The Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise has ended and all Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres have ceased to operate. Besides, the On-site Identity Card Replacement Service has also concluded.
Old form of smart identity cards issued before 26 November 2018 becomes invalid in two phases in 2025. Phase I of the invalidation exercise covers holders of old form of smart identity cards born in 1970 or after whose old cards have become invalid on 12 May 2025. Phase II of the invalidation exercise will cover holders of old form of smart identity cards born in 1969 or before whose old cards will become invalid on 12 October 2025.
The invalidation of old ID cards will not affect the right of abode in Hong Kong of the holders of old ID cards unless he or she has lost permanent resident status under the Immigration Ordinance.
If a person uses an invalid identity card for arrival clearance or to apply for immigration services, Immigration staff will order the holder to surrender the invalid identity card and to replace it within 30 days or within their limit of stay (whichever is earlier) at the designated ROP Office, in accordance with regulation 20(1) of the Registration of Persons Regulations. Depending on the situation, he/she may use other valid travel documents for immigration clearance or applying for immigration services. Nonetheless, if the applicant is so required by the law to possess with a valid identity card for the application, such as application for and collection of the HKSAR passport, he/she must hold a valid permanent identity card before submitting the application.
The template of old form of smart identity card is as follows:
Persons still holding the old form of smart identity card should make appointment at the Registration of Persons (ROP) - Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office for replacement of an identity card. Persons aged 18 or above holding a valid old form of smart identity card issued locally (i.e. persons born in or before 1969 who are still holding an old form of smart identity card) could also use the Personal Documentation Submission Kiosks (PDSKs) located at the Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O to complete their application in a self-service manner, which is appointment-free.
You may refer to the following link for the service hours and scope of services at ROP - Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office and PDSKs.
ROP - Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office
Personal Documentation Submission Kiosks
Those who are unable to have their identity cards replaced during the specified call-up periods due to being absent from Hong Kong, they should replace their identity cards within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.
Those who have made an application at a Smart Identity Card Replacement Centre (SIDCC) on or before 3 March 2023 and yet to collect their new smart identity cards are required to collect their identity cards at a ROP Office. For detail arrangement, please refer to:
Collection Arrangement of New Smart Identity Cards after the closure of SIDCCs
Call-up Programme
Call-up Programme (Lapsed --- for reference only)
