Frequently Asked Questions

Hong Kong identity cards have been issued in the form of smart card since 2003. Coupling with the implementation of the Next Generation Smart Identity Card System, a new smart identity card will be issued starting from 26 November 2018 to replace the old smart identity card.

• Credit-card size
• Made from polycarbonate, providing strong resistance to environmental influences, and mechanical, chemical and thermal stress
• Embedded with an integrated circuit or ‘chip’ that stores and processes data

To combat forgery, the smart identity card has a number of sophisticated features. More information is available through the following link:

• Security features of Smart Identity Card with date of registration between 23 June 2003 and 24 November 2018
• Security features of Smart Identity Card with date of registration starting from 26 November 2018

The benefits of using a smart identity card are as follows:

• High security – data are engraved into different layers of the card and stored in the ‘chip’, which helps to prevent lost or stolen cards from being altered or used by other people.
• Greater convenience – the card may be used in various non-immigration applications
• Quality service – the smart identity card is the foundation of the delivery of electronic government services.
• More travel convenience – with the thumbprint templates stored in the chip of the identity card, holders can enjoy more convenient immigration clearance via the e-channels of the Automated Passenger Clearance System and the Automated Vehicle Clearance System.

Using the smart identity card readers installed at immigration self-service kiosks, you can:

• View the personal data stored in your card’s ‘chip’
• View the content and change the PIN of a Hong Kong Post e-Cert if you have one
• Update your condition of stay or limit of stay if you are a Hong Kong resident subject to a condition of stay

The following links will take you to information on the locations of self-service kiosks.

Immigration Headquarters

Registration of Persons Offices

Immigration control points

The following tips may help to protect your card.

• Keep the card in an appropriate protective holder
• Do not bend the card or test it with a magnet
• Do not place the card together with keys or coins
• Do not try to remove the chip from the card

A protective holder will be supplied upon issue of your smart identity card, but will not be replaced if damaged or lost. If you need to replace your card holder, you should do so with a holder that has the following specifications:

Material: Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), no Plasticiser
Size: Not less than 93mm in length and not less than 61mm in width 

Photo on the smart identity card should show your full frontal face with clear facial features.

The following situations will not be accepted if you, when appear in the photo, are:

• Seen with hair across eyes or eyebrows;
• Wearing head coverings, such as hats, headband, etc.;
• Seen with reflection on frame/tinted lens;
• Wearing coloured contact lens;
• Wearing overdone make-up;
• Seen in portrait style;
• Not centred;
• Seen with exaggerated facial expressions; and/or
• Seen with eyes tilted.

You can also browse a video about photo taking tips from the following link:
Photo Taking Tips for Application of Hong Kong Identity Card

Under the Registration of Persons Ordinance, all residents of Hong Kong aged 11 or above are required to register for an identity card, except those who have been exempted.

People who are exempted from holding an identity card include:

• Genuine travellers in transit through Hong Kong or persons who have been permitted to stay for not more than 180 days
• The aged, the blind and the infirm whose exemption has been approved by the Commissioner of Registration
• Children aged under 11 of consuls, consular staff and the Head and members of the Office of the Commission of the European Communities
• Children aged under 11 unless they are Hong Kong permanent residents who need to apply for permanent identity cards in connection with their applications for HKSAR passports 

No fee is charged for identity cards issued to new arrivals and people reaching the age of 11 or 18.  However, fees are payable for the replacement of an identity card due to loss, damage, destruction, defacement or alteration of personal particulars.     

You can apply at any Registration of Persons Office, except arrivals from the Mainland holding Permits for Proceeding to Hong Kong and Macao (commonly known as 'One-way Permits') who are aged 11 or above must have his/her first registrations for Hong Kong identity card at the Registration of Persons – Kowloon Office (Note: Arrivals who are children under the age of 11 must have his/her first registrations for Hong Kong identity card at any Registration of Persons Office within 30 days following their 11^th birthday.)

Registration of Persons Offices

If you are a new arrival, you must produce your valid travel document, passport, entry permit, One-way Permit or affidavit showing your residential status in Hong Kong.

