause 1 of this Article. Diplomatic officials and consular officials shall sign the certification and affix the seal of the diplomatic mission.

4. Notaries have the authority and responsibility to certify matters stipulated in point a of Clause 1 and point b of Clause 2 of this Article, sign the certification and affix the seal of the notary office or notary public office (hereinafter referred to collectively as notary practice organizations).

5. Certification of certified copies from originals, certification of signatures, certification of contracts and transactions related to movable assets, and certification of wills as prescribed in this Article does not depend on the place of residence of the person requesting certification.

6. Certification of contracts and transactions related to land users' rights shall be conducted at the People's Committee at commune level where the land is located. Certification of contracts and transactions related to housing shall be conducted at the People's Committee at commune level where the house is located.

Article 6. Responsibilities of agencies and organizations receiving copies

1. In cases where laws require submission of copies, agencies and organizations shall be responsible for receiving copies without requesting certified copies but have the right to request presentation of original documents for comparison. The person conducting the comparison shall be responsible for confirming the accuracy of the copy compared to the original.

2. Agencies and organizations receiving copies issued from original books or certified copies shall not request presentation of the original, except in cases where there is evidence of fraudulent or illegal copies, in which case they may request presentation of the original for comparison or conduct verification if deemed necessary.

Article 7. Time limit for implementing certification requests

The time limit for implementing certification requests must be guaranteed on the same day the agency or organization receives the request or on the next working day if the request is received after 15:00 hours, except in cases stipulated in Articles 21, 33, and 37 of this Decree.

Article 8. Rights and obligations of the person requesting certification

1. The person requesting certification has the right to request certification at any competent agency or organization that is most convenient, except in cases stipulated in Clause 6 of Article 5 of this Decree. If certification is refused, they have the right to request the agency or organization that refused to provide a written explanation of the reasons or to lodge a complaint according to the provisions of the law.

2. The person requesting certification shall be responsible for the content, legality, and validity of the documents and texts they request certification for or present when processing certification procedures according to this Decree.

Article 9. Obligations and rights of the person performing certification

1. Ensuring honesty, accuracy, and objectivity when performing certification.

2. Being accountable under the law for their certification activities.

3. Not certifying contracts, transactions, or signatures related to assets or interests of themselves or close relatives such as spouse, parents, adoptive parents, parents-in-law, adoptive parents-in-law, children, adopted children, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandparents, siblings, or grandchildren.

4. Refusing certification in cases stipulated in Articles 22, 25, and 32 of this Decree.

5. Requesting relevant agencies, organizations, or individuals to provide necessary information to verify the legality of the documents and texts requested for certification.

6. Preparing a temporary detention record and transferring the documents and texts requested for certification that were issued beyond authority, forged, or contain content stipulated in Clause 4 of Article 22 of this Decree to the competent state authorities for handling according to the law.

7. Guiding the person requesting certification to supplement the certification dossier if it is incomplete, or guiding them to submit the dossier to the competent authority for certification if submitted to the wrong authority.

When refusing certification, the person performing certification must provide a clear written explanation of the reasons to the person requesting certification.

Article 10. Location of Certification

1. Certification shall be conducted at the office of the competent agency or organization, except in cases of certification of wills, contracts, transactions, or signatures where the person requesting certification is elderly, unable to travel, detained, imprisoned, serving a sentence, or has a legitimate reason.

2. When conducting certification, the location of certification must be clearly recorded; in cases of certification outside the office, the time (hours, minutes) of certification must also be clearly recorded.

3. Agencies and organizations conducting certification must arrange personnel to receive certification requests on working days of the week; they must publicly post their working schedule, authority, procedures, processing time, and certification fees and costs at their office.

Article 11. Language and writing used in notarization of contracts and transactions

The language and writing used in notarization of contracts and transactions shall be Vietnamese. In cases where the person requesting notarization does not understand Vietnamese, an interpreter must be present.

Article 12. Affidavit

1. An affidavit is a mandatory component of the Notarial Document.

2. The model of the affidavit issued together with this Decree includes:

a) Statement certifying a copy from the original;

b) Affidavit for notarizing signatures, including: Affidavit for notarizing the signature of one person on a document or text; Affidavit for notarizing the signatures of multiple persons on a document or text; Affidavit for notarizing fingerprints; Affidavit for notarizing in cases where it is impossible to sign or fingerprint.

c) Statement certifying the signature of the translator;

d) Affidavit for notarizing contracts and transactions, including: Affidavit for notarizing contracts and transactions; Affidavit for notarizing the agreement on division of inheritance; Affidavit for notarizing the declaration of acceptance of inheritance; Affidavit for notarizing wills; Affidavit for notarizing the refusal to accept inheritance.

Article 13. Notarial Register and Notarial Number

1. The Notarial Register is used to monitor and manage notarized matters at the agency or organization conducting notarization. The Notarial Register must be written continuously page by page without skipping pages, stamped across from the first page to the last page of the register, and carried out annually. At the end of the year, the register must be closed and the total number of notarized matters completed during the year must be recorded; the person who notarizes must confirm, sign, write their full name, and stamp.

2. The Notarial Number is the serial number recorded in the Notarial Register, accompanied by the volume number, the year of notarization, and the type of notarized matter. The serial number in the Notarial Register must be recorded continuously from number 01 until the end of the year. If a new register is used before the end of the year, the next serial number from the previous register must be taken, not starting from number 01. For registers used for the following year, the first notarization of the new year will start from number 01, not continuing the final serial number of the previous year.

The number recorded in the Notarial Document corresponds to the Notarial Number recorded in the Notarial Register.

3. In cases where the agency or organization conducting notarization has applied information technology to notarization, they must ensure that the content fully complies with the model Notarial Register issued together with this Decree. Monthly, the agency or organization conducting notarization must print and bind into a register, stamp across; by December 31 each year, they must combine into one Notarial Register according to the types of notarized matters conducted in one year. The establishment of the register, recording of Notarial Numbers, and closing the register are carried out according to the provisions of Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article.

4. The model Notarial Register issued together with this Decree includes:

a) Certification book for copies from the original (CBT/BS);

b) Notarial Register for signatures and fingerprints (NRS/SS,FP);

c) Certification book for the translator's signature (CBT/CKND);

d) Notarial Register for contracts and transactions (NRS/CT,TX).

