Vietnam is moving towards a standardized digital identification system for all physical locations, with a proposed 12-digit identification code set to be displayed on the national digital identification application, VNeID. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Security, aims to create a unified framework for location data across the country.

This information is outlined in a draft decree on location identification, currently under review by the Ministry of Justice. The draft decree establishes principles for location identification, ensuring each location has a unique, non-duplicative identification code that adheres to a consistent national structure. For locations with multiple entrances, detailed information about each access point will be fully displayed as a data field.

The location identification code is a unique 12-digit natural number assigned to each distinct geographic location. This code will contain related information such as address, access points, postal code, coordinate information, land use right certificates, current status, and identifying features. The principles of stability and inheritability are prioritized for these codes, ensuring their long-term consistency. Identification data will be regularly updated following any changes in administrative boundaries, land use rights, ownership of land-attached assets, or technical infrastructure.

Real estate in Thu Thiem urban area, TP HCM. *Photo: Quynh Tran*.

Location identification data will be collected based on foundational data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The information accompanying the identification code must be established through surveys, maps, cadastral records, or specialized databases to ensure accuracy. To protect related rights, property owners must provide information including: address (house number, street/alley/hamlet name, administrative unit); type of location such as a single-family home, apartment, agency headquarters, or business premises; full name and identification number of the owner; and actual images of the location.

According to the draft, location identification data will be connected, shared, and utilized through the national data coordination platform. Public data regarding location identification will be provided and displayed on the national identification application, VNeID, for use by individuals and organizations. This data will be used to support logistics, e-commerce, product traceability, and other utility services, thereby fostering the development of the digital economy. Political and social organizations can access information in the Location Identification Database free of charge.

In its submission document, the Ministry of Public Security, as the lead drafting agency, explained that location identification will play a crucial role by serving as a platform connecting management activities, transactions, goods circulation, service provision, and the daily lives of citizens. The funding for implementing the decree will be allocated from the State budget, with the Ministry of Public Security estimating a total cost of approximately 500 billion VND for nationwide deployment. This initiative follows a previous 90-day campaign conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security to enrich and refine the national land database. Following this process, over 69,7 million land parcels have been assigned identification codes, including parcels for which databases have been established, those that have been cadastral mapped, and those for which cadastral surveys have been conducted.