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People born in 1943, 1944, 1945 or 1946 next in line for smart ID cards

5 June 2005

Existing Hong Kong identity (ID) card holders born in 1943, 1944, 1945 or 1946 are required to apply for a new Smart ID card from June 20 to August 6, 2005 at a Smart ID Card Centre.

The Immigration Department said this would be Phase 12 of the Hong Kong Smart Identity Card Replacement Exercise.

Starting from tomorrow (June 6), eligible applicants can book an appointment by calling the hotline 1838 333, visiting the ESDlife website at www.esd.gov.hk, or by calling at any ESD kiosk. "Applicants are encouraged to book an appointment in advance to ensure that they can apply for the new ID cards at their chosen time slot," an Immigration Department spokesman said.

If applicants' ID cards bear the "A" or "***" residential symbol, or their ID cards were issued on or after January 1, 1999, and bear the "R" residential symbol, they need only bring their existing ID cards. Other eligible applicants should bring their travel documents showing their current residential status in Hong Kong, in addition to their existing ID cards.

The exercise covers all Hong Kong residents. Permanent residents and temporary residents taking up employment, investment, residence, study, or work as foreign domestic helpers, are required to comply with the replacement programme. Employers should allow their helpers time off to apply for the new ID cards.

The current phase for people born in 1947, 1948 or 1949 will end on June 18, 2005. Eligible applicants who have not yet replaced their ID cards should apply as soon as possible in order to avoid a last-minute rush. 

Failure to apply for a new ID card within the specified period without reasonable excuse is an offence. Offenders may be prosecuted and face a fine of $5,000. Those who are away from Hong Kong during the specified period should apply within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.

The spokesman also reminded cross-boundary drivers, including private-car drivers, that since September 27, 2004, an option had been provided for them to apply for new ID cards at any of the Smart ID Card Centres before the periods specified for their age groups on production of proof that they were cross-boundary drivers.

For further information about the Replacement Exercise and the required documentary proof for cross-boundary drivers, please visit www.smartid.gov.hk or call the Immigration Department hotline, 2824 6111.