Q1:

What is a "smart identity card"?

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A1:

With effect from 23 June 2003, the Government of the HKSAR starts to issue a new generation of identity cards in the form of smart cards.The smart identity card bears the following characteristics:

• The new identity card takes the form of a smart card with the size of a standard credit card.
• The card is produced by polycarbonate, a durable and secure base material with strong resistance to environmental influences as well as mechanical, chemical and thermal stress.
• The card is embedded with an integrated circuit, or a "chip" which has the capacity of storing and processing data.

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Q2:

What are the benefits of using a smart identity card?

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A2:

The benefits of using a smart identity card are:

• High security - data engraved into different layers of the card and held in the chip can prevent lost or stolen identity cards from being altered or used by other people.
• Greater convenience - with the capacity of multi-applications, such as e-Certificate and library card function, the smart identity card holder can benefit from the convenience of using one card for various functions.
• Quality service - the issue of smart identity card helps establish the foundation of the delivery of electronic government services. In the near future, smart identity card holders may enjoy various kinds of public services simply by going on-line at home or making use of the smart identity card readers without�attending Government offices in person.
• More convenient travel�- with the thumbprint templates stored in the chip of the identity card, cardholders may enjoy convenient immigration clearance via the Automated Passenger Clearance System and the Automated Vehicle Clearance System.

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Q3:

What are the functions of the smart identity card readers installed at the immigration self-service kiosks?

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A3:

Holders of smart identity card may use the smart identity card readers installed at the immigration self-service kiosks to:

• view the personal data stored in the chip of the smart identity card
• view the content and change the PIN of the Hong Kong Post e-Cert (if the holder has opted for one)
• update the condition of stay or limit of stay (if the holder is a Hong Kong resident with condition of stay)

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Q4:

How can I protect my smart ID card?

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A4:

The following tips may help protect your smart ID card:

• DO keep your smart ID card in an appropriate protective holder
• DO use a soft-landing type smart card reader when using the e-Cert in the smart ID card
• DON'T bend your smart ID card
• DON'T place the card together with keys and/or coins
• DON'T test your smart ID card with a magnet
• DON'T scratch or remove the chip of your smart ID card

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Q5:

What purpose will the protective holder serve and should I present my smart identity card in protective holder for immigration clearance?

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A5:

A protective holder will be supplied once with each smart identity card issued. The Immigration Department has no plan to provide extra protective holder for replacement at the moment.

A protective holder of the right specifications may serve well to help protect the smart identity card. The specifications of the protective holders are as follows:

Material : Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer (EVA), no Plasticizer
Size : Not less than 93mm (Length) X Not less than 61mm (Width)

When presenting for immigration clearance, you should take out the smart identity card from the protective holder for immigration clearance so as to speed up the processing and reduce the waiting time.

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Q6:

How can I take a good photo for my smart identity card?

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A6:

The following tips may help to take a good photo for your smart ID card:

• Face the camera with an easy expression
• It is unnecessary to wear make-up to look your best in the picture
• If you prefer to wear make-up, please make it light and avoid using cosmetics that are dark in tone
• Have plenty of sleep and rest to maintain a fresh and lively look
• If you wear glasses, remember non-reflective lens will produce better results
• Wear darker coloured clothes with collar.

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Q7:

Who should register for a Hong Kong identity card? Do applicants need to pay for it?

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A7:

Under the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Cap 177, Laws of Hong Kong), all residents in Hong Kong who are aged 11 and above are required to register for an identity card, except those who are exempted or excluded. Furthermore, every person aged 11 and above who enters and is permitted to stay in Hong Kong for more than 180 days must apply to register within 30 days of arrival.

No fee will be charged for identity cards issued to new arrivals and persons reaching the age of 11 or 18.

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Q8:

Where should I go to apply for an identity card?

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A8:

Application can be made at any one of the Registration of Persons office except:

New arrivals from the Mainland holding One-way Chinese Exit Permit should register for their identity cards at the Registration of Persons - Kowloon Office.

