26th January 2023 – (Hong Kong) Given that a number of members of the public have returned to Hong Kong for identity card replacement recently, the Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today that the last application date for replacement of new smart identity cards at the Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres (SIDCCs) (see Annex I) will be extended from the original date, February 11, 2023, to March 3, 2023, while the identity card collection service will be maintained through to 3rd March, 2023. Starting from tomorrow, members of the public may make appointments for identity card replacement for 11th February, 2023, onwards.
The SIDCCs will cease to operate starting from 4th March, 2023. Eligible members of the public who have yet to apply for or collect a new smart identity card on or before 3rd March, 2023, should do so at a Registration of Persons Office. Relevant details and appointment arrangement will be announced in due course.
In addition, Hong Kong residents who are unable to have their identity cards replaced on or before 3rd March, 2023, due to absence from Hong Kong can apply at a Registration of Persons Office within 30 days upon their future return to Hong Kong and need not rush back to Hong Kong for identity card replacement. If they return to Hong Kong and stay in Hong Kong for less than 30 days, they would not violate the relevant law for not having their identity cards replaced during that time.
For Hong Kong residents reaching the age of 11 or 18, they should register for an identity card within 30 days following his/her 11th or 18th birthday at a Registration of Persons Office. If the relevant persons are absent from Hong Kong, they need not rush back to Hong Kong. They can also apply at a Registration of Persons Office within 30 days of their future return to Hong Kong.
The On-site Identity Card Replacement Service would not be affected by the cessation of operation at the SIDCCs. 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.
For smoother identity card replacement service, applicants can make appointments via the ImmD Mobile Application, the Internet (www.gov.hk/newicbooking), or the 24-hour telephone booking hotline 2121 1234. Residents may scan the QR codes in Annex II to download the ImmD Mobile Application or make an appointment for identity card replacement via the Internet. The ImmD appeals to applicants to pre-fill the application form when making appointments through the mobile application or the Internet for faster identity card replacement service.