IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the reminder? The Immigration Department is reminding residents born in 1968 or 1969 that the application period for obtaining new Smart ID Cards is  April 1, 2019 and last through June 1, 2019.

What does it mean? Beginning April 1, 2019, applicants born in 1968 or 1969 will have two months to apply for a Smart ID Card in person at a Smart ID Card Replacement Centre. They may book an appointment online or by phone or mobile app.

  • Implementation time frame: April 1, 2019 through June 1, 2019.
  • Affected documents: Smart ID Cards.
  • Business impact: Hong Kong residents are required to replace their existing Smart ID cards with the new version.
  • Next steps: Applicants are encouraged to fill out the registration form before booking an appointment to streamline their registration process. Appointments are available Monday through Saturdays (except public holidays), 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Background: In October 2018, the Hong Kong government announced a four-year plan to replace all Smart ID cards. The application periods are being introduced in phases, corresponding to cardholders’ year of birth. The application periods so far are as follows:

Category Replacement application period
Members of the Immigration Service, police officers, labor inspectors Dec. 27, 2018 – March 30, 2019
Holders of existing Hong Kong ID cards who were born in 1985 or 1986 Jan. 21, 2019 – March 30, 2019
Holders of existing Hong Kong ID cards who were born in 1968 or 1969  April 1, 2019 – June 1, 2019


Analysis & Comments: Applicants born in 1968 or 1969 will soon be eligible to apply and are encouraged to do so as early as possible to avoid the last-minute rush. Residents who are abroad during their eligible replacement period will have 30 days after they return to Hong Kong to apply for replacement of their cards.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.