Workers arrived in Hong Kong under the Supplementary Labour Scheme should register their identity cards at Registration of Persons - Kwun Tong Office.

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Q9:

What kind of documents should be produced for registration for an identity card by persons aged 18 or over?

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A9:

New arrivals are required to produce valid travel document / passport / entry permit / One-way Chinese Exit Permit / affidavits (as appropriate), so as to confirm the applicant's residential status in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong residents should produce his/her juvenile identity card or previous identity card.If the applicant has never registered for a juvenile identity card, he/she should produce his/her birth certificate and proof of identity such as valid travel document /�passport / recent school documents with certified photograph (e.g. student handbook or school record card).

Applicants should bring the original documents for verification.

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Q10:

What kind of documents should be produced and points to be noted for registration for an identity card on behalf of children who attain the age of 11?

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A10:

The juvenile must be accompanied by his/her father/mother or a legal guardian. The accompanying father or mother should produce his/her identity card. In case the applicant is accompanied by a legal guardian, the legal guardian should produce his/her identity card and documentary proof of the legal guardianship.

For application for registration of resident born in Hong Kong, it is required to produce the juvenile's birth certificate, proof of identity such as valid travel document / passport / recent school documents with certified photograph (e.g. student hand book or school record card) and previous identity card (if any).

For application for registration of resident not born in Hong Kong, it is required to produce the juvenile's valid travel document / passport / entry permit / One-way Chinese Exit Permit / affidavits (as appropriate) so as to confirm his/her residential status in Hong Kong, birth certificate and previous identity card (if any).

Applicants should bring the original documents for verification.

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Q11:

What should I do if my identity card is lost?

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A11:

Any person who lost his/her identity card should report to any Registration of Persons Office within 14 days and apply for a replacement in person. A fee of HK$335 will be charged for the replacement of an identity card.

For application for replacement of lost card for a juvenile under 18 years of age, the juvenile must be accompanied by his/her father/mother or a legal guardian. The accompanying father or mother should produce his/her identity card. In case the juvenile is accompanied by a legal guardian, the legal guardian should produce his/her identity card and documentary proof of the legal guardianship.

For application for replacement of lost card for a juvenile under 11 years of age, the applicant should produce the juvenile's proof of identity such as valid travel document / passport / recent school documents with certified photograph (e.g. student hand book or school record card) and one recent photograph (50 x 40 mm full face photo) (if the�applicant is not taller than 90 cm).

Applicants should bring the original documents for verification.

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Q12:

What should I do if I am unable to collect the identity card in person?

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A12:

If the applicant is unable to collect his/her identity card, he/she may give his/her authorisation in writing to another person to collect his/her identity card.Besides, if he/she wishes to do so, he/she may at the time of registration notify the registration officer and complete an authorisation form ID678.

The authorised representative must be over 18 years of age.Upon the collection of identity card, the authorised representative should produce his/her identity card, the applicant's acknowledgement of application for identity card and the applicant's written authorisation and proof of his/her signature or the authorisation form.

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Q13:

What is the obligation of the identity card holder?

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A13:

The holder is advised to keep the card in proper condition.Every person who has attained the age of 15 years shall carry the identity card with him at all times. If an identity card is lost, destroyed, damaged or defaced, he should report to the Registration of Persons Office within 14 days and apply for a new one.If the holder is outside Hong Kong at the time of such loss, he should report within 14 days of his return to Hong Kong and apply for a new one. If the lost card was subsequently recovered after the application for a replacement, it should be surrendered to any Registration of Persons Office or police station.

Q14:

How to make an appointment for registration for an identity card?

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A14:

The applicant may make use of the Immigration Department 24-hour telephone appointment booking service (Tel: (852) 2598 0888) or through the GovHK at the website www.gov.hk/icbooking to make an appointment for identity card service at any of the Registration of Persons Offices within the following 12 working days.