Article 14. Archiving System

1. The Notarial Register is a state archival document, permanently preserved and stored at the headquarters of the agency or organization conducting notarization.

2. For notarization of signatures and notarization of signatures of interpreters, the agency or organization conducting notarization must retain one copy of the notarized document or text; the retention period is two years. In cases of notarizing the signature of the person conducting the forensic examination in the forensic conclusion text, or notarizing a copy from the original, there is no need for storage.

3. For notarization of contracts and transactions, the agency conducting notarization must retain one original contract or transaction along with the file; the retention period is twenty years.

4. The agency or organization conducting notarization may not charge fees or other costs for the Notarial Documents specified in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of this Article; they have the responsibility to preserve and store the Notarial Register and Notarial Documents.

5. The destruction of Notarial Documents upon expiration of the retention period shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on archiving.

Article 15. Authentication fees and other costs

1. Individuals requesting authentication at the Justice Office, People's Committee at the commune level, or representative agencies must pay authentication fees as prescribed by law.

2. The levels of collection for authentication fees, the procedures for payment, management, and utilization of authentication fees shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the law.

3. In cases where individuals requesting authentication request the authentication agency to print, photograph, or type documents and texts, they must pay the costs for these services.

Within the country, the maximum cost level is set by the People's Committee of the province or centrally governed municipality (hereinafter referred to collectively as the provincial People's Committee) based on local realities; abroad, the cost level is determined by the Head of the representative agency based on the actual conditions of the area.

Chapter II. ISSUING COPIES FROM ORIGINAL REGISTERS, AUTHENTICATING COPIES FROM THE ORIGINAL, AND AUTHENTICATING SIGNATURES

Section 1. ISSUING COPIES FROM ORIGINAL REGISTERS

Article 16. Individuals and organizations have the right to request copies from original registers

1. Individuals and organizations that hold the original.

2. Legal representatives or authorized representatives of individuals and organizations holding the original.

3. Parents, children; spouses; full siblings; other heirs of the individual holding the original if that person has died.

Article 17. Procedure for Issuing Certified Copies from Original Registers

1. Individuals requesting copies from original registers must present the original or certified copy of their Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Citizen Registration Certificate/Passport/travel documents/international travel documents still valid or Electronic Citizen Card for the file receiver to check.^[3].

In cases where the individual requesting copies from original registers is as specified in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 16 of this Decree, they must present documents proving their relationship with the holder of the original.

2. Agencies and organizations base the issuance of copies on the original register; the content of the copy must be recorded exactly as it appears in the original register. If the original register cannot be stored or does not contain information about the requested copy, the agency or organization is responsible for responding in writing to the requester.

3. In cases where the request for copies from original registers is sent through postal service, the requester must send along with the certified copy of the documents as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, one (1) envelope with postage paid, clearly stating the name and address of the recipient for the agency or organization issuing the copy.

4. The time limit for issuing copies from original registers is carried out according to the provisions of Article 7 of this Decree. In cases where requests for copies from original registers are sent through postal service, the time limit begins immediately upon receipt of complete and valid files as evidenced by the postmark.

Section 2. AUTHENTICATING COPIES FROM THE ORIGINAL

Article 18. Documents and texts serving as the basis for authenticating copies from the original

1. Original documents and texts issued by competent agencies and organizations.

2. Original documents and texts self-prepared by individuals with confirmation and stamp from competent agencies and organizations.

Article 19. Responsibilities of the Requester for Authentication of Certified Copies and the Person Performing Authentication of Certified Copies from Originals

1. Individuals requesting authentication of copies are responsible for the content and legality of the original documents and texts used as the basis for authentication of copies; they may not request authentication of copies from original documents and texts as stipulated in Article 22 of this Decree.

2. The person performing the authentication is responsible for the accuracy of the copy compared to the original.

Article 20. Procedure for Authentication of Copies from Originals

1. The person requesting authentication must present the original document or text as the basis for authenticating copies and the copy to be authenticated.

In cases where the original document or text is issued, notarized, or certified by an authority of a foreign country, it must be legalized according to the provisions of the law before requesting authentication of copies, except in cases exempted from legalization under international treaties to which Vietnam is a party or on the principle of reciprocity.

2. If the person requesting authentication only presents the original, the agency or organization shall take photographs from the original to carry out the authentication, except in cases where the agency or organization does not have the means to photograph.

3. The person conducting the authentication shall check the original, compare it with the copy. If the content of the copy matches the original, and the original document or text does not fall within the cases stipulated in Article 22 of this Decree, the authentication shall be carried out as follows:

a) Record the full statement of authentication of copies from originals according to the prescribed model;

b) Sign, write clearly the full name, affix the stamp of the agency or organization performing the authentication, and record in the authentication book.

For copies consisting of two pages or more, the statement of authentication shall be recorded on the last page; if the copy consists of two sheets or more, a stamp shall be affixed across the join.

Each copy authenticated from one original document or text, or multiple copies authenticated from one original document or text at the same time shall be recorded with one authentication number.

Article 21. Extension of Time for Authentication of Copies from Originals

In cases where multiple types of original documents or texts are requested to be authenticated simultaneously; the original has multiple pages; a large number of copies are requested; the content of the document or text is complex and difficult to verify and compare, and the agency or organization conducting the authentication cannot meet the deadline specified in Article 7 of this Decree, the authentication period may be extended by no more than two working days or longer as agreed in writing with the person requesting authentication.

Article 22. Original Documents or Texts Not to Be Used as Basis for Authenticating Copies

1. Originals that have been erased, altered, added to, or subtracted from in an invalid manner.

2. Originals that are damaged, worn out, and the content cannot be determined.

3. Originals sealed with a confidentiality stamp by an authorized agency or organization, or not sealed with a confidentiality stamp but clearly marked as not to be photocopied.

4. Originals containing content contrary to the law, social morals; promoting or inciting war, opposing the socialist regime of Vietnam; distorting the history of the Vietnamese nation; insulting the honor, dignity, and reputation of individuals or organizations; violating citizens' rights.

