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Please book your appointment when applying for smart identity cards

17 May 2005

Holders of existing identity (ID) cards who were born in 1947, 1948 or 1949 are reminded to apply for new smart ID cards on or before June 18, 2005 and to make use of the appointment booking service, an Immigration spokesman said today (May 17).

Under the territory-wide ID card replacement exercise, eligible applicants can book appointments round the clock by calling the hotline 1838 333, visiting the ESDlife website at www.esd.gov.hk, or by calling at any ESD kiosk.

"Since the new phase started on April 25, some applicants have not made advance bookings for appointments to apply for their new ID cards.  Since the quota for walk-in applicants was limited, some of them might not be able to receive the service on the day they attended the Smart ID Centres because of the quota being filled," the spokesman said.  "To ensure a vacancy is available at the centre of their choice, eligible applicants are advised to book an appointment in advance."

Eligible applicants whose ID cards bear the  "A", or "***" symbols, or whose ID cards were issued on or after January 1, 1999 and bear the "R" residential symbol should bring along their existing ID cards for the applications.  Applicants not in these categories, in addition to their existing ID cards, should bring along their travel documents showing their current residential status in Hong Kong.

For further information, please visit www.smartid.gov.hk or call the Immigration Department hotline at 2824 6111.