If you are a Hong Kong resident, you should produce your juvenile identity card or previous identity card. If you have never registered for a juvenile identity card, you should produce your birth certificate and proof of identity (e.g. a valid travel document or passport) or latest school document (bearing photo authenticated by the school, e.g. student handbook or school record card).  

When attending your application interview, you should produce the originals of your supporting documents for verification by the registration officer. 

If you have attained the age of 11, you must apply for a juvenile identity card in the company of your parent or legal guardian. The accompanying parent or legal guardian must have rights in respect of the applicant and such rights have not been limited in any way by the order of any court. He / She must produce his or her valid travel document, passport or Hong Kong identity card. If you are accompanied by a legal guardian, that person must also produce documentary proof of the legal guardianship.

If you are a resident born in Hong Kong, you should produce your birth certificate, proof of identity (e.g. a valid travel document or passport) or latest school document (bearing photo authenticated by the school, e.g. student handbook or school record card) and previous identity card, if any.

If you are a resident born outside Hong Kong, you should produce your birth certificate, a valid travel document, passport, entry permit, One-way Permit or affidavit showing your residential status in Hong Kong, and previous identity card, if any.

When attending your application interview, you should produce the originals of your supporting documents for verification by the registration officer. 

All the old identity cards issued before 23 June 2003 have been declared invalid with effect from 30 November 2008.  If you have not replaced your old identity card, you should make an appointment for the application at any of the Registration of Persons Offices.

Online appointment booking for Hong Kong smart identity card

In addition to the existing identity card and documents required for application, you may need to produce supporting documents for the reason of late application.  If you are not a permanent resident, you should also produce your travel document showing your condition of stay in Hong Kong.

Failure to apply for a new identity card within the specified call-up periods without reasonable excuse is an offence.  Offenders may be prosecuted and are liable to a fine of $5,000.  If you cannot have your identity card replaced during the specified periods due to your absence from Hong Kong, you should apply within 30 days of your return to Hong Kong.

If you are a Hong Kong resident and have lost your Hong Kong identity card and Home Visit Card while travelling in the Mainland, you should immediately report the loss to the public security authorities and obtain documentary proof of that report. With the documentary proof, you may approach the entry and exit department of the Public Security Bureau  in the Mainland or the China Travel Service office in Shenzhen for the issue of an Entry and Exit Permit to facilitate your departure from the Mainland. You may also contact the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department through the 24-hour hotline (852) 1868 for assistance. The Immigration Department will provide information and advice according to your situation.

If your identity card is lost, destroyed, damaged or defaced, you should report such information and apply for a replacement at any Registration of Persons Office within 14 days, or within 14 days of your return if it is lost or damaged outside Hong Kong. For replacement of damaged or defaced identity card, the identity card should be surrendered to the registration officer upon the application for replacement. A fee of HK$370 will be charged for the replacement of an identity card.

If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian when applying for a replacement. The accompanying parent or legal guardian must have rights in respect of the applicant and such rights have not been limited in any way by the order of any court. He / She must produce his or her identity card. If you are accompanied by a legal guardian, that person must also produce documentary proof of the legal guardianship.

If you are under 11 years of age, you should produce your proof of identity (e.g. a valid travel document or passport) or latest school document (bearing photo authenticated by the school, e.g. student handbook or school record card) and one recent photograph (50 x 40 mm full face photo) if you are not taller than 90 cm.

When attending your application interview, you should produce the originals of your supporting documents for verification by the registration officer.

Registration of Persons Offices

If you have recovered the lost identity card after submitting a replacement application or obtaining a replacement card, you should return the recovered card to any Registration of Persons Office or police station immediately.

If you only hold an acknowledgement of application for an identity card and intend to travel, you are required under the law to produce a valid travel document, such as passport or Hong Kong Re-entry Permit, at Hong Kong immigration control points.

If you are unable to collect your identity card in person, you can authorise another person to collect it on your behalf. You should notify the registration officer at the time of registration and complete an authorisation form (ID678), which is available through the following link.