5. Originals issued, notarized, or certified by an authorized agency or organization of a foreign country that have not been legalized according to Clause 1 of Article 20 of this Decree.

6. Documents or texts self-prepared by individuals without confirmation and stamp of an authorized agency or organization.

Section 3. AUTHENTICATION OF SIGNATURES

Article 23. Responsibilities of the Person Requesting Authentication of Signatures and the Person Conducting Authentication of Signatures

1. The person requesting authentication of signatures shall be responsible for the content of the document or text they sign to request authentication of signatures; they shall not request authentication of signatures in documents or texts containing the content stipulated in Clause 4 of Article 22 and Clause 4 of Article 25 of this Decree.

2. The person conducting the authentication shall be responsible for the authenticity of the signature of the person requesting authentication in the document or text.

Article 24. Notarization of signatures

1. The person requesting notarization of their signature must present the following documents:

a) Original or certified copy of Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Citizen Registration Certificate/Passport/travel documents/international travel documents still valid or Electronic Citizen Card^[4].

b) Documents or texts that they will sign.

2. The person conducting the notarization shall check the required documents. If all documents as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article are complete, and at the time of notarization, the person requesting notarization is lucid, aware, and in control of their actions, and the notarization does not fall under the cases specified in Article 25 of this Decree, then the person requesting notarization shall be asked to sign in front of the notary and the notarization shall be carried out as follows:

a) Record the full statement of notarization of the signature according to the prescribed model;

b) Sign, write clearly the full name, affix the stamp of the agency or organization performing the authentication, and record in the authentication book.

For documents or texts with two pages or more, record the statement on the last page; if there are two sheets or more, a stamp must be affixed across the join.

3. In the case of notarization of signatures at the reception and result delivery counter under the one-stop or interlinked one-stop mechanism, the civil servant receiving the dossier shall check the documents. If it is found that the person requesting notarization meets the conditions stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article, they shall request the person to sign the document requiring notarization and transfer it to the authorized person for notarization.

4. The procedures for notarizing signatures as stipulated in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of this Article also apply to the following cases:

a) Notarization of signatures of multiple people on the same document or text;

b) Notarization of signatures on personal declaration forms;

c) Notarization of signatures on documents or texts established by individuals in accordance with the law;

d) Notarization of signatures on Power of Attorney in cases where the power of attorney is without remuneration, the agent has no liability for compensation, and is unrelated to the transfer of property ownership rights or real estate usufruct rights.

Article 25. Cases Where Signature Notarization Is Not Permitted

1. At the time of notarization, the person requesting notarization of their signature is not aware and in control of their actions.

2. The person requesting notarization of their signature presents an Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Citizen Registration Certificate or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents that are no longer valid or are forged.^[5] 3. The document or text that the person requesting notarization signs contains the content specified in Clause 4 of Article 22 of this Decree.

4. The document or text contains the content of a contract or transaction, except for the cases specified in point d of Clause 4 of Article 24 of this Decree or where the law provides otherwise.

4. Documents and writings containing contracts or transactions, except in cases provided for in point d, Clause 4, Article 24 of this Decree or where otherwise provided by law.

Article 26. Application in Special Cases

The notarization of signatures as stipulated in Articles 23, 24, and the cases where notarization is not permitted in Article 25 of this Decree also apply to the case of notarization of fingerprints when the person requesting notarization of their signature cannot sign, and the case where the person requesting notarization cannot sign or fingerprint.

Depending on each case, the content of the statement shall be recorded according to the prescribed model in this Decree.

Section 4. TRANSLATORS, VERIFIERS OF TRANSLATOR'S SIGNATURES

Article 27. Standards and Conditions for Translators

1. Must have full capacity to act under the provisions of the law.

2. Hold a bachelor's degree in foreign languages or higher in the language to be translated, or hold a bachelor's degree or higher in the language to be translated.

For less common languages where the translator does not hold a bachelor's degree or a bachelor's degree as stipulated in this clause, they must be proficient in the language to be translated.

Article 28. Translation Assistants

1. Individuals meeting the standards and conditions set forth in Article 27 of this Decree shall serve as translation associates for the Department of Justice nationwide. The Department of Justice is responsible for verifying the standards and conditions of translation associates and compiling a list of associates, which is reported to the Provincial Department of Justice for approval.

2. Based on the approved list of translation associates, the Department of Justice shall publicly post the list at its office premises to facilitate clients in contacting translators.

3. Translation associates of the Department of Justice must sign a cooperation agreement with the Department of Justice, clearly defining the responsibilities of the translator regarding the content and quality of the translation.

Article 29. Registration of Sample Signature

Translation associates of the Department of Justice must register their signature samples with the Department of Justice. When registering the signature sample, the translator must submit a Registration Request for Signature Sample and personally sign three (3) signature samples before the Head of the Department of Justice in the Registration Request for Signature Sample.

Article 30. Responsibilities of Translators and Verifiers of Translator's Signatures

1. Translators must be responsible to customers and verification authorities for the accuracy of the content of the translation; they may not translate documents and texts specified in Article 32 of this Decree for signature verification requests.

2. Verification authorities are responsible for the authenticity of the translator's signature in the translation.

Article 31. Procedures for Authentication of Translator's Signature

1. Translation associates of the Department of Justice requesting signature verification must present the translation and the documents or texts to be translated.

During the verification process, the verifier must compare the translator's signature on the translation with the registered signature sample before proceeding with verification; if there is doubt about the signature on the translation compared to the registered sample, the translator must sign in person.

2. For individuals who are not translation associates of the Department of Justice but translate documents or texts for personal purposes and request signature verification on the translation, they must present the following documents:

a) Original or certified copy of Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Citizen Registration Certificate/Passport/travel documents/international travel documents still valid or Electronic Citizen Card^[6];

b) Original or certified copy from the original, or certified copy of any of the documents specified in Clause 2 of Article 27 of this Decree; except in cases where the translator translates less common languages without a bachelor's degree or a bachelor's degree but is proficient in the language to be translated;

c) The translation attached to the documents or texts to be translated.

The person requesting authentication must sign in the presence of the person performing the authentication, except in cases provided for in Clause 3 of Article 24 of this Decree.

