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 must apply for identity card replacement at specified Registration of Persons (ROP) Offices. For online appointment booking for application for a new smart identity card at specified ROP Offices, 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 had applied for new smart identity cards but were 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.
Old form of smart identity cards issued before 26 November 2018 will be invalidated in phases in 2025. Phase I of the invalidation exercise will cover holders of old form of smart identity cards born in or after 1970 whose old cards will 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.
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 can 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. 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 their old form of smart identity cards have been invalidated and 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 can have their identity cards replaced within 30 days upon their 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. Application will be considered according to the applicant's situation.
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.
Identity cards that have been declared invalid cannot be used for immigration clearance. Holders of invalid identity cards should use other valid travel documents for immigration clearance. They should replace their identity cards at specified ROP Offices within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.
Invalid identity card cannot be used for application for and collection of HKSAR passport or other HKSAR travel documents.
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. For online application for Certificate of Exemption, please click here.
To tie in with the commissioning of the new Immigration Headquarters (New Headquarters), the Registration of Persons - Kwun Tong Office relocated to the New Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O on 11 June 2024 and renamed as Registration of Persons - Tseung Kwan O Office. The last working day of the Registration of Persons - Kwun Tong Office is 8 June 2024. You may apply for an identity card and other identity card related applications at any Registration of Persons office, which provides the types of service you require.
For the addresses, office hours, telephone numbers and scope of services of each Registration of Persons office, please click here for details.
The last working day of the Registration of Persons - Kwun Tong Office is 8 June 2024. You are advised to collect your new identity card on or before that day.
Starting from 11 June 2024, applicants who have not yet collected their new identity cards are required to collect their identity cards at the adjacent Registration of Persons - Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office. The address of the Registration of Persons - Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office is Office 1B, 3rd Floor, Manulife Financial Centre, Tower A, 223-231 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon. The opening hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays, and it will be closed on Sundays and public holidays.
The last working day of the Registration of Persons - Kwun Tong Office is 8 June 2024. You are advised to collect the Certificate of Registered Particulars on or before that day.
Starting from 11 June 2024, applicants who have not yet collected the certificates are required to collect the certificates at the Registration of Persons – Tseung Kwan O Office located at 3rd Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories. The service hours for the collection of Certificate of Registered Particulars at the Registration of Persons – Tseung Kwan O Office are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, and 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and it will be closed on Sundays and public holidays.
The last working day of the Registration of Persons - Kwun Tong Office is 8 June 2024. You are advised to collect the Certificate of Exemption on or before that day.
Starting from 11 June 2024, authorized persons who have not yet collected the certificates are required to collect the certificates at the Registration of Persons – Tseung Kwan O Office located at 3rd Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories. The service hours for the collection of Certificate of Exemption at the Registration of Persons – Tseung Kwan O Office are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, and 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and it will be closed on Sundays and public holidays.
The new Immigration Headquarters (New Headquarters) in Tseung Kwan O came into operation on 11 June 2024 to provide services to the public. To tie in with the commissioning of the New Headquarters, the Registration of Persons - Kwun Tong Office relocated to the New Headquarters on the same day and renamed as Registration of Persons - Tseung Kwan O Office. The Registration of Persons -Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office, which is adjacent to the Registration of Persons -Kwun Tong Office, will continue to provide services at its original location.
For the addresses, office hours, telephone numbers and scope of services of each Registration of Persons office, please click here for details.
The Registration of Persons - Hong Kong Office on the 8th Floor of the Immigration Tower in Wan Chai, Hong Kong will continue to provide services at the same location.
For the addresses, office hours, telephone numbers and scope of services of each Registration of Persons office, please click here for details.
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:
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.
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 should apply at any Registration of Persons Office. For the service hours and scope of services available at respective Registration of Persons Offices, please click here for details. 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 (except Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office) within 30 days following their 11th birthday.)
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 name, date of birth and 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 and confirmation of identity 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 name, date of birth and 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 and confirmation of identity by the registration officer.
