Hong Kong Mandates ID Card Replacement for Students, Workers, Residents, and Immigrants

In a significant update, Hong Kong is enforcing mandatory ID card replacements for students, workers, residents, and immigrants. The replacement process will take place in two phases in 2025, with specific deadlines for various age groups.
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Hong Kong is replacing old smart identity cards with new versions under an Invalidation Order. This process affects all residents, whether permanent or non-permanent, who live, work, invest, or study in the region. The transition is set to take place in two phases in 2025.

What is the Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID)

The Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) is a mandatory identification document issued to all Hong Kong residents aged 11 or above. It serves as official proof of identity for both permanent and non-permanent residents, required for various legal and administrative purposes.

Who Needs to Replace Their Identity Cards?

All Hong Kong residents including Non-permanent residents who are working and studying aged 11 and older must register for a smart identity card, unless exempt. Notably, Non-permanent residents of Hong Kong are persons qualified to obtain Hong Kong identity cards (HKID) but have no right of abode.

This includes residents holding old smart identity cards issued between June 23, 2003, and November 25, 2018, as well as those issued after November 26, 2018, based on earlier applications.

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Timeline for Old ID Card Invalidation

The Hong Kong government has announced that old smart identity cards will be invalidated in two phases in 2025:

  • Phase I (May 12, 2025): For those born in 1970 or later, old identity cards will become invalid.
  • Phase II (October 12, 2025): For those born in 1969 or earlier, old identity cards will be invalidated.

Residents who still have old ID cards must schedule an appointment for replacement before these dates.

Also Read: Unlocking Permanent Residency: Hong Kong’s New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme

How to Replace Your Old Identity Card

Residents can replace their old ID cards by visiting the Registration of Persons (ROP) Kwun Tong Temporary Office or any of the four designated ROP offices in Hong Kong, Kowloon, Tseung Kwan O, or Tuen Mun. Extended service hours are available for convenience.

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Those who missed the replacement deadline due to being outside Hong Kong must apply within 30 days of their return to avoid penalties.

Penalties for Non-compliance

Failure to replace an old ID card within the designated timeframe without a valid reason is considered an offense. Offenders may face legal prosecution and a fine of up to HKD 5,000.

Exemptions for Health Concerns

Residents who are aged, blind, or infirm and unable to attend registration due to health reasons may apply for a Certificate of Exemption instead of a new ID card.

This exemption will not affect their right to live in Hong Kong unless they lose their permanent resident status under the Immigration Ordinance.

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No Impact on Right of Abode

The invalidation of old ID cards does not affect the holder’s right of abode in Hong Kong, as long as their permanent residency remains intact under the Immigration Ordinance.

For more details and to schedule your replacement, visit one of the designated ROP offices.


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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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