3. The verifier checks the documents required for verification, depending on each case, if they find that the documents comply with the requirements of Clause 1 or Clause 2 of this Article and the translated documents or texts do not fall within the cases specified in Article 32 of this Decree, then verification shall be carried out as follows:

a) Record the full statement of authentication of the translator's signature according to the prescribed model;

b) Sign, write clearly the full name, affix the stamp of the agency or organization performing the authentication, and record in the authentication book.

For translations of documents or texts with two (2) pages or more, the statement of verification shall be recorded on the last page; if the document or text has two (2) sheets or more, it must be stamped across the fold.

4. In cases where the translator is a diplomatic or consular official simultaneously serving as a verifier at representative offices, the diplomatic or consular official must affirm the accurate translation of the content of the document or text; sign, write their full name, and stamp the seal of the representative office.

Article 32. Documents that shall not be translated for authentication of the translator's signature

1. Documents that have been erased, altered; added or deleted content that is not valid.

2. Documents that are damaged, old and torn to the extent that their content cannot be determined.

3. Documents bearing a confidentiality stamp from authorized agencies or organizations or not bearing such a stamp but clearly marked as not to be translated.

4. Documents containing content as specified in Clause 4, Article 22 of this Decree.

5. Documents issued, certified or authenticated by foreign competent authorities without legalization according to Clause 1, Article 20 of this Decree.

Article 33. Time limit for authentication of the translator's signature

The time limit for authentication of the translator's signature shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of this Decree or may be extended upon written agreement with the person requesting authentication.

Chapter III. AUTHENTICATION OF CONTRACTS AND TRANSACTIONS

Article 34. Scope of Authentication of Contracts and Transactions

1. Contracts and transactions which the law requires to be authenticated.

2. Contracts and transactions which the law does not require to be authenticated but are voluntarily requested to be authenticated by individuals or organizations.

Article 35. Responsibilities of the Person Requesting Authentication of Contracts and Transactions and the Person Carrying Out Authentication of Contracts and Transactions

1. The person requesting authentication shall bear full responsibility for the content, legality of the contract and transaction; the validity and legality of the documents as stipulated at Point c, Clause 1, Article 36 of this Decree.

2. The person carrying out authentication shall be responsible for the time and place of concluding the contract and transaction; civil capacity, voluntary will, signatures or fingerprints of the parties involved in the contract and transaction.

The person carrying out authentication has the right to refuse to authenticate contracts and transactions with contents contrary to the law and social morals.

Article 36. Procedures for Authentication of Contracts and Transactions

1. ^[7] The person requesting authentication shall present the original or certified copy of the Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Certificate of Personal Identity or Passport, travel documents/international travel documents still in force, or present the Electronic Citizen Card and submit one set of application documents for authentication, including the following documents:

a) Draft of the contract or transaction;

b) Certified copies accompanied by presentation of the original for comparison of certificates of ownership or usage rights or other documents prescribed by law for assets that must be registered for ownership or usage rights in cases where the contract or transaction involves such assets; except in cases where the testator is threatened with imminent death.

2. The person carrying out authentication shall check the documents in the application file; if the file is complete, at the time of authentication, the parties involved in the contract or transaction are willing, lucid and in control of their actions, then authentication shall be carried out.

3. The parties involved in the contract or transaction must sign in front of the person carrying out authentication. In cases where the authorized representative of credit institutions or enterprises who have registered their signature samples with the authentication agency signs beforehand on the contract, the person carrying out authentication must compare the signature in the contract with the sample signature before conducting authentication; if there is doubt about the signature in the contract being different from the sample signature, they must request the person to sign in front of them.

If the person requesting authentication is unable to sign, they must affix their fingerprint; if they cannot read, hear, sign or affix their fingerprint, two witnesses must be present. Witnesses must have full civil capacity and no rights, interests or obligations related to the contract or transaction.

4. The person carrying out authentication shall record the corresponding statements for each type of contract or transaction according to the prescribed model; sign, write their full name, stamp of the authentication agency and record in the authentication book. For contracts or transactions consisting of two pages or more, each page must be numbered in sequence, signed by the person requesting authentication and the person carrying out authentication; the number of pages and the statement shall be recorded on the last page of the contract or transaction. In cases where the contract or transaction consists of two sheets or more, they must be stamped across the join.

5. In cases requiring translation, the interpreter shall be responsible for accurately translating the content of the contract or transaction and the statement for the person requesting authentication and sign each page of the contract as an interpreter.

Article 37. Time limit for notarization of contracts and transactions

The time limit for notarizing contracts and transactions shall not exceed two working days from the date of receiving all required documents for notarization, or may be extended according to a written agreement with the party requesting notarization.

Article 38. Notarization of amendments, supplements, cancellations of contracts and transactions

1. Amendments, supplements, and cancellations of contracts and transactions that have been notarized can only be carried out when there is a written agreement among the parties involved in the contract or transaction.

2. Amendments, supplements, replacements, and cancellations of contracts and transactions must be conducted at the agency that originally notarized the contract or transaction. In cases where amendments, supplements, replacements, or cancellations of part or all of a will are made, they may be notarized at any authorized agency; the agency that has performed such actions must notify in writing the agency that previously notarized the contract or transaction about the content of the amendments, supplements, replacements, or cancellations of part or all of the will so that it can be noted in the notarization record book.

Article 39. Correction of errors in contracts and transactions that have been notarized

1. Corrections of errors in recording, typing, or printing of contracts and transactions that have been notarized shall be carried out according to a written agreement among the parties involved in the contract or transaction, provided that such corrections do not affect the rights and obligations of the parties and are conducted at the agency that originally notarized the contract or transaction.

2. The person conducting the notarization shall draw a line through the error to be corrected, stamp the correction with the seal of the notarizing agency, and note on the margin of the contract or transaction the content of the correction, the name and signature of the person making the correction, and the date of the correction.

Article 40. Issuance of certified copies from original contracts and transactions that have been notarized

1. The agency storing the contracts and transactions shall be responsible for issuing certified copies from the original contracts and transactions that have been notarized upon request of the parties involved in the contract or transaction, or persons with rights and obligations related to the contract or transaction.

