Old Hong Kong ID cards to be invalidated

The old form of smart Hong Kong identity cards issued before November 26, 2018 will be invalidated in two phases in 2025. The measure follows the conclusion of the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise in March last year.

Phase I of the invalidation exercise will cover old ID card holders born in 1970 or after, whose old cards will become invalid on May 12, 2025.

Phase II will cover old ID card holders born in 1969 or before, whose old cards will become invalid on October 12, 2025.

The invalidation order covers all Hong Kong residents, whether they are permanent residents or non-permanent residents who are permitted to take up employment, make investments, reside or study in Hong Kong.

The Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region urges residents still holding old ID cards to make appointments for replacement as soon as possible. For those who are unable to have their ID cards replaced during the specified call-up periods due to absence from Hong Kong, they should replace their cards within 30 days of their return to the city.

The invalidation of old ID cards will not affect the right of abode in Hong Kong of the holders concerned unless he or she has lost permanent resident status under the Immigration Ordinance.

Members of the public can apply for replacement of new ID cards at designated registration of persons offices. For more information, visit here.