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Q15:

What should I do if I am unable to attend the appointment as scheduled?

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A15:

Owing to the limited number of quota, if an applicant is unable to attend the concerned Registration of Persons Office as scheduled, he/she should change or cancel the booking at least one day before the original appointment date through the hotline 2598 0888 or through the GovHK at the website www.gov.hk/icbooking so that the reserved time slot can be released for use by other applicants.

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Q16:

If a person was absent from Hong Kong during the specified call-up period and has not replaced his/her identity card under the Hong Kong Smart Identity Card Replacement Exercise, what should he/she do?

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A16:

The applicant should apply for a smart identity card in person at any one of the Registration of Persons Offices within 30 days of his/her return to Hong Kong. The applicant may make use of the Immigration Department 24-hour telephone appointment booking service (Tel: (852) 2598 0888) or through the GovHK at the website www.gov.hk/icbooking to make an appointment for identity card service at any of the Registration of Persons Offices within the following 12 working days.

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Q17:

If a person was in Hong Kong during the specified call-up period under the Hong Kong Smart Identity Card Replacement Exercise, but has not yet replaced his/her�identity card, what should he/she do?

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A17:

The applicant should apply for a smart identity card in person at any of the Registration of Persons Offices as soon as possible. The appointment booking service is not applicable to him/her.

If the aged, blind or infirm consider that compliance to the call-up order would have injured their health or the health of the others, he/she may apply in writing to the Commissioner of Registration for a Certificate of Exemption.

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Q18:

How can I update my registered particulars which are changed after the registration of my identity card?

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A18:

The holder of an identity card has to notify the Commissioner of Registration of any changes in his registered particulars, such as the change of residential / business address and marital status, etc. The notification can be made by letter or by completing the form - "Notification of change of particulars previously registered" [Form ROP 18]. The form is available at the Information and Liaison Section of Immigration Headquarters and all Registration of Persons offices. Holder of identity card can also submit the notification of change of particulars by e-mail at [email protected]. Notification by e-mail requires a person's digital signature using digital certificate issued by a recognized certification authority (such as Hongkong Post e-Cert).

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Q19:

If a person would like to change his personal particulars appeared on the identity card, what should he do?

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A19:

Any person who would like to change his personal particulars on the identity card, he should complete the application form for amendment of registered particulars of Hong Kong identity card [Form 73] and post it to the "Registration of Persons General & Statistics Unit at 12/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong" enclosing the copy of supporting documents of the application. The form is available at the Information and Liaison Section of Immigration Headquarters and all Registration of Persons offices. If the applicant is the user of digital certificate, he may submit the application by e-mail at [email protected].

Upon receipt of the application, the Registration of Persons office will inform the applicant to attend an interview and verify the copy of supporting documents enclosed in the application with the original documents. If the application is approved, the applicant will be arranged to replace his identity card. The fee for the amendment of personal particulars on identity card is HK$420.

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Q20:

What documents should I produce for amendment of the name, date or place of birth?

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A20:

Any one who would like to change his/her name should produce documents relating to his/her change of name such as deed poll, marriage certificate and travel document, etc.

Person who wishes to amend the date or place of birth is required to produce documents showing his/her correct date or place of birth such as household registration, notarial certificate, birth certificate , etc.

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Q21:

Can I keep my old identity card as souvenir after the replacement for a new card?

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A21:

Upon application for a replacement identity card, the existing identity card kept by the applicant should be returned to the Registration of Persons office for cancellation. Under Registration of Persons Regulations, any person who without reasonable excuse has possession of more than one identity card commits an offence and is liable to a fine of HK$50,000 and to imprisonment for 2 years.

Q22:

What is a "Certificate of Registered Particulars"?

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A22:

"Certificate of Registered Particulars" is a document certifying the particulars such as name, alias, residential address, date of birth, place of birth, marital status and name of spouse (if any) that are furnished to the registration officer upon�one's application for an identity card.