2. The person requesting a certified copy from the original contract or transaction must present the original or a certified copy of their Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Citizen Identification Certificate/Passport/travel document/international travel document or Electronic Citizen Card for the notarizing officer to verify.^[8] to be verified by the person conducting the notarization.

3. The notarization of certified copies from original contracts and transactions as stipulated in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 20 of this Decree.

Chapter IV. STATE MANAGEMENT OF NOTARIZATION

Article 41. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Justice in state management of notarization

The Ministry of Justice assists the Government in uniformly managing state affairs concerning notarization throughout the country, with the following tasks and powers:

1. Drafting and submitting to competent state agencies for promulgation, or promulgating within its authority, normative legal documents on notarization;

2. Providing general guidance and direction on the implementation of normative legal documents on notarization;

3. Inspecting and auditing notarization activities; resolving complaints and denunciations and handling administrative violations related to notarization within its authority;

4. Applying information technology in implementing notarization and managing state affairs concerning notarization;

5. International cooperation on notarization;

6. Annually compiling the situation and statistics of notarization matters to report to the Government.

Article 42. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in State Management of Authentication

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall coordinate with the Ministry of Justice to implement state management of authentication for Diplomatic Missions, with the following tasks and powers:

a) Directing, guiding, inspecting, and auditing authentication work at Diplomatic Missions;

b) Organizing training for diplomatic officials and consular officers engaged in authentication work at Diplomatic Missions;

c) Annually compiling the situation and statistics on authentication from Diplomatic Missions and sending them to the Ministry of Justice for consolidation;

d) Resolving complaints, denunciations, and handling administrative violations related to authentication within its authority.

2. Diplomatic Missions shall implement state management of authentication within their jurisdiction, with the following tasks and powers:

a) Implementing authentication matters within the authority of Diplomatic Missions as prescribed in this Decree;

b) Storing authentication registers and authentication documents;

c) Resolving complaints, denunciations, and handling administrative violations related to authentication within its authority;

d) Annually compiling the situation and statistics on authentication and reporting to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as prescribed.

Consular officials and diplomatic officers engaged in authentication work have the responsibility to assist Diplomatic Missions in performing the tasks stipulated in points a, b, and d of Clause 2 of this Article.

Article 43. Responsibilities of People's Committees at all levels in managing notarization

1. Provincial People's Committees shall implement state management of authentication in their localities, with the following tasks and powers:

a) Organizing the implementation of legal normative documents on notarization at the local level;

b) Guiding and training staff and civil servants engaged in authentication work at Justice Departments, People's Committees of communes and notaries of notary organizations;

c) Organizing propaganda and dissemination of laws and regulations on authentication;

d) Applying information technology in implementing notarization and state management of notarization within the locality to meet requirements for providing and exchanging information;

đ) Inspecting and auditing authentication activities of Justice Departments, People's Committees of communes, and notary organizations; taking measures to correct the abuse of requests for certified copies of documents when implementing administrative procedures in the locality;

e) Resolving complaints, denunciations, and handling administrative violations related to authentication within its authority;

g) Periodically every six months and annually, compiling the situation and statistics on authentication in the locality and reporting to the Ministry of Justice as prescribed.

Justice Departments shall assist Provincial People's Committees in performing the tasks stipulated in points a, b, c, d, đ, and g of this clause.

2. People's Committees of districts, towns, provincial cities (hereinafter referred to collectively as People's Committees of districts) shall implement state management of authentication in their localities, with the following tasks and powers:

a) Guiding and training staff and civil servants engaged in authentication work at People's Committees of communes in the locality;

b) Organizing propaganda and dissemination of laws and regulations on authentication;

c) Issuing certified copies from original contracts and transactions that have been authenticated;

d) Storing authentication registers and authentication documents;

đ) Inspecting and auditing authentication activities of People's Committees of communes; taking measures to correct the abuse of requests for certified copies of documents when implementing administrative procedures in the locality;

e) Resolving complaints, denunciations, and handling administrative violations related to authentication within its authority;

g) Periodically every six months and annually, compiling the situation and statistics on authentication and reporting to the People's Committee of the province as prescribed.

Justice Departments shall assist People's Committees of districts in performing the tasks stipulated in points a, b, c, d, đ, and g of this clause and performing authentication matters within the authority of Justice Departments as prescribed in this Decree. The Heads and Deputy Heads of Justice Departments must notify their signature samples when signing authentication to the Justice Department.

3. People's Committees of communes shall implement state management of authentication in their localities, with the following tasks and powers:

a) Implementing authentication matters within the authority of People's Committees of communes as prescribed in this Decree;

b) Propagating, disseminating, and mobilizing the people to comply with legal provisions on notarization;

c) Issuing certified copies from original contracts and transactions that have been authenticated;

d) Storing authentication registers and authentication documents;

đ) Resolving complaints, denunciations, and handling administrative violations related to authentication within its authority;

e) Periodically every six months and annually, compiling the situation and statistics on authentication and reporting to the People's Committee of the district as prescribed.

Judicial and Household Registration Civil Servants shall assist People's Committees of communes in performing the tasks stipulated in points a, b, c, d, and e of this clause. The Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of People's Committees of communes must notify their signature samples when signing authentication to the Justice Department.

Article 44. Handling of Violations

1. Administrative penalties against persons conducting authentication, persons requesting authentication, and translators shall be implemented according to the provisions of the law on administrative violations.

2. In cases where persons conducting authentication cause damage to individuals or organizations due to their own fault, they will be disciplined and required to compensate according to the provisions of the law.

3. In cases where translators cause damage to persons requesting translation due to their own fault, they must compensate according to the provisions of the law.

Article 45. Complaints, Reports and Resolution of Complaints and Reports

Matters concerning complaints, resolution of complaints, reports, and resolution of reports regarding violations of laws in notarization activities shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law on complaints and reports.

Chapter V. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 46. Tasks of Notary Practice Organizations

Notary practice organizations have the responsibility to store notarial registers and notarial documents; every six months and annually, they must compile the situation and statistics on notarizations and report them to the Department of Justice as prescribed.