Form ID678: Authorisation for collection of identity card/travel document

The authorised representative must have attained 18 years of age. Upon collection of the card, the authorised representative must produce his or her valid proof of identity e.g. Hong Kong identity card, passport or Hong Kong Re-entry Permit, your acknowledgement of application for an identity card and the completed authorisation form or your written authorisation plus proof of your signature.

You must keep your card in proper condition, and carry it with you at all times after you have attained the age of 15 years. If the card is lost, destroyed, damaged or defaced, you must apply for a new card at a Registration of Persons Office within 14 days, or within 14 days of your return if it is lost or damaged outside Hong Kong. Recovered cards must be surrendered to a Registration of Persons Office or police station. 

You should notify the Commissioner of Registration by letter or by using form ROP18 (or by using form ROP18A if you wish to update your residential address only) and submit at any Registration of Persons Office or by email to ropr@immd.gov.hk, by fax to (852) 2824 1662 or by post to the following address:

Registration of Persons Records Section
15/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Underpaid mail items will not be accepted by the Immigration Department. For proper delivery of your mail items, please ensure your mail items bear sufficient postage with return address before posting. (Details)

Form ROP18: Notification of Change of Particulars Previously Registered

Form ROP18A: Notification of Change of Address

If you need to change the personal particulars on your card, you should complete the application form (ROP73) and send it by post to the following address with copies of supporting documents.

Registration of Persons (Support) Section
12/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Underpaid mail items will not be accepted by the Immigration Department. For proper delivery of your mail items, please ensure your mail items bear sufficient postage with return address before posting. (Details)

Form ROP 73: Application for Amendment of Registered Particulars of Hong Kong Identity Card

Besides, you may submit the application form at any Registration of Persons Office, by fax to (852) 2131 8876 or through the Internet or Immigration Mobile Application.

Upon receipt of your application, the Registration of Persons Office will ask you to attend an interview to produce the originals of your supporting documents. If the application is approved, arrangements will be made to replace your identity card at a fee of HK$460. 

If you want to change your name, you should produce documents relating to your change of name such as deed poll, marriage certificate or travel document.

If you want to amend the date or place of your birth, you should produce relevant documents showing your correct date or place of birth such as household registration, notarial certificate or birth certificate. 

The supporting documents required are on a case-by-case basis depending on the types of amendment applications.

Generally speaking, persons who have received different forms of treatments by professional psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, including psychotherapy, hormonal treatment and real-life experience of the chosen gender role for a period of time may be recommended for sex re-assignment surgery (SRS).

Persons who have undergone the above treatments and have completed SRS should follow the below procedures and submit application together with the relevant supporting documents to reflect their change of sex on their identity cards:

1. produce a medical proof which should indicate that the following criteria for the completion of SRS are met:
   1. for sex change from female to male
      • removal of the uterus and ovaries; and
      • construction of a penis or some form of a penis;
   2. for sex change from male to female
      • removal of the penis and testes; and
      • construction of a vagina;
2. In general, the medical proof should be produced by the doctor who performed the SRS in accordance with the criteria as set out above;
3. If the SRS was performed outside Hong Kong, the medical proof should carry the doctor’s medical qualification, place where the medical qualification is obtained and other contact information of the doctor;
4. Where there are difficulties in obtaining the relevant medical proof from the doctor who performed the SRS outside Hong Kong, the applicant may request a Hong Kong registered doctor to give an assessment on the SRS that has been undergone;
5. Please refer to the sample medical certificates which are available through the following link.
   • Sample medical certificate for registered doctors practising in Hong Kong
   • Sample medical certificate for doctors practising outside Hong Kong
     
     Other forms of medical proof used by medical practitioners may also be accepted when the relevant information supporting the application is contained; and
6. Upon receipt of the relevant documents, consideration will be given to whether to allow amendment of the personal particular sought by an applicant having regard to the particular circumstances of the case.

