Laos Transitions to Electronic Census Certificates for Household Registration

Vientiane: The Ministry of Public Security has announced it will stop issuing traditional household registration books to Lao citizens and transition to an electronic census registration system using Census Data Certificates. According to Lao News Agency, the ministry stated that the new certificate will gradually replace the paper household registration book as the official document for household registration in accordance with its regulations on modernizing population management. Previously issued household registration books will remain valid until the ministry issues a formal notice canceling their use. Citizens whose household information has already been entered into the electronic census system will instead use the Census Data Certificate for official transactions. The ministry also mentioned that citizens possessing a digital national identity card may use it as proof of identity and citizenship when carrying out eligible public and administrative services. Three levels of public security authoritie s have been authorized to issue the Census Data Certificate: the Department of Census Management and Grassroots Development; the Public Security Commands of Vientiane and all provinces; and district- and municipal-level public security commands nationwide. The Ministry of Public Security has requested all ministries, ministry-equivalent organizations, National Assembly agencies, local authorities, and other relevant institutions to recognize the new certificate and facilitate its use in official administrative procedures and public services.