Article 47. Transitional Provisions

1. For district and commune areas that have transferred the notarization of contracts and transactions to notary practice organizations, where such contracts and transactions were previously notarized by the People's Committee at the district or commune level, the amendment, supplementation, cancellation, and correction of errors in recording, typing, or printing of contracts and transactions still take place at the People's Committee at the district or commune level where the previous notarization was conducted.

2. The People's Committee at the district level shall continue to perform notarization of contracts and transactions related to housing in urban areas according to Article 93 of the Housing Law 2005 until June 30, 2015.

Article 48. Effective Date^[9]

1. This Decree takes effect from April 10, 2015.

2. This Decree replaces Decree No. 79/2007/NĐ-CP dated May 18, 2007 of the Government on issuing certified copies from original books, certifying copies from originals, and certifying signatures; Decree No. 04/2012/NĐ-CP dated January 20, 2012 of the Government amending and supplementing Article 5 of Decree No. 79/2007/NĐ-CP dated May 18, 2007 on issuing certified copies from original books, certifying copies from originals, and certifying signatures; Article 4 of Decree No. 06/2012/NĐ-CP dated February 2, 2012 of the Government amending the Decree on civil status, marriage, and family and certification; and the provisions on certification of contracts and transactions in Decree No. 75/2000/NĐ-CP dated December 8, 2000 of the Government on notarization and certification.

Article 49. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Minister of Justice is responsible for guiding the implementation of this Decree.

2. The Minister of Finance and the Minister of Foreign Affairs within their respective duties and powers shall be responsible for coordinating with the Minister of Justice to guide the implementation of this Decree.

3. Ministers, Heads of Ministries equivalent to ministries, Heads of government agencies, Chairmen of provincial people's committees under central city administrations shall be responsible for implementing this Decree./.

ANNEX

MODEL STATEMENTS OF CERTIFICATION, MODEL NOTARIAL REGISTERS
(Annexed to Decree No. 23/2015/NĐ-CP dated February 16, 2015 of the Government)

I. STATEMENTS OF CERTIFICATION

The model statements of certification are typed or engraved on the stamp, including:

1. Statement of Certification of Copy from Original

Certifying a copy correct with the original

Certificate number ... volume number ... (1) - SCT/BS

Date …Month …Year …

The person performing the certification signs, writes clearly his/her full name and stamps (2)

2. Statement of Certification of Signature

a) Statement of Certification of Signature of One Person in a Document

Date …Month …Year …

(In writing ...)

At ...................................................... (4), .......... hours .......... minutes. I (5) .............................., am (6) ......................................................

Certified

Mr./Mrs...Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Citizen Identification Certificate or Passport/Travel Document/International Travel Document^[10] (3) number ..., swear that I have understood, am personally responsible for the content of the document and have signed this document in my presence.

Certificate number ...volume number ...(1) - SCT/CK, CD

Date …Month …Year …

The person performing the certification signs, writes clearly his/her full name and stamps (2)

b) Statement of Certification of Signatures of Multiple Persons in a Document

Date …Month …Year …

(In writing ...)

At ............................................ (4), .......... hours .......... minutes. I (5) ............................................, am (6) ............................................

Certified

The following gentlemen/ladies:

Mr./Mrs...Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Citizen Identification Certificate or Passport/Travel Document/International Travel Document^[11] (3) number ...

Mr./Mrs...Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Citizen Identification Certificate or Passport/Travel Document/International Travel Document^[12] (3) number ...

Mr./Mrs...Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Citizen Identification Certificate or Passport/Travel Document/International Travel Document^[13] (3) number ...

....................................................................................................................................

- All those named here swear that they have understood, are personally responsible for the content of the document and have signed this document together in my presence.

Certificate number ...volume number ...(1) - SCT/CK, DC

Date …Month …Year …

The person performing the certification signs, writes clearly his/her full name and stamps (2)

c) Statement of Certification of Thumbprint

Date …Month …Year …

(In writing ...)

At ................................................ (4), ........ hours ........ minutes. I (5) ............................................ am (6) ................................................

Certified

- OMr./Mrs ................................. Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Citizen Identification Certificate or Passport/Travel Document/International Travel Document^[14] (3) number ...................................., swear that I have understood, am personally responsible for the content of the document and have thumbprinted this document in my presence.

Certificate number ...volume number ...(1) - SCT/CK, DC

Date …Month …Year …

The person performing the certification signs, writes clearly his/her full name and stamps (2)

d) Statement of Certification in case of inability to sign or thumbprint

Date …Month …Year …

(In writing ...)

At ............................................................. (4), ....... hours ....... minutes. I (5) ................................., am (6) .................................

Certified

Mr./Mrs...Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Citizen Identification Certificate or Passport/Travel Document/International Travel Document^[15] (3) number ..., unable to sign or thumbprint but swear that I have understood, am personally responsible for the content of this document.

Certificate number ...volume number ...(1) - SCT/CK, DC

Date …Month …Year …

The person performing the certification signs, writes clearly his/her full name and stamps (2)

3. Statement of Certification of Translator's Signature

- I ...Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Citizen Identification Certificate or Passport/Travel Document/International Travel Document^[16] (3) number ..., swear that I have accurately translated the content of this document from ...language to ...language

Date …Month …Year …

The translator signs and states clearly his/her surname and given name

Date …Month …Year …

(In writing ...)

At ...(4). I (5) ..., am (6) ...

Certified

Mr./Mrs...is the person who has signed this translation in my presence (10).

Certificate number ...volume number ...(1) - SCT/CKND

Date …Month …Year …

The person performing the certification signs, writes clearly his/her full name and stamps (2)

4. Statement of Certification of Contracts and Transactions

a) Statement of Certification of Contracts and Transactions

On ...(day)...month...year)... (In writing ...)

At ...(4). I (5) ..., am (6) ...

Certified

- Contract ... (7) concluded between:

Party A: Mr./Mrs: ...

Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Citizen Identification Certificate or Passport/Travel Document/International Travel Document^[17] (3) number ...

Party B: Mr./Mrs: ...

Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Citizen Identification Certificate or Passport/Travel Document/International Travel Document^[18] (3) number ...

- The parties involved in the contract and transaction have sworn to bear legal responsibility for the content of the contract and transaction.

