Personal Documentation Branch

Since 1949, all Hong Kong residents have been required to register for identity cards. The first kind of identity cards were of paper type. These paper type identity cards were subsequently replaced by laminated ones upon implementation of the Registration of Persons Ordinance in 1960. For better maintenance of records, a Territory-wide Identity Card Re-issue Exercise was launched in 1983 to introduce more secure identity cards. It was followed by the second Identity Card Re-issue Exercise starting on 1 July 1987 when Hong Kong permanent identity cards containing a statement that the holder had the right of abode in Hong Kong were issued to permanent residents, while Hong Kong identity cards (HKICs) without such a statement were issued to non-permanent residents.

Different generations of Hong Kong identity cards

Digitised fingerprinting for a smart identity card applicant at the Registration of Persons office.

The new Smart IC supports a contactless chip interface which enable a more convenient and faster clearance through e-Channels.

The department commenced the issue of smart identity cards to Hong Kong residents on 23 June 2003, and started to replace existing smart identity cards for all Hong Kong residents from 26 November 2018 onwards. The new smart HKIC, made of the latest polycarbonate materials with multiple state-of-the-art security features and designs, provides stronger protection against counterfeiting. Furthermore, the new smart HKIC supports a contactless chip interface on top of the current contact chip interface. This reduces possible wear and tear to the HKIC and the chip due to card insertion, thus making the HKIC more durable. Meanwhile, holders of new smart HKICs can enjoy more convenient and faster clearance through the Automated Passenger Clearance System (e-Channel).

The smart HKIC enables the department to use fingerprint identification technology to quickly authenticate the card holder's identity. Since the end of 2004, Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or above holding smart HKICs have been able to enjoy the convenience of e-Channels at control points.

Since April 2005, cross-boundary drivers who are Hong Kong permanent residents holding smart HKICs have been able to use the vehicular e-Channels at vehicular control points. This service was further extended to certain categories of eligible non-permanent residents in 2006 for the convenience of the public.

Since 24 January 2006, the e-Channel service has been further extended to holders of Documents of Identity for Visa Purposes with smart HKICs. Starting from 12 September 2006, persons holding smart HKICs who have the right to land or are on unconditional stay in Hong Kong, or who are non-permanent residents issued with a notification label can also use the e-Channel service.

Moreover, since 10 December 2009, Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or above may travel to Macao on the strength of their valid smart HKICs and enjoy enhanced immigration facilitation through the Macao Automated Passenger Clearance System after successful enrolment. This facilitation measure has been extended to Hong Kong non-permanent residents holding a HKSAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes and a HKIC since 12 December 2016. Eligible non-permanent residents may, after enrolment, use Macao's automated immigration clearance service for immigration clearance.

Apart from immigration-related applications, the smart HKIC also supports other non-immigration applications, such as the library card of Hong Kong Public Libraries. Members of the public are free to opt for non-immigration applications.

Consular Corps Identity Cards (CCICs) are issued to consuls, consular staff, the head and members of the Office of the European Union in Hong Kong, and their spouses and dependent children of the age of 11 or above.

The department introduced a new form of CCICs on 20 February 2019, while the old form ceased to be issued on the same day. A one-off replacement exercise was conducted in the same year to invite replacement applications from existing CCIC holders.

The new CCIC is in the form of a smart card made of polycarbonate and embedded with a chip module of dual (contact and contactless) interfaces. The card size is similar to a standard credit card. Furthermore, to better protect against forgery, the new CCIC has a number of security features.

The department introduced a new form of CCICs.

Under the Registration of Persons Ordinance, Hong Kong residents aged 11 or above are required to register for an identity card unless they are specifically exempted or excluded from such provisions, for example, the aged, the blind and the infirm. Any person who is not the holder of an identity card and is required by law to be registered must apply for one within 30 days from the date of his arrival in Hong Kong or from the date when he is so required to apply. In 2019, 403,713 and 194,346 identity cards were issued to permanent residents and non-permanent residents respectively.

The Registration of Persons Tribunal was established in 1987 under Section 3C of the Registration of Persons Ordinance to provide a channel of appeal arising from the decision of not to issue a permanent identity card or to declare a permanent identity card invalid. In 2019, the department received 117 appeals from the Tribunal.

Replacement identity cards are issued to persons whose previous identity cards have been lost, damaged or defaced, or whose identity cards require amendments because of changes in personal particulars such as the name or date of birth. In 2019, 208,640 replacement identity cards were issued.