Notes to applicants:

1. Further information may be required for processing the applications depending on case circumstances.
2. To ensure consistency in identity documents and avoid possible inconveniences, the applicant may be required to make corresponding changes to other identity documents (e.g. travel documents) as necessary.

On 6 February 2023, the Court of Final Appeal handed down its judgment in Q and Tse Henry Edward v Commissioner of Registration (FACV No. 8 and 9 of 2022). The Government is reviewing the relevant policies and administrative measures in the light of the said judgment and strive to complete the review within a reasonable period. In the meantime, the Commissioner of Registration will continue to process the applications for changing the sex entry on the identity cards from individuals who have completed full sex reassignment surgery.

No, you must return your existing identity card to the Registration of Persons Office for cancellation. Under the Registration of Persons Regulations, any person who possesses more than one identity card without reasonable excuse commits an offence and is liable to a fine of HK$50,000 and imprisonment for 2 years.

A Certificate of Registered Particulars is a document certifying the particulars, such as your name, alias, residential address, date of birth, place of birth, marital status and name of spouse (if any) that you furnished to the registration officer in your registration for an identity card.

A sample of Certificate of Registered Particulars is available through the following link.

Sample of Certificate of Registered Particulars

To apply for a Certificate of Registered Particulars, you should complete the application form (ROP 122) available through the following link and apply in person at any Registration of Persons Office. The fee for the certificate is HK$425.

Form ROP 122: Application for a Certificate of Registered Particulars

Registration of Persons Offices

If you are unable to apply in person for health reasons, you should send your application by post to:

Registration of Persons General and Statistics Unit 12/F,
Immigration Tower 7 Gloucester Road Wan Chai,
Hong Kong

Underpaid mail items will not be accepted by the Immigration Department. For proper delivery of your mail items, please ensure your mail items bear sufficient postage with return address before posting. (Details)

If required, you can appoint a representative to handle your application on your behalf.

The following must be included in your application:

• A completed and signed application form ROP122
• A copy of your identity card and that of the authorised person
• A letter stating the reason for your application, and authorising a representative to handle the application and collect the Certificate of Registered Particulars. You should also note the following points:
  • The letter must contain the names and Hong Kong identity card numbers of both you and your representative, and the contact address and telephone number of your representative
  • You must sign the letter and affix onto it your left or right thumbprint, which must be complete and clear enough for verification. If you have not applied for a smart identity card before, you should only provide your left thumbprint
• A certificate issued by a Hong Kong registered medical practitioner certifying your present health condition

The fee for the certificate is HK$425, which is payable upon collection. 

If you live outside Hong Kong, you should apply for a Certificate of Registered Particulars by post to:

Registration of Persons General and Statistics Unit
12/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Underpaid mail items will not be accepted by the Immigration Department. For proper delivery of your mail items, please ensure your mail items bear sufficient postage with return address before posting. (Details)

 The following must be included in your application:

• A completed and signed application form ROP122
• A copy of your Hong Kong identity card or travel document
• A written and signed request containing the reason for your application, your name and Hong Kong identity card number. If you appoint a representative to collect the Certificate of Registered Particulars, please also specify on the written request the name, Hong Kong identity card number, contact address and telephone number of that representative. You should also note the following points:
  • The request should be affixed with a photograph (not larger than 60x50 mm or smaller than 50x40 mm) and your left or right thumbprint. If you have not applied for a smart identity card before, you should only provide your left thumbprint
  • The attached copy of your identity card or travel document, your photograph and thumbprint must be properly authenticated by a Notary Public of the country where you reside and clear enough for verification

The fee for the certificate is HK$425. Payment should be made by a crossed cheque payable to ‘The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’. If the cheque is not drawn on a bank in Hong Kong or not in Hong Kong dollars, an extra bank handling charge of HK$100 must be included.