- At the time of certification, the parties involved in the contract and transaction are mentally sound, aware, and in control of their actions; voluntarily agreed to conclude the contract and have signed/thumbprinted (9) the contract and transaction in my presence.

This contract is established in ...originals (each original consists of ...pages, ...pages), issued to:

+ ...originals;

+ ...originals;

Kept at the Justice Office /People's Committee of Commune, Ward, Town (8) 01 (one) original.

Certificate number ...volume number ...(1) - SCT/HD, GD

Date …Month …Year …

The person performing the certification signs, writes clearly his/her full name and stamps (2)

b) Statement of Certification of Agreement on Division of Inheritance

Date...

(In writing ...)

At ...(4). I (5) ..., am (6) ...

Certified

The agreement on division of inheritance is established by the following persons:

1. Mr./Mrs...Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Citizen Identification Certificate or Passport/Travel Document/International Travel Document^[19] (3) number ...

2. Mr./Mrs...Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Citizen Identification Certificate or Passport/Travel Document/International Travel Document^[20] (3) number ...

3. Mr./Mrs....Identity Card/Citizen Identity Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Certificate of Personal Identification or Passport/Travel Documents/International Travel Documents^[21] (3) number ...

...................................

- The aforementioned Mr./Mrs. have pledged to not omit any heirs and are responsible under the law for the content of the agreement on dividing the inheritance.

- At the time of certification, those who agree to divide the inheritance are mentally sound, aware, and in control of their actions, voluntarily agreeing to divide the inheritance and have jointly signed/stamped (9) on this agreement on dividing the inheritance before me.

This agreement on dividing the inheritance is established in …original copies (each original copy consists of …pages, …pages), issued to:

+ …copies;

+ …copies;

+ …copies;

To be kept at the Justice Office/District People's Committee Ward People's Committee 01 (one) copy.

Certificate number ...volume number ...(1) - SCT/HD, GD

Date …Month …Year …

The person performing the certification signs, stamps (2)

c) Affidavit certifying the declaration of acceptance of the inheritance

On the …day of the …month of the …year (In words …)

At …(4). I (5) …am (6) …

Certified

This declaration of acceptance of the inheritance is established by Mr./Mrs....Identity Card/Citizen Identity Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Certificate of Personal Identification or Passport/Travel Documents/International Travel Documents^[22] (3) number ...

- Mr./Mrs. …has pledged to be the sole heir and is responsible under the law for the content of the declaration of acceptance of the inheritance.

- At the time of certification, Mr./Mrs. …is mentally sound, aware, and in control of his/her actions, and has signed/stamped (9) on this declaration of acceptance of the inheritance before me.

This declaration of acceptance of the inheritance is established in …original copies (each original copy consists of …pages, …pages); issued to the person accepting the inheritance …copies, kept at the Justice Office/District People's Committee Ward People's Committee 01 copy.

Certificate number ...volume number ...(1) - SCT/HD, GD

Date …Month …Year …

The person performing the certification signs, stamps (2)

d) Affidavit certifying the will

On the …day of the …month of the …year (In words …)

At ...(4). I (5) ..., am (6) ...

Certified

- Mr./Mrs....Identity Card/Citizen Identity Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Certificate of Personal Identification or Passport/Travel Documents/International Travel Documents^[23] (3) number …has voluntarily established this will and has pledged to be responsible under the law for the content of the will.

- At the time of certification, Mr./Mrs. …is mentally sound, clear-minded, aware, and in control of his/her actions, voluntarily establishing the will and has signed/stamped (9) on this will before me.

This will is established in …original copies (each original copy consists of …pages, …pages); handed over to the person establishing the will …copies; kept at the District People's Committee Ward People's Committee 01 (one) copy.

Certificate number ...volume number ...(1) - SCT/HD, GD

On the …day of the …month of the …year

The person performing the certification signs, stamps (2)

đ) Affidavit certifying the declaration of refusal to accept the inheritance

Date …Month …Year …

(In writing ...)

At ...(4). I (5) ..., am (6) ...

Certified

- This declaration of refusal to accept the inheritance is established by Mr./Mrs....Identity Card/Citizen Identity Card/Citizen Card/Electronic Citizen Card/Certificate of Personal Identification or Passport/Travel Documents/International Travel Documents^[24] (3) number …;

- Mr./Mrs. …has pledged to be responsible under the law for the content of the declaration of refusal to accept the inheritance.

- At the time of certification, Mr./Mrs. …is mentally sound, aware, and in control of his/her actions, voluntarily refusing to accept the inheritance and has signed/stamped (9) on this declaration of refusal to accept the inheritance before me.

This declaration of refusal to accept the inheritance is established in …original copies (each original copy consists of …pages, …pages), handed over to the person refusing to accept the inheritance …copies; kept at the District People's Committee Ward People's Committee 01 (one) copy.

Certificate number ...volume number ...(1) - SCT/HD, GD

On the …day of the …month of the …year

The person performing the certification signs, stamps (2)

Note:

- (1) Record according to the information already recorded on the cover of the certification book (example: 01/2015).

- (2) If performed at the Justice Office, then the Director/Deputy Director signs, stamps the Justice Office; if performed at the District People's Committee, then the Chairman/Deputy Chairman signs, stamps the District People's Committee; if performed at a notary organization, then the notary public signs, stamps the notary organization.

- (3) If it is an Identity Card, then strike out Passport, if it is a Passport, then strike out the phrase Identity Card.

- (4) Clearly record the location where the certification is performed (example: District A, County B People's Committee); only record hours and minutes in cases of certification outside the office premises.

- (5) Clearly record the full name of the person performing the certification.

- (6) Clearly record the position of the person performing the certification, along with the name of the certification agency (example: Chairman of District A, County B, Province C People's Committee; Director of County B, Province C Justice Office; Notary Public of Notary Office No. 1 City H).

- (7) Clearly record the name of the contract or transaction being certified (example: land use rights transfer contract, car donation contract).

- (8) If it is the Justice Office, then strike out District, Ward, Town People's Committee, if it is District, Ward, Town People's Committee, then strike out Justice Office.

- (9) If signing, then strike out "stamped", if stamping, then strike out "signed".