All non-smart identity cards issued before 23 June 2003 have been declared invalid with effect from 30 November 2008. If you are still holding a non-smart identity card with a date of issue before that date, you should make an appointment for the application at any Registration of Persons Office (except Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office).
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 (except Kwun Tong (Temporary) 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 name, date of birth and 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 and confirmation of identity 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
9/F, Administration Tower,
Immigration Headquarters,
61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O,
New Territories, 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
1st Floor, Administration Tower,
Immigration Headquarters,
61 Po Yap Road,
Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
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 (except Kwun Tong (Temporary) 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.
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 showing the particulars registered in your identity card records, such as name, residential address, date of birth, place of birth, marital status and name of spouse.
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 (except Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office). The fee for the certificate is HK$425. The fee is payable upon application.
Form ROP 122: Application for a Certificate of Registered Particulars
Registration of Persons Offices
Besides, you may submit online application through the Internet or Immigration Department Mobile Application.
* You must have registered “iAM Smart+” account with digital signature function for online application.
For online application, the fee must be paid at the time of application by paying online through PPS, credit card (VISA, MasterCard, UnionPay and JCB) or FPS.
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
1st Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters,
61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O,
New Territories
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, payment should be made by a crossed cheque payable to ‘The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’.
Besides, you may submit online application through the Internet or Immigration Department Mobile Application.
* You must have registered “iAM Smart+” account with digital signature function for online application.
For online application, the fee must be paid at the time of application by paying online through PPS, credit card (VISA, MasterCard, UnionPay and JCB) or FPS.
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
1st Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters,
61 Po Yap Road,
Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
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.
Besides, you may submit online application through the Internet or Immigration Department Mobile Application.
* You must have registered “iAM Smart+” account with digital signature function for online application.
For online application, the fee must be paid at the time of application by paying online through PPS, credit card (VISA, MasterCard, UnionPay and JCB) or FPS.
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
Application fee is only payable for approved case. You will be notified of the application result and payment arrangement. If the application is made via online means, you will be required to settle the application fee by paying online through PPS, credit card (VISA, MasterCard, UnionPay and JCB) or FPS. 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
Online Application
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 (except Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office) or sent by post to:
Registration of Persons General and Statistics Unit
1st Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road,
Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
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
| Certificate of Exemption |
Smart Identity Card |
- The following personal particulars are included in a Certificate of Exemption: name, date of birth reported and identity card number.
- Holder’s photo is scanned onto the Certificate of Exemption.
|
- The following personal particulars are included on an identity card: name, name in Chinese commercial code (if any), gender, date of birth and identity card number.
- The holder’s photo is engraved into different layers of the identity card and stored in a ‘chip’.
|
Material Used and Layout
| Certificate of Exemption |
Smart Identity Card |
|
|
- Credit-card size
- Made from polycarbonate
- Embedded with a ‘chip’
|
Application Formalities
| Certificate of Exemption |
Smart Identity Card |
- You or your representative can apply in writing.
|
- You must attend a Registration of Persons Office in person to apply.
- Your old identity card (if any) must be returned for disposal.
|
Collection arrangements
| Certificate of Exemption |
Smart Identity Card |
- If the application is approved, you or your representative will be asked to collect the Certificate of Exemption at a specified office.
- Your old identity card (if any) must be returned to the Registration of Persons Office for disposal.
|
- You, or the person you authorise, should collect the new identity card at the Registration of Persons Office within the period specified on the acknowledgement of application for an identity card.
|
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
9/F, Administration Tower
Immigration Headquarters
61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O
New Territories
- 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).
Under the laws of Hong Kong, only deaths that occur in Hong Kong shall be registered with the Registrar of Deaths. However, the Hong Kong identity card of a deceased shall cease to be valid upon his death and should be delivered to the Commissioner of Registration for cancellation by completing a "Return of Identity Card of Deceased Person" (Form ROP 35a).
Please submit a copy of the death certificate/document(s) of the deceased. If the certificate/document(s) is/are not in Chinese or English, please provide an official Chinese/English translation.
You may be required to provide additional information and documents to support your application.