Under the following circumstances, a Certificate of Registered Particulars in respect of a deceased person may be issued to the relative/next-of-kin of the deceased showing the particulars registered in the deceased person’s identity card records, such as his/her name, residential address, date of birth, place of birth, marital status and name of spouse:

• For application of a Certificate of Entitlement for the deceased’s natural child; or
• For burial arrangements or relocation of burial site for the deceased; or
• For emigration arrangements; or
• For administration of the deceased’s estate

Payment of fee must be made upon collection of the certificate. The fee for the certificate is HK$425. If the payment made by a crossed cheque is not drawn on a bank in Hong Kong or not in Hong Kong dollars, an extra bank handling charge of HK$100 must be included for each cheque.

Form ROP171: Application for a Certificate of Registered Particulars in respect of a Deceased Person

Registration of Persons Offices

Details of the application and supporting documents are available through the following link:

For application in respect of a deceased person

Under the Registration of Persons Regulations, the aged, the blind and the infirm who satisfy a registration officer that their personal attendance for the registration of Hong Kong identity card will injure their health or the health of others are not required to register or apply for the issue or renewal of an identity card. People who belong to one of these categories should apply for a Certificate of Exemption.

Under the Registration of Persons Ordinance and Registration of Persons Regulations, Cap. 177 and 177A, Laws of Hong Kong, only residents in Hong Kong aged 11 or above shall be required to register for an identity card. The aged, the blind or the infirm who satisfy a registration officer that their personal attendance for registration of Hong Kong identity cards will injure their health or the health of others are exempted from registration and may apply for a Certificate of Exemption. Since residents not residing in Hong Kong are not required to register for Hong Kong identity cards, they are not required to apply for the Certificate of Exemption.

The application should be made in the form of a letter written by you or your representative (e.g. family member, relative, social worker from the Social Welfare Department or supervisor of elderly homes). The names, identity card numbers, contact address and telephone number of both you and your representative, the reason for the application and the chosen Registration of Persons Office for collection of the certificate should be provided in the letter. Alternatively, you or your representative may complete the application form, which is available through the following link:

Application Form and Collection Arrangement Form for Certificate of Exemption

Please also provide the following documents upon application:

• A supporting document on your present health condition (not required if you are aged 70 or over). Each application will be considered on its own merits;
• A copy of your identity card or other identity document;
• A recent photograph of you;
• A copy of identity document of your representative (if applicable); and
• Relationship proof between you and your representative (if applicable).

Your application and supporting documents should be submitted to any Registration of Persons Office or sent by post to:

Registration of Persons General and Statistics Unit
12/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong 

Underpaid mail items will not be accepted by the Immigration Department. For proper delivery of your mail items, please ensure your mail items bear sufficient postage with return address before posting. (Details)

Registration of Persons Offices

If the application is approved, your old identity card should be returned to the Registration of Persons Office for cancellation upon collection of the certificate.  When your health permits, you should then apply for a smart identity card by returning the Certificate of Exemption to any Registration of Persons Office. 

No, the Certificate of Exemption is not a travel document. You should use a valid travel document such as a passport or re-entry permit for travelling. 

Yes, you can apply for an identity card any time by returning your Certificate of Exemption at any Registration of Persons Office when your health improves. 

The differences between a Certificate of Exemption and a smart identity card are mainly as follows:

Personal information

 Material Used and Layout

Application Formalities

Collection arrangements

Under the Registration of Persons Ordinance, an identity card holder can apply for a certified copy of document in his/her identity card records such as the application form.

If the applicant is living outside Hong Kong, his/her application form can be sent by post to:
Registration of Persons Records Section
15/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Applications from outside Hong Kong must include the following:
• A completed and signed application form SF/ROP/164.
• A copy of the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card or travel document.
• A notarised copy of the applicant’s recent photograph and left or right thumb print, which has been properly authenticated by a notary public in the country where the applicant stays.
• If the applicant authorises a representative to collect the certified copies, he/she should specify the name, Hong Kong identity card number, contact address and telephone number of that representative.

A registered user of “iAM Smart+” can submit the online application form and upload supporting document(s) if necessary.

Subject to our assessment, we may request and notify you to submit supplementary document(s).

The Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise has ended and all Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres (SIDCCs) were closed with effect from 4 March 2023. Eligible members of the public who have yet to replace for a new smart identity card on or before March 3, 2023 must apply for identity card replacement at a specified Registration of Persons (ROP) Office. For online appointment booking for application for a new smart identity card at a specified ROP Office, please click here. In order to ensure residents could apply for identity cards in a smooth and orderly manner, the ROP Offices do not handle applications without appointments. Besides, if applicants are unable to collect their new smart identity cards at the chosen SIDCC on or before 3 March 2023, they are required to collect their identity cards at a specified Registration of Persons Office as directed. Please click here for details.

At present, the old form of smart identity cards are still valid. The ImmD will continue to closely monitor the progress of the replacement of new smart identity cards and has no plan to make arrangement for declaring any identity card invalid at this stage.

For applicants who were unable to apply for a new smart identity card within the specified call-up period with reasonable excuse (e.g. sickness, the pandemic situation, absence from Hong Kong, etc.), he/she will be required to make a declaration on the reason upon registration. Flexible arrangement will be made according to the applicant's situation and assistance will be provided by our staff on the spot.

Applicants who are currently outside Hong Kong need not rush back to Hong Kong for identity card replacement. They can still have their identity cards replaced in person at specified Registration of Persons (ROP) Offices within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong. Eligible members of the public who have yet to replace for a new smart identity card must apply for identity card replacement at a specified ROP Office. For online appointment booking for application for a new smart identity card at a specified ROP Office, please click here. In order to ensure residents could apply for identity cards in a smooth and orderly manner, the ROP Offices do not handle applications without appointments.

Applicants must apply for a new smart identity card in person. However, if applicants are unable to collect their new identity cards in person, they can authorise another person to collect it on their behalf.

The Hong Kong Identity Card is mainly used for verification of identity within Hong Kong and is not a travel document. It is thus not imperative for residents outside Hong Kong to replace for the new smart identity card. Upon applicants' return to Hong Kong for identity card replacement, they can use their existing Hong Kong identity cards (if not yet invalidated) or other valid travel documents for immigration clearance.

In general, Hong Kong permanent residents of Chinese nationality living outside Hong Kong will not lose their permanent resident status if they have not returned Hong Kong for replacement of their identity cards. In accordance with the law, if they are outside Hong Kong during his/her specified call-up period, they need not rush back to Hong Kong for identity card replacement. They can have their identity cards replaced within 30 days upon their future return to Hong Kong.

Nonetheless, permanent residents not of Chinese nationality should note that if they have been absent from Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 36 months since they ceased to have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong, their right of abode in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) may be affected.

According to the law, if such relevant person loses his/her right of abode in the HKSAR, he/she will automatically acquire the right to land in the HKSAR. This means that he/she will be able to enter Hong Kong freely to live, study or work without any restriction.

No fee is charged for an application for a new identity card made pursuant to the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise.

In accordance with Section 7B(3) of the Registration of Persons Ordinance, any person who without reasonable excuse fails to apply for a new identity card within the specified call-up periods commits an offence and will be liable to a fine of $5,000 if prosecuted.

For applicants who are unable to apply for a new smart identity card within the specified call-up period with reasonable excuse (e.g. sickness, the pandemic situation, absence from Hong Kong, etc.), he/she will be required to make a declaration on the reason upon registration.

In addition, Hong Kong residents who are unable to have their identity cards replaced due to absence from Hong Kong can apply at specified Registration of Persons Offices within 30 days upon their future return to Hong Kong and need not rush back to Hong Kong for identity card replacement. If they return to Hong Kong and stay in Hong Kong for less than 30 days, they would not violate the relevant law for not having their identity cards replaced during that time.

The symbol "***" or "*" will not be removed from your new HKIC due to filling in a foreign nationality on the application form.

The On-site Identity Card Replacement Service would not be affected by the cessation of operation at Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres. Immigration officers will continue to visit eligible residential care homes to provide on-site identity card replacement service and delivery service of new smart identity card for all eligible residents who have yet to replace their identity cards.