Effective from 24 April 2006, One-way Permit entrants aged 11 or above may simultaneously submit applications for a Document of Identity for Visa Purposes when applying for first registration for an HKIC at the Registration of Persons – Kowloon Office.

The 24-hour Telephone Appointment Booking System and on-line appointment booking for identity card appliction under the Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) Scheme were introduced on 1 December 1994 and 9 December 2000 respectively to offer convenient booking of registration of persons services. Since 21 June 2010, the appointment booking period for identity card applications has been extended from 12 to 24 working days. Subsequent changes to or cancellation of an appointment can also be made one working day prior to the scheduled appointment date.

Appointment booking through the Government Portal, GovHK were put in place on 2 January 2008 to replace the ESD Scheme. With effect from the same date, an applicant may also choose to receive a free appointment reminder two days before the scheduled appointment date. To further speed up the application process and provide greater convenience for the public, with effect from 26 November 2018, members of the public may also use the Immigration Department Mobile Application for appointment booking and for filling in forms in advance.

The Round-the-clock Appointment Booking System offers convenient booking for registration of persons services.

Members of the public can use the Immigration Department Mobile Application for appointment booking and for filling in forms in advance.

Certificates of Registered Particulars are issued to provide records of the particulars furnished or reported to a registration officer, including particulars which are not shown on identity cards. They are used for a number of purposes. One of them is to support applications for emigration. In 2019, 29,313 certificates were issued.

One of the main tasks of the department is to maintain registration of persons records of a population of over seven million. To facilitate storage, retrieval and maintenance, all these records were converted to digital images in 2003-04. The Image Management System, which has replaced the old microfilm technology, facilitates round-the-clock identity card record checks for other law enforcement departments and helps combat illegal immigration effectively.

According to the call-up programme, the first cycle of the Replacement Exercise commenced on 27 December 2018. Certain public officers, and Hong Kong residents born in 1985, 1986, 1968 and 1969 were required to have their HKICs replaced at an SIDCC during their respective call-up periods. In the second cycle from 3 June 2019 to 17 February 2020, Hong Kong residents born from 1955 to 1959 and from 1964 to 1967 were required to have their HKICs replaced within the specified periods. Subject to the actual replacement progress, the department will announce the replacement schedules for other age groups in due course.

Various self-service kiosks are provided in the smart identity card replacement centres.

Through the use of technology, a number of new elements have been introduced in the Replacement Exercise. Members of the public may make appointments and fill in forms in advance through the Internet or the Immigration Department Mobile Application, so as to save queuing time and enjoy a faster replacement process. To enhance service efficiency, various self-service kiosks have also been provided in the SIDCCs to facilitate the acquisition of tags, filling of forms and collection of new HKICs by members of the public. Compared with the last Replacement Exercise, the processing time for registration at the SIDCCs has been shortened from 60 minutes to 30 minutes. In addition, there is a series of barrier-free facilities in the SIDCCs, including the indoor navigation system for visually impaired persons, which has been adopted by the government for the first time.

There is a series of barrier-free facilities in the SIDCCs.

In view of the demographic changes in Hong Kong and to provide convenience for groups in need, the department has introduced two caring arrangements in this Replacement Exercise:

• members of the public who have been called up under their age groups for HKIC replacement may bring along up to two family members or friends aged 65 or above to have their HKICs replaced together during the same visit; and
• the department launched the 'On-site Identity Card Replacement Service' on 3 May 2019. It is the first time for our staff to pay visits to over one thousand residential care homes (RCHs) for the elderly and persons with disabilities across the territory in phases to provide on-site HKIC registration and delivery services for residents, which enables them to enjoy one-stop HKIC replacement service without the hassle of travelling to an SIDCC. In 2019, staff of the department visited over 300 RCHs and issued new smart HKICs to nearly 14,000 residents.

The department launched the 'On-site Identity Card Replacement Service' to provide on-site HKIC registration and delivery services for the elderly and persons with disabilities in residential care homes.

Under the law, all Hong Kong permanent residents have the right of abode in Hong Kong which includes the right to land in Hong Kong, the right to be free from any condition of stay in Hong Kong, and the right not to be deported or removed from Hong Kong.

Article 24 of the Basic Law sets out six categories of persons who are permanent residents of the HKSAR. On 1 July 1997, the Immigration Ordinance was amended to align the right of abode provisions with those under the Basic Law. As a result, the conditions for acquiring the right of abode in Hong Kong are clearly defined.