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Q23:

How to apply for a Certificate of Registered Particulars?

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A23:

An applicant should bring his/her Hong Kong identity card and one recent photograph (size must not be larger than 60x50 mm or smaller than 50x40mm), complete and sign the application form for a Certificate of Registered Particulars (ROP 122) and apply in person at any Registration of Persons office. The fee for the certificate is HK$385.

The application form (ROP 122) is available at the Information and Liaison Section of Immigration Headquarters and all Registration of Persons offices.

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Q24:

What should the applicant do if he is unable to make the application for a "Certificate of Registered Particulars" in person?

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A24:

If the applicant is unable to apply in person owing to health reasons, he/she may make an application by post to the "Registration of Persons General & Statistics Unit at 12/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong" enclosing the following documents:

• a duly completed and signed application form for a Certificate of Registered Particulars (ROP 122);
• a copy of the applicant's and the authorised person's identity card;
• one recent photograph of the applicant (size must not be larger than 60x50 mm or smaller than 50x40mm);
• a letter stating the reason for application and authorising a representative to handle the application and collect the Certificate of Registered Particulars;
• the letter must contain the names and Hong Kong identity card numbers of both the applicant and the authorised person, and the contact address and telephone number of the authorised person;
• the letter has to be signed by the applicant and affixed with his/her clear and complete left and right thumb-prints; and
• a certificate issued by a Hong Kong registered medical practitioner on the present health condition of the applicant.

Q25:

What is a "Certificate of Exemption"?

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A25:

Under Registration of Persons Regulations, the aged, the blind and 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 shall not be required to register or apply for the issue of an identity card or for the renewal of an identity card. They may apply for a Certificate of Exemption to be issued to them.

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Q26:

What kind of documents should be produced in applying for a Certificate of Exemption?

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A26:

Application may be made in the form of a letter written by the applicant or his/her representative (e.g. family member, relative, social worker of the Social Welfare Department or registered medical doctor looking after the applicant's case). The letter should include the name, identity card number, contact address and telephone number of the applicant and the reason for the application. In addition, the following documents must be enclosed with the application:

• a certificate issued by a Hong Kong registered medical practitioner on the present health condition of the applicant (this certificate is not required if the applicant is of the age 70 or over);
• a copy of the applicant's identity card;
• one recent photograph of the applicant; and
• Arrangement for Collection of Certificate of Exemption.

Application together with the documents above should be sent by post to the "Registration of Persons General & Statistics Unit at Room 1201, 12/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong" or submitted to any one of the Registration of Persons office.

If the application is approved, the old identity card kept by the applicant should be returned to the Registration of Persons office for cancellation. When the health permits, applicant may apply for a smart identity card at any Registration of Persons office free of charge.

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Q27:

Can I use the Certificate of Exemption for travelling ?

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A27:

The Certificate of Exemption is not a travel document and cannot be used for immigration clearance. The holder of Certificate of Exemption should use a valid travel document, for example, a re-entry permit or passport for travelling.

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Q28:

Can the holder of Certificate of Exemption apply for a smart identity card later when his health improves?

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A28:

A person who is issued with a Certificate of Exemption can apply for a smart identity card anytime at any Registration of Persons Office when his health condition improves.

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Q29:

What are the differences between a Certificate of Exemption and a smart identity card?

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A29:

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 arrangement

Q30:

Which call-up phases have been called?

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A30:

Holders of the old identity cards had been called up through public announcement to apply in groups, in accordance with their year of birth and within the periods as specified below:

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Q31:

The Replacement Exercise does not include persons born in 1986 to 1989 or 1993 to 1996. When should they apply for the smart identity cards?

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A31:

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Q32:

What is the consequence if failing to apply for a new card?

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A32:

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Q33:

Where to collect my new identity card after closure of the Smart Identity Card Centres?

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A33:

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