Old smart ID cards to be invalidated in two phases in 2025

The Deputy Director of Immigration Tai Chi-yuen urged around 182,000 residents to renew their smart ID cards as soon as possible to avoid hassle and prosecution.

His comments came as the Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today that the old form of smart identity cards will be invalidated in two phases next year.

For individuals born in or after 1970, their ID cards will become invalid on May 12, 2025. For those born in 1969 or before, their smart ID card will be invalid on October 12 next year.

Tai stated that up until last month, the renewal rate had reached 90 percent and expects that there are about 180,000 people who still have not renewed their ID cards.

He believes it is time to announce the arrangement to invalidate the old ID cards, which could deter and detect people who have been using old ID cards illegally along with those holding fake identity cards.

Tai said the ID cards that have been declared invalid cannot be used for immigration clearance, though the holders can still enter and leave Hong Kong with valid travel documents.

However, he noted that the expired smart ID cards would be confiscated by immigration staff and that the holders should replace their cards within 30 days.

Tai added that Hong Kong permanent residents of Chinese nationality living outside the city will not lose their status if their old ID cards have been invalidated. They can have their ID cards replaced within 30 days upon return to Hong Kong.

Any person who fails to apply for a new identity card within the specified call-up periods without reasonable excuse will be liable to a fine of HK$5,000 if prosecuted. 

Applicants who cannot apply for a new smart identity card within the call-up period due to reasonable excuses such as absence from Hong Kong and sickness will be required to declare the reason upon registration.