After Hong Kong's return to China, the department started to process the right of abode applications in accordance with the Basic Law and the Immigration Ordinance. Successful applicants aged 11 or above will be arranged to register for a permanent identity card under the provisions of the Registration of Persons Ordinance. Successful applicants aged under 11 will be issued with a letter confirming their eligibility. If they hold valid travel documents, they may apply for an endorsement to be made on their travel documents confirming that their eligibility for a permanent identity card has been verified. In 2019, the department received a total of 95,098 VEPIC applications. In the same year, a total of 98,237 applications were finalised.

To provide more facilitation to applicants, a new e-Service for the submission of VEPIC applications has been provided since 27 February 2009. Through the website of GovHK, applicants may complete and print the application forms online. After signing the completed forms, and scanning the forms and the supporting documents, applicants may submit their VEPIC applications through the Internet. Applicants may also make use of the e-Service to submit additional documents if necessary; and to enquire about or change their scheduled appointments for verification of documents. Moreover, with effect from 30 November 2009, applicants who have submitted VEPIC applications may also enquire about the application status through the Internet or the 24-hour Telephone Enquiry System.

The Immigration Department is the sole government department responsible for issuing HKSAR passports. Under the law, HKSAR passports are issued only to Chinese citizens who have the right of abode in Hong Kong and who hold valid Hong Kong permanent identity cards. Applications for HKSAR passports can be submitted by post, through drop-in boxes or in person. Eligible applicants holding a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card may also submit their applications via Travel Document Submission Kiosks, the Internet or the Immigration Department Mobile Application.

The self-service kiosks facilitate eligible applicants to submit new generaton electronic passport applications.

Applicants staying overseas may submit their applications through the Chinese diplomatic and consular missions or send them by post to the department directly. Applicants in the Mainland may submit their replacement applications and subsequently collect their new passports through the Immigration Divisions of the Beijing Office, SHETO, CDETO, GDETO and WHETO. The processing of applications and the personalisation of HKSAR passports are centrally handled by the department.

The department started issuing the HKSAR electronic passports (e-Passports) on 5 February 2007 and introduced the Next Generation HKSAR e-Passport on 14 May 2019. The new documents continue to be produced in compliance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation with incorporation of state-of-the-art security features to boost the confidence of overseas authorities in allowing HKSAR passport holders visa-free access to their countries and regions. For example, a specially made transparent window with the holder's portrait engraved in it by laser engraving technology is added onto the bio-data page, of which the Golden Bauhinia Square forms the main theme. The passport issuing procedures are monitored and controlled by a unique computer system while the production sites at the Immigration Headquarters are guarded by stringent measures and security installations. The HKSAR passport has won international recognition and has been regarded as one of the most secure passports in the world.

The new documents incorporate the state-of-the-art security features.

In 2019, the department received 723,798 HKSAR passport applications. As at the end of 2019, the department had received a total of 12,951,517 HKSAR passport applications and issued 12,397,851 passports.

The HKSAR Passports Appeal Board was established on 7 September 1998 under the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passports (Appeal Board) Regulation to provide a channel of appeal to unsuccessful applicants of HKSAR passports. In 2019, the department received seven appeals from the Appeal Board.

A Document of Identity for Visa Purposes (Doc/I) is valid for seven years. It is issued to Hong Kong residents who are unable to obtain a national passport or travel document of any other countries or territories. The vast majority of the applicants are legal immigrants from the Mainland who have not yet resided in Hong Kong continuously for seven years. The department started issuing electronic Doc/Is on 5 February 2007 and introduced the Next Generation HKSAR Electronic Doc/I on 14 May 2019. In 2019, 59,782 Doc/Is were issued.

A Seaman's Identity Book is valid for 10 years. It is issued to seafarers who are Hong Kong residents having the right of abode or having been granted unconditional stay in the HKSAR, including non-Chinese citizens who are unable to obtain a national passport or travel document of any other countries or territories. In 2019, 46 Seaman's Identity Books were issued.

A Re-entry Permit is valid for a maximum period of five years and is good for travel to and from the Mainland and Macao. It is issued mainly to Hong Kong residents who are Chinese citizens and who have the right of abode or have been granted unconditional stay in the HKSAR. Given that most Hong Kong residents have used their identity cards to travel to the Mainland or Macao since the introduction of e-Channels, Re-entry Permits are used mostly by children under the age of 11 and residents who have lost their identity cards but need to travel to the Mainland or Macao before they are issued with replacements. In 2019, 84,254 Re-entry Permits were issued.

