All citizens, permanent residents, and long-term residents of Hong Kong are required to obtain an ID card to prove their identity. If you don’t know how to get one, in this article, we will show you a complete guide on how to get an HK ID card and the renewal process of an HK ID card.
What Is an HK ID Card?
The HK ID Card, known as the Hong Kong Smart ID Card or HKID, has an integrated circuit or ‘chip’ that stores and processes data. It can be used to check identification and access various social services, such as updating your condition of stay or limit of stay.
Who Is Required to Apply for HK ID Cards?
All Hong Kong residents aged 11 or over can apply for a Hong Kong smart identity card. Here you can check if you belong to one of the following categories:
- All Hong Kong citizens
- Permanent residents (all ages)
- Long-term residents with permission to stay for 180 days or more.
What Documents Do I Need for HK ID Card Application?
Before you start applying for a Hong Kong identity card, you must prepare the required documents in advance. However, the list of required documents you need to prepare will depend on your age, and whether you are a new arrival.
- If you are over the age of 18 and are new to Hong Kong, you must prepare these documents:
- One-Way Entry Permit (if you have arrived from Mainland China)
- Valid travel document, entry permit, or affidavit.
- If you are between the ages of 11 and 17, you must provide these documents:
- Valid travel document, passport or Hong Kong identity card of the accompanying parent or legal guardian (proof of legal guardianship).
- If the applicant was born outside Hong Kong, they should prepare these original documents:
- birth certificate;
- One-way permit (New arrivals from the Mainland holding a one-way permit);
- A valid travel document (passport, entry permit or affidavit showing residence status in Hong Kong)
- If the applicant was born in Hong Kong, they should provide these original documents:
- birth certificate;
- Proof of identity: a valid travel document, passport, or the latest school document (student handbook or school record card).
- For the replacement of a damaged or defaced card, the applicant should produce his/her damaged or defaced identity card.
You are required to offer different required documents depending on your age and the birth of places. Make sure you have all the necessary requirements to avoid the application rejection of incorrect documents.
How to Get Your First HK ID Card
After you have prepared the necessary documents, you can follow the steps below to obtain your first HKID card.
Pre-fill the application form
Visit the HK government website to pre-fill in the application form. Alternatively, you can use the self-service facilities at the office on application day to complete the e-application form. You can also use a mobile phone or fill out and submit the application form through the Immigration Department’s mobile application. Make sure that all the information you entered is correct.
Book an appointment online
You need to visit the appointment website and fill in the appointment information.
Then you need to select the available office nearby you.
Select the available date and time slot for your appointment.
You need to make the confirmation to check if all the booking information is correct. Once you have submitted it, you will obtain the acknowledgment of your application.
In addition, you can make an appointment through mobile Application appointment booking or the 24-hour telephone appointment booking hotline 2598 0888.
Visit Registration Office
On the appointment date, applicants and their parents or legal guardians should arrive at the Registration Office 15 minutes in advance.
You need to show an appointment letter or inform the receptionist of your ID number and time slot.
You will proceed to the designated registration booth and submit all supporting documents to the registration officer. The registration officer will examine your eligibility for an identity card, scan your thumbprints, and take a photo of you.
Then you can proceed to the designated booth where the assessment officer will confirm your eligibility for an identity card and scan your left and right thumbprints again.
Once completed, you can receive an acknowledgment of the application.
Collect the new HK ID card
You can collect your ID in person, or you can allow another person to collect it on your behalf. However, you must notify the registration officer at the time of registration and complete an authorization form (ID678) if you cannot collect it yourself. The authorized representative must provide valid proof of identity, acknowledgment of application, and the completed authorization form.
How to Replace Your Old ID Card
According to the Territorial Identity Card Replacement Exercise, citizens born in or after 1970 and before 1969 must renew the old smart ID card by May 12, 2025. You are required to apply for a new ID card in HK within 30 days of the expired date. Otherwise, they will face a maximum fine of HK$25,000 and two years’ imprisonment. If you need to replace an old ID card, you can book online or via a 24-hour phone system. Then you can visit the nearest office at the opening time to replace your old ID card.
How to Renew an HK ID Card?
If you have an old HK ID, you must renew it when it expires. However, if it is a new HK ID card, you do not need to renew it because it is valid for the whole life. When you need to renew the HK ID card, you must prepare some required documents (expired smart ID card), make an HK ID card renewal schedule fill in the renewal application form, and visit the local office to change a new one. You will get a new HK ID card after 7 processing days(excluding Saturdays and general holidays).
HK ID Card Application & Renewal Fee
When applying for or renewing a Hong Kong identity card, you must pay the application fee. Here you can check the chart of fees that you need to pay.
| ID card type | Fee |
| Apply or renew a new ID card Apply or replace a Consular ID card Replacement of old ID cards (Territorial Identity Card Replacement Exercise) | Free of charge |
| Replacement of identity card (lost or destroyed or damaged or defaced) | $370 |
| Replacement of identity card (change of identity information) | $460 |
FAQ
📌How long does it take to renew a Hong Kong identity card?
After you have submitted the application for renewal of your HKID card, it will take you about 7 working days to process your HK ID card renewal application.
📌Can I enter HK on my old ID card?
Yes. You can enter Hong Kong on an old ID card as it will be invalid on May 12, 2025. You should replace a new ID card as soon as possible. In addition, the invalidation of old ID cards will not affect the right of residence in Hong Kong. (except for the loss of permanent resident status under the Immigration Ordinance)
📌Do pets need ID cards in Hong Kong?
No, pets don’t need ID cards in Hong Kong. ID cards in Hong Kong are issued to human residents, such as citizens, permanent residents, and long-term residents.
📌How to replace an HK ID card in Toronto?
If you are currently in Toronto and have an old smart IF card, you can complete the HK ID card replacement by visiting the specific Registration of Persons office in person within 30 days of returning to Hong Kong. If you cannot return to Hong Kong to replace it during the call-up period, you must provide reasonable reasons, such as pandemic, illness or absence from Hong Kong. Otherwise, you could be fined $5,000.
📌Can I work in Hong Kong with an ID card?
No. You must obtain a Hong Kong permanent identity card if you wish to work in Hong Kong. Just because you have a smart ID card doesn’t mean you can work in Hong Kong.
📌Can my child obtain a Hong Kong identity card?
Yes. Hong Kong citizens over the age of 11 may apply for a Hong Kong identity card. If your child is a permanent resident, he or she can obtain a Hong Kong identity card without age restriction.
📌Can U.S. citizens apply for a Hong Kong identity card?
Yes. If a U.S. citizen has been allowed to stay in Hong Kong for more than 180 days, he or she can apply for a Hong Kong smart ID card within 30 days of arrival.
In Conclusion
All in all, it is necessary for every citizen in Hong Kong to obtain an ID card and know how to make the HK ID card booking. To avoid getting a replacement for a smart ID, you should put it away. Otherwise, you will need to pay the expensive application fee for the damaged or lost smart ID card.
Dolores Xiao