The Immigration Department (ImmD) has announced that all old forms of smart identity cards bearing a year of birth up to and including 1969 will become invalid on October 12, 2025.
The old-form smart ID cards are those 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.
Old ID cards bearing a year of birth from 1970 onwards have already become invalid since May 12, 2025. In other words, starting from October 12, 2025, all old ID cards will become invalid.
ImmD appeals to residents still holding an old ID card to replace it with a new smart identity card as soon as possible.
Persons still holding an old ID card should make an appointment at the ROP – Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office for replacement. The office will provide relevant services until October 11, 2025. Once all old ID cards become invalid on October 12, 2025, holders of an old ID card should make an appointment at any of the six other ROP Offices to apply for a replacement ID card. They may make an appointment by scanning the QR codes here to download the ImmD mobile application or visit this website and fill in the application form in advance when making the appointment for a faster and more convenient application process.
Persons born in or before 1969 who are holding a locally issued old ID card may also use the Personal Documentation Submission Kiosks (PDSKs) located at the Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O, which do not require an appointment, to apply for a replacement card in a self-service manner before their old ID cards become invalid on October 12, 2025.
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. 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.
Those who are unable to have their ID cards replaced during the specified period, due to being absent from Hong Kong, should replace their ID cards within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong. Any person who without reasonable excuse fails to apply for a new identity card within the specified period commits an offence and will be liable to a fine of HKD 5,000 if convicted.
The aged, the blind or the infirm residing in Hong Kong 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.
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