Hong Kong residents born in 1980, 1981 or 1982 should apply for new smart identity cards between November 19, 2021 and January 18, 2022

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (November 5) that Hong Kong residents born in 1980, 1981 or 1982 and holding the old form of smart identity card should bring along their identity card and apply for the new smart identity cards in person at a Smart Identity Card Replacement Centre (SIDCC) (see Annex I) from November 19, 2021 (Friday) to January 18, 2022 (Tuesday). The SIDCCs are open from 8am to 10pm and from Monday to Saturday (except public holidays).
    
     The Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise (Replacement Exercise) covers all Hong Kong residents, who should apply for new smart identity cards in person at the SIDCCs during specified periods, whether they are permanent residents or non-permanent residents taking up employment, investment, residence or study in Hong Kong.
 
     To avoid the gathering of crowds, the ImmD appeals to applicants to make appointment bookings via the ImmD mobile application, the Internet (www.gov.hk/newicbooking), or the 24-hour telephone booking hotline 2121 1234. To download the mobile application or to make an appointment booking via the Internet, please scan the QR codes (see Annex II). The ImmD also appeals to applicants to pre-fill the application form when making appointment bookings through the mobile application or the Internet in order to enjoy faster identity card replacement service.
 
     For this Replacement Exercise, the ImmD also implements a caring arrangement under which each eligible applicant for identity card replacement may bring along up to two family members or friends aged 65 or above and two persons with disabilities to replace their identity cards together during the same visit to an SIDCC.

     For Hong Kong residents born in 1977, 1978 or 1979, their specified period for identity card replacement will end on November 18, 2021 (Thursday). Those who have not yet applied for a new smart identity card should do so as early as possible. Eligible Hong Kong residents who are absent from Hong Kong during their call-up period can apply within 30 days upon their return to Hong Kong.

     For details of the Replacement Exercise, please visit the website www.smartid.gov.hk or call the ImmD's enquiry hotline at 2824 6111.