- (10) In case of having registered a signature sample, then strike out "before me".

II. SAMPLE CERTIFICATION BOOK

The certification book is bound in volumes according to each type of certification. There are 04 (four) types of certification books, including: Book of Certification of Copies from Originals; Book of Certification of Signatures, Certification of Stamps; Book of Certification of Translator's Signature; Book of Certification of Contracts, Transactions.

1. Cover of the book

a) Book of Certification of Copies from Originals

b) Book of Certification of Signatures/Certification of Stamps

c) Book of Certification of Translator's Signature

d) Book of Certification of Contracts, Transactions

Note:

- (A) If it is a certification agency, then fully record the name of the agency, along with the administrative area (Example: District A, County B, Province C People's Committee; County B, Province C Justice Office), if it is a notary organization, then record the name of the Notary Office, Notary Office (Example: Notary Office No. 1 City H).

- (B) Record the volume number, year of certification (Example: 01/2015. If one year uses multiple books, then record consecutive numbers (Example: 02/2015); in case one book is used for multiple years, record the number according to each year (Example: 01/2015 + 01/2016).

- (C) Record the date, month, and year when the register was opened.

- (D) Record the date, month, and year when the register was closed.

2. Content of the book

a) Book of Certification of Copies from Originals

Note:

- (4) For original documents and texts in foreign languages that the person performing the certification cannot determine the name of the original document or text, only record according to the language of the document or text (Example: Original in English, Original in French...).

- (7) Record according to the certification fee if the certification is carried out at the Notary Office, People's Committee of communes, representative agency; record according to the certification fee if the certification is carried out at a notarial practice organization.

b) Book of Certification of Signatures/Certification of Stamps

Note:

- (4) For original documents and texts in foreign languages where the certifier cannot determine the name of the original document or text, it is only necessary to record according to the declaration of the person requesting certification.

- (6) Statistics according to the number of documents and texts that the certifier has signed for certification (For example: One type of document or text is established in 10 copies, the certifier signs for certification in 10 documents or texts, then the number of documents and texts whose signatures have been certified is 10; 05 different types of documents or texts, each type is established in 01 copy, the certifier signs for certification in 05 types of documents or texts, then the number of documents and texts whose signatures have been certified is 05; 10 people sign on one document or text, the certifier signs for certification in that document or text, then the number of documents and texts whose signatures have been certified is 01).

- (7) Record according to the certification fee if the certification is carried out at the Notary Office, People's Committee of communes, representative agency; record according to the certification fee if the certification is carried out at a notarial practice organization.

c) Book of Certification of Translator's Signature

d) Certification book for contracts and transactions

^[1] Decree No. 07/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing some articles of decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and certification is based on the following grounds:

"Based on the Government Organization Law dated June 19, 2015; the Law Amending and Supplementing Some Articles of the Government Organization Law and the Local Administration Organization Law dated November 22, 2019;

Pursuant to the Civil Code on November 24, 2015;

Based on the Household Registration Law dated November 20, 2014;

Based on the Nationality Law of Vietnam dated November 13, 2008; the Law Amending and Supplementing Some Articles of the Nationality Law of Vietnam dated June 24, 2014;

At the proposal of the Minister of Justice;

The Government promulgates the Decree amending and supplementing some articles of decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and certification."

^[2] This point is amended and supplemented according to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing some articles of decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and certification, effective from January 9, 2025.

^[3] The phrase “original or certified copy of Identity Card or passport still valid for use” is replaced by the phrase “original or certified copy of Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Electronic Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Identification Certificate/Passport/travel document/international travel document still valid for use or Electronic Citizen Identification” according to the provisions of Clause 3, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing some articles of decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and certification, effective from January 9, 2025.

^[4] The phrase “original or certified copy of Identity Card or passport still valid for use” is replaced by the phrase “original or certified copy of Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Electronic Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Identification Certificate/Passport/travel document/international travel document still valid for use or Electronic Citizen Identification” according to the provisions of Clause 3, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing some articles of decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and certification, effective from January 9, 2025.

^[5] The phrase “Identity Card or passport” is replaced by the phrase “Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Electronic Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Identification Certificate/Passport/travel document/international travel document” according to the provisions of Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing some articles of decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and certification, effective from January 9, 2025.

^[6] The phrase “original or certified copy of Identity Card or passport still valid for use” is replaced by the phrase “original or certified copy of Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Electronic Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Identification Certificate/Passport/travel document/international travel document still valid for use or Electronic Citizen Identification” according to the provisions of Clause 3, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing some articles of decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and certification, effective from January 9, 2025.

^[7] This clause is amended and supplemented according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing some articles of decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and certification, effective from January 9, 2025.

^[8] The phrase “original or certified copy of Identity Card or passport still valid for use” is replaced by the phrase “original or certified copy of Identity Card/Citizen Identification Card/Electronic Citizen Identification Card/Citizen Identification Certificate/Passport/travel document/international travel document still valid for use or Electronic Citizen Identification” according to the provisions of Clause 3, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing some articles of decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and certification, effective from January 9, 2025.

^[9] Article 5 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, which takes effect from January 9, 2025, is stipulated as follows:

"1. This Decree takes effect from the date of issuance.

2. Nationality files received before this Decree takes effect and have not been resolved shall continue to be processed according to the provisions of Decree No. 16/2020/NĐ-CP.

3. The Ministry of Justice shall be responsible for guiding the implementation of this Decree.

4. The Minister, the head of a ministerial-level agency, the head of an agency under the Government, the Chairpersons of People's Committees at all levels, and individuals, agencies, and organizations related thereto are responsible for implementing this Decree."

^[10] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[11] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[12] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[13] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[14] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[15] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[16] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[17] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[18] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[19] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[20] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[21] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[22] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[23] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[24] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[25] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[26] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.

^[27] The phrase "Identity card or passport" is replaced by the phrase "Identity card/Citizen identification card/Citizen card/Electronic citizen identification/Government-issued citizen certification or Passport/travel documents/international travel documents" as provided for in Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 07/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain articles of several Decrees in the field of household registration, nationality, and notarization, taking effect from January 9, 2025.