How to apply for a new Hong Kong smart ID and the penalties for not doing so

Old versions of Hong Kong’s smart identity cards will start to become invalid in phases from May 12, with immigration authorities reminding the public on Monday to update their documents as soon as possible.

More than 180,000 Hong Kong residents have yet to replace their outdated identity cards, even though the renewal programme was launched more than six years ago, according to figures released last year by the Immigration Department.

The Post explains who should take note of the coming deadlines, how to apply for a new card, the penalties for non-compliance and the cases for exemption.

Who should apply?

The invalidation will begin in two phases. From May 12, holders of old forms of smart identity cards born in 1970 or after – or aged 55 or below – will have their document invalidated.

The second phase, targeting those born in 1969 or earlier – or aged 56 or above – will kick in on October 12.

The invalidation process applies to all residents, covering both permanent and non-permanent residents.

Old identity cards are those that were issued or had been applied for before November 26, 2018. People can check the front of their ID card to check when it was issued.

Immigration authorities have said the invalidation of the old identity cards would not affect the holder’s right of abode in Hong Kong, but an invalid ID could not be used to apply for new passports.