All old forms of Hong Kong’s smart identity cards bearing a year of birth in or after 1970 will become invalid on May 12, 2025. Old ID cards bearing a year of birth in or before 1969 will become invalid on October 12, 2025.
Key Details
- Old forms of smart identity cards refer to smart identity cards issued between June 23, 2003, and November 25, 2018, or issued on or after November 26, 2018, as a result of an application made before that date.
- The Immigration Department (ImmD) has appealed to residents still holding an old ID card to replace it with a new smart identity card as soon as possible.
What to Expect
- Persons still holding an old ID card should make an appointment at the ROP – Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office for replacement with a new ID card. They may download the ImmD mobile application, visit the website or call the 24-hour telephone booking hotline 2598 0888 to make an appointment for an ID card replacement.
- Persons aged 18 or above holding a valid old ID card issued locally could also use the Personal Documentation Submission Kiosks (PDSKs) located at the Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O to apply for a replacement card in a self-service manner, which does not require an appointment.
- The Invalidation Order covers all Hong Kong residents, whether they are permanent residents or non-permanent residents, who are permitted to take up employment, make investments, reside or study in Hong Kong. If the old ID cards have not been replaced, they will be invalidated on the specified dates in accordance with the Invalidation Order.
The invalidation of old ID cards will not affect the right of abode in Hong Kong of the holders of old ID cards unless he or she has lost permanent resident status under the Immigration Ordinance.
For those who are unable to have their ID cards replaced during the specified call-up periods due to being absent from Hong Kong, they should replace their ID cards within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong. Failure to apply for a new ID card within the specified call-up periods without a reasonable excuse is an offence. Offenders may be prosecuted and be liable to a fine of $5,000 upon conviction.
The aged, the blind or the infirm who satisfy a registration officer that their personal attendance for registration of Hong Kong ID cards will injure their health or the health of others may, instead of applying for a new replacement ID card, apply for a Certificate of Exemption.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.