Here you can obtain information on the Hong Kong identity card through lists of frequently asked questions. 

• Smart Identity Card
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/hkic/faq_hkic.htm#sic
• Registration/Replacement of Identity Card
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/hkic/faq_hkic.htm#ric
• Amendment of Registered Particulars
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/hkic/faq_hkic.htm#arp
• Certificate of Registered Particulars
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/hkic/faq_hkic.htm#crp
• Certificate of Exemption
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/hkic/faq_hkic.htm#coe

Q1. What is smart identity card?

Since 23 June 2003, Hong Kong identity cards have been issued in the form of smart cards with the following features:

• 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

Q2. What security features are included?

To combat forgery, the smart identity card has incorporated a number of sophisticated security features including:

• A triangle printed with optical variable ink beside the chip, which changes in colour between reddish gold and green when viewed at different angles
• Multiple laser images of the holder’s photograph and identity card number in the lower left corner, which appear alternately when viewed at tilted angles
• Kineprint letters on the left of the multiple laser images – a red letter ‘H’ and a black letter ‘K’, which emerge alternately when viewed at different angles

More information on the security features is available through the following link.

• More information on the security features of the smart identity card
  http://www.immd.gov.hk/pdf/hkid_security.pdf

Q3. What are the benefits of using a smart identity card?

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 can prevent lost or stolen cards from being altered or used by other people.
• Greater convenience – with multi-function capacity, the card can be used for various non-immigration applications such as an e-Certificate or a library card.
• Quality service – the smart identity card is the foundation of the delivery of electronic government services. In future, smart identity card holders will be able to enjoy various kinds of public services simply by going on-line at home or making use of smart identity card readers without having to attend government offices in person.
• 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.

 Q4. What are the functions of the smart identity card readers?

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
  http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkid_hq.htm
• Registration of Persons Offices
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/hkic/whereapply.htm
• Immigration control points
  http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/controlpoints_add.htm

Q5. How can I protect my smart identity card?

The following tips may help to protect your card.

• DO keep your card in an appropriate protective holder
• DO use a soft-landing type smart card reader when using the e-Cert in your card
• DO NOT bend your card
• DO NOT place your card together with keys or coins
• DO NOT place your card near a magnet
• DO NOT scratch or remove the chip from your card 

Q6. What purpose does the protective holder serve?

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 

Q7. How can I get a good photo on my smart identity card?

The following tips may help:

• Face the camera with an expression of ease
• 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 beforehand to maintain a fresh and lively look
• If you wear glasses, non-reflective lens will produce better results
• Wear dark coloured clothes with a collar 

Q8. Am I required to register for an 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 who are 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 

Q9. Do I need to pay for the identity card?

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.     

Q10. Where should I apply for an identity card?

You can apply at any Registration of Persons Office, with the following exceptions:

• New arrivals from the Mainland holding One-way Permits must register for their identity cards at the Registration of Persons – Kowloon Office
• Workers who have arrived in Hong Kong under the Supplementary Labour Scheme must register for their identity cards at the Registration of Persons – Kwun Tong Office

• Registration of Persons Offices
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/hkic/whereapply.htm

Q11. What documents should be produced when I register for an adult identity card?

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 such as a valid travel document, passport or recent school document with certified photograph (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. 

Q12. What documents should be produced for the registration of identity card for children who attain the age of 11?

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 adult 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 such as valid travel document, passport, recent school document with certified photograph (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. 

Q13. What should I do if my identity card is lost, destroyed, damaged or defaced?

If your identity card is lost, destroyed, damaged or defaced, you should report to any Registration of Persons Office and apply for a replacement within 14 days, or within 14 days of your return if it is lost or damaged outside Hong Kong. The damaged or defaced identity card should be surrendered to the registration officer upon the application for replacement of identity card. A fee of HK$335 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 adult 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 such as a valid travel document, passport or recent school document with certified photograph (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
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/hkic/whereapply.htm

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 the Registration of Persons Offices or police station immediately. 

Q14. What should I do if I am unable to collect my identity card in person?

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
  http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/id678.htm

The authorised representative must have attained 18 years of age. Upon collection of the card, the authorised representative must produce his or her identity card, your acknowledgement of application and the completed authorisation form or your written authorisation plus proof of your signature.

Q15. What is the obligation of an identity card holder?

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. 

Q16. How can I update registered particulars that do not appear on my identity card (e.g. residential address, marital status)?

You should notify the Commissioner of Registration by letter or by using form ROP18. The completed form can be submitted by post or by email to eto_rop@immd.gov.hk ( mailto:eto_rop@immd.gov.hk ) using a digital certificate issued by a recognised certification authority.

• Form ROP18: Notification of Change of Particulars Previously Registered
  http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/rop18.htm

Q17. How can I change the personal particulars that appear on my identity card?

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

• Form ROP 73: Application for Amendment of Registered Particulars of Hong Kong Identity Card
  http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/rop73.htm

Besides, you may submit the application form by email at eto_rop@immd.gov.hk ( mailto:eto_rop@immd.gov.hk ).

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$420. 

Q18. What documents should be produced for amendment of the personal particulars on my identity card?

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. 

Q19. Can I keep my old identity card as a souvenir?

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.

Q20. What is a Certificate of Registered Particulars?

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.

Q21. How do I apply for a 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$385.

• Form ROP 122: Application for a Certificate of Registered Particulars
  http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/rop122.htm
• Registration of Persons Offices
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/hkic/whereapply.htm

Q22. What should I do if I am unable to apply in person?

If you are unable to apply in person for health reasons, you can appoint a representative to do so on your behalf. 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 

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$385, which is payable upon collection. 

Q23. How can I apply if I live outside Hong Kong?

If you live outside Hong Kong, you should apply by post to:

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

 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$385. 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.

Q24. What is a Certificate of Exemption?

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.

Q25. What documents should be produced in applying for a 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, registered medical doctor looking after your case 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. Copies of the following documents should also be enclosed with the application:

• A certificate issued by a medical practitioner registered in Hong Kong on your present health condition (not required if you are aged 70 or over)
• A copy of your identity card
• A recent photograph of you

• Sample application letter and collection arrangement form
  http://www.immd.gov.hk/pdforms/sfrop166e.pdf

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 

• Registration of Persons Offices
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/hkic/whereapply.htm

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. 

Q26. Can I use the Certificate of Exemption for travel?

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. 

Q27. If I hold a Certificate of Exemption, can I apply for an identity card when my health improves?

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. 

Q28. What are the differences between a Certificate of Exemption and a smart identity card?

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