The LAeID application displays a digital identity card designed to integrate personal documents, allowing citizens to access government services through a single mobile platform.

Old IDs Canceled, LAeID puts personal docs in one app

Laos has retired its old identity cards and paper household registration books as the new LAeID application begins bringing key personal documents together on mobile phones
The Ministry of Public Security has officially launched the LAeID application while ending the use of the old white and green identity cards and paper household registration books. The move is another step on the road to digital government, making it easier for people to access public services through their mobile phones.
According to a notice issued by the Office of the Ministry of Public Security, all ministries, government agencies, organisations and citizens have been informed of the nationwide rollout of the LAeID application.
From July 18, the old white and green identity cards are no longer valid for official transactions. Citizens are now encouraged to register for a digital identity card and activate their electronic identification account through the LAeID application.
The ministry has also ended the use of paper household registration books for people who have completed digital identity registration. Their household information will instead be stored in the LAeID system, allowing the digital identity record to serve as the official reference for government services.
For ordinary citizens, the change means fewer documents to carry and less time spent in administrative procedures. Instead of presenting several paper documents at different offices, users will eventually be able to verify their identity through a single application on their smartphone.
As indicated in the application, this system is expected to cut paperwork, lower costs for both citizens and public agencies, and improve access to government services. The digital platform is also expected to strengthen data management and support faster, more efficient public administration.
The LAeID application is designed to become a single digital wallet for important personal documents. In the future, it will link a wide range of official records, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, health insurance cards, social security information, vehicle registration documents, driving licences and passports.
Although the long-term goal is to integrate these services into one platform, the system is still under development. During the first stage, only the digital identity card function is available, while links with other government databases will be added gradually.
Citizens must register for a digital identity card before they can activate an electronic identification account in the LAeID application. Registration is available nationwide at district and provincial public security offices.
Each electronic identification account uses the citizen’s identity number as the username or identity card number. A password is sent by SMS after approval of an account, or users may create one during registration, with the system managed by the Ministry of Public Security.
The introduction of the LAeID application forms part of Laos’ broader digital transformation, which aims to modernise public administration and expand digital public services.
As more government databases are connected, citizens will be able to carry out more official transactions online, reducing the need to visit government offices and carry multiple paper documents.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 3, 2026)