New rules require facial biometric verification for mobile SIM subscriptions from April 15, 2026

A new regulation requires facial biometric verification for mobile SIM subscriptions starting April 15, 2026, aiming to protect personal data and curb spam SIMs.

Key requirements under Circular 08/2026

Under Circular 08/2026 issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, effective April 15, 2026, registering a new mobile line will require facial biometric verification.

Subscribers must provide four core data points: personal identity number, full name, date of birth, and biometric data (a facial image).

Re-verification is not required if the phone number has already been registered with an electronic identity (VNeID) at Level 2 or with a chip-based citizen ID (CCCD). The system will auto-record validity if the phone number has been used to register a VNeID Level 2 account. Direct- (H2H) subscribers who have already verified via VNeID are exempt from re-verification.

What happens when a SIM is moved to a new device

If a user removes the SIM and inserts it into another device, biometric re-verification will be required.

Telecom operators have up to two hours to review and lock outgoing services (calls and messages) when the SIM is inserted into a new phone. After outgoing services are locked, the subscriber has 30 days to complete biometric verification. If verification is not completed within that period, the SIM will be locked in both directions and service may be terminated after five days.

Deadlines for different identity documents and non-owner cases

For subscribers registered with a 9-digit ID (CMND) or chip-based IDs, biometric verification must be completed within 60 days from the regulation’s effective date. Failure to do so may lead to suspension or termination of service.

Non-owner subscribers on VNeID will also be required to re-verify. Non-compliance may trigger a sequence of enforcement actions: one-way suspension, two-way suspension, and contract termination.

Implementation milestones

• Nationwide biometric verification implementation: from April 15, 2026.
• Mandatory verification for SIMs that change terminal devices: from June 15, 2026.

Operator guidance: Viettel

The article outlines steps for Viettel subscribers to complete biometric verification:

1. Register the Viettel SIM using a 9-digit CMND or a chip-based ID (CCCD).
2. For subscriptions using other documents (passport, military/civil ID) or those receiving a message inviting standardization, follow the standardization process.
3. For ownership changes, both the current owner and the new owner must go to a Viettel service point to complete the transfer.
4. For other cases, call the Viettel call center at 1800 8098 for information and assistance.

Operator guidance: Vinaphone

For Vinaphone, verification can be completed at home via the My VNPT app using two methods.

Method 1: VNeID-based verification

This is described as the fastest option for users who already have a VNeID Level 2 electronic identity account.

Steps include: download and log in to the My VNPT app; go to Subscription information; tap Verify now on the biometric verification banner; tap Verify now on the introduction screen; proceed through the process (including OTP, linking to VNeID, uploading documents, and capturing a portrait); then sign the electronic form and receive a success notification.

Method 2: CCCD-based verification (NFC)

If users do not have VNeID or prefer to use the CCCD card directly, verification can be done using the CCCD via NFC.

Steps include: log in; enter OTP; choose NFC CCCD scan; scan the CCCD and portrait photos; watch the tutorial video; and begin.

To complete the process, place the CCCD on the back of the phone to read the chip, hold until reading is complete, sign the confirmation on My VNPT, and wait for system confirmation.

Shared-ownership accounts

To avoid service interruption for joint owners (such as spouses, children, parents, or siblings) registered under another person’s name, the article advises that they visit a store to transfer ownership.