What Is Notarized Document Validity?

Notarizing a document means certifying that the copy is a true representation of the original. So, how long are notarized documents valid?

Do you need to repeat this procedure after some time? Let Thao & Co. guide you through everything you need to know about notarized document validity.

How long is the notarized document validity?

Currently, Vietnamese law does not specify an official validity period for notarized copies. This means that, technically, notarized copies do not expire. However, their acceptance might vary depending on the specific policies of different departments. 

Notary document validity by document type

In general, notarized copies do not expire. However, their validity is often tied to the expiration of the original documents. Let’s take a look at how this works for various types of documents under Vietnamese law: 

1. • Citizen ID Card/ Identity document:
   • ◦ Identity document: Valid for 15 years.
     • ◦ Citizen ID cards: Validity depends on age, with renewals required at the following milestones – 14, 25, 40, and 60 years old.
2. • House registration book: Valid indefinitely.
3. • Vehicle registration certificate:
   • ◦Motorbike registration certificate: Initially valid for 5 years, then renewed every 3 years.
   • ◦ Car registration certificate: 
     • ■ Cargo cars: Valid for up to 25 years. 
     • ■ Passenger cars: Valid for up to 20 years.
     • ■ Vehicles converted into passenger cars before 2022: Valid for up to 18 years. 
     • ■ Passenger cars with fewer than 9 seats, specialized vehicles, semi-trailers, and trailers: Valid indefinitely.
4. • Formal personal profile: Valid indefinitely.
5. • Degree: Valid indefinitely.
6. • Passport:
   • ◦ Diplomatic and official passports: Valid for 1 to 5 years, with a one-time renewal for up to 3 years.
   • ◦ Personal passports: 
     • ■ Issued to citizens aged 14 and older: Valid for 10 years, non-renewable.
     • ■ Issued to citizens under 14 years old: Valid for 5 years, non-renewable.
     • ■ Issued through simplified procedures: Valid for up to 12 months, non-renewable.
7. • Translated documents: The validity corresponds to that of the original document.

Generally, the validity of notarized copies is tied to the original document. Exceptions arise in cases where the original document has been revoked, lost, or damaged, or when a specific policy from the receiving organization applies. 

Do notarized documents expire after 6 months?

There is a common belief that notarized copies expire after 6 months. However, this is a misconception. Vietnamese law does not specify an expiration period for notarized copies.

That said, certain companies or organizations may request a notarized copy that is less than 6 months old to ensure the documents are current. This is particularly true for documents such as:

1. • Formal personal profile
2. • Citizen ID card
3. • Household registration book
4. • Medical certificate
5. • Driver’s license

Ultimately, whether your notarized copy is acceptable depends on the specific requirements of the receiving organization. 

If you have any further questions or need notarized translation services, don’t hesitate to reach out to Thao & Co.

Our team of experienced translators and legal specialists is dedicated to delivering high-quality, legally valid translations. 

Simply submit your request through our Get a Quote form, and a Thao & Co. consultant will get in touch with you promptly.