In accordance with the Registration of Persons (Invalidation of Identity Cards) Order 2024 (Invalidation Order) made by the Secretary for Security under section 7C of the Registration of Persons (ROP) Ordinance, all old forms of smart identity cards (old ID cards) (Note) bearing a year of birth in or after 1970 will become invalid on May 12 this year. Old ID cards bearing a year of birth in or before 1969 will become invalid on October 12 this year.
The Immigration Department (ImmD) appeals to residents still holding an old ID card to replace it with a new smart identity card (new ID 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 with a new ID card.
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. Please refer to Annex IV for the address and working hours of the Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office and PDSKs.
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 HK$5,000 upon conviction," a spokesman for the ImmD said.
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.
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