Since 1 July 1997, the department has been authorised by the Central People's Government to deal with nationality-related applications from Hong Kong residents in accordance with the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China and the 'Explanations' adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on 15 May 1996. The Chinese Nationality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance was enacted to provide for matters relating to the implementation of the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR.

Hong Kong residents who are Chinese nationals holding foreign passports may make a declaration of change of nationality to the department if they would like to be regarded as foreign nationals in Hong Kong. In 2019, 287 Hong Kong residents declared change of nationality.

In 2019, the department received 1,638 applications for naturalisation as a Chinese national, 207 applications for renunciation of Chinese nationality and two applications for restoration of Chinese nationality.

Overseas Hong Kong residents may submit their nationality applications (including declaration of change of nationality, naturalisation as a Chinese national, renunciation and restoration of Chinese nationality) to the department through the Chinese diplomatic and consular missions. Applications may also be submitted directly to the department. In 2019, 192 applications for renunciation of Chinese nationality and 71 applications for declaration of change of nationality were received through Chinese diplomatic and consular missions. The department also received 14 direct applications from overseas, including four for renunciation of Chinese nationality and 10 for declaration of change of nationality.

According to the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance, any birth in Hong Kong must be registered within 42 days from the day of such birth. Presently, there are four birth registries in Hong Kong providing birth registration services, viz. one on Hong Kong Island, one in Kowloon and two in the New Territories. Under the law, no fee is required for registration of a birth. However, a fee will be charged for post-registration of a birth beyond the prescribed 42 days. A birth that has not been registered within one year can be registered only with the consent of the Registrar of Births and Deaths. In 2019, 51,313 births were registered and 1,855 births were post-registered.

Deaths from natural causes should be registered by the deceased's relatives within 24 hours. There are three death registries, including two on Hong Kong Island and one in Kowloon, providing free registration service. Deaths in rural areas may be registered at the 15 designated police stations in the New Territories and on outlying islands. In 2019, 48,706 deaths were registered.

Marriage may take place at any of the marriage registries or the licensed places of worship.

Marriages in Hong Kong are governed by the Marriage Ordinance and the Marriage Reform Ordinance. When one man and one woman wish to marry, either party shall give at least 15 clear days' notice of an intended marriage either in person or through a Civil Celebrant of Marriages to the Registrar of Marriages. The notice will be exhibited at the marriage registries (other than the Cotton Tree Drive Marriage Registry and City Hall Marriage Registry) and the Registration and Records Office in Admiralty for at least 15 clear days. The marriage must take place within three months from the date of giving the notice if no objection is received. There are no residential requirements on the marrying parties and they may be of any nationality. However, either party to a marriage must not be under the age of 16 (Gregorian reckoning). Marriage may take place at any of the five marriage registries or the 271 (as at the end of 2019) licensed places of worship, including churches, Hindu Temple, etc. Moreover, marrying parties may also engage a Civil Celebrant of Marriages to celebrate their marriages at any places other than the marriage registries and licensed places of worship in Hong Kong. In 2019, 20,313 marriages were celebrated at the marriage registries, 1,702 in licensed places of worship and 22,505 by Civil Celebrants of Marriages.

The Civil Celebrants of Marriages Scheme lifts the restrictions on the time and place of marriage solemnisation. The scheme provides more choices, greater flexibility and convenience to the public in arranging weddings. It has been well received by the public and has been increasingly popular since it was launched in 2006. As at the end of 2019, about 331,000 prospective couples (44 per cent of total number of applications) gave their notices of intended marriage through civil celebrants and about 330,000 couples (46 per cent of total number of marriage registrations) had their marriages solemnised by civil celebrants.

Certain marriages may be post-registered as valid marriages in Hong Kong. They include Chinese customary marriages and modern marriages which were celebrated in Hong Kong before 7 October 1971, an appointed day for the purposes of the Marriage Reform Ordinance. A customary marriage refers to a marriage celebrated in accordance with Chinese law and custom, whilst a modern marriage means a marriage celebrated in Hong Kong before the appointed day by an open ceremony as a modern marriage in the presence of two or more witnesses. In 2019, two applications for post-registration of marriage were received.

Members of the public may be issued certified copies of certificates of birth, death or marriage upon submission of all the required documents and payment of prescribed fees for the application. The department also issues Certificates of Absence of Marriage Record upon application. In 2019, 296,099 certified copies of certificates of birth, death or marriage and 19,818 Certificates of Absence of Marriage Record were issued.