Hong Kong is invalidating old identity cards and replacing them with new cards. 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.
All Hong Kong residents aged 11 or over are required to register for an identity card, except those who are exempted or excluded. Old form 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 Hong Kong Government announced that the old form of smart identity cards issued before November 26, 2018 (old ID cards) will be invalidated in two phases in 2025. The Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise was concluded on March 3 last year.
Phase I of the invalidation exercise will cover holders of old ID cards born in 1970 or after, whose old cards will become invalid on May 12, 2025.
Phase II of the invalidation exercise will cover holders of old ID cards born in 1969 or before, whose old cards will become invalid on October 12, 2025.
If the old ID cards have not been replaced, they will be invalidated on the specified dates in accordance with the Invalidation Order.
Residents who still have old ID cards should schedule appointments for replacement as soon as feasible.
Those who are unable to get their ID cards changed during the designated call-up periods due to their absence from Hong Kong should do so within 30 days of returning to Hong Kong.
Failure to apply for a new ID card within the stated call-up dates without a valid reason is an offense. Offenders may face prosecution and a $5,000 fine if convicted.
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 replacement of a new ID card, apply for a Certificate of Exemption.
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.
Members of the public can apply for replacement of new ID cards at the Registration of Persons (ROP) – Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office or during the extended service hours at the four designated ROP offices, viz. Hong Kong Office, Kowloon Office, Tseung Kwan O Office or Tuen Mun Office.