The Ultimate Guide to HKID Card Renewal in 2024
- Published: 5 September 2024
- 7 min read
- Running a Business
Heather Cameron
Business Writer
Heather is here to inform and inspire our readers. Boasting eight years in the world of digital marketing, working in diverse industries like finance and travel, she has experience writing for various audiences. As Osome’s resident copywriter, Heather crafts compelling content, including expert guides, helpful accounting tips, and insights into the latest fintech trends that will help entrepreneurs, founders and small business owners in Hong Kong take their businesses to the next level.
Need to renew your HKID card in 2024? This straightforward guide covers how to book your appointment, what documents you’ll need, and the fees involved. Stay updated and ensure a hassle-free renewal process for your Hong Kong Identity Card.
Key Takeaways
- Hong Kong identity cards are divided into permanent and non-permanent types, impacting renewal procedures and rights.
- Renewal of HKID cards requires an appointment, specific documents, and typically takes about seven business days for processing.
- The new smart identity cards enhance security and durability, with a replacement deadline approaching in 2025 to avoid penalties.
Types of Hong Kong Identity Cards
Hong Kong identity cards are categorised into two main types: for permanent residents and non-permanent residents. The permanent identity card signifies the holder’s right of abode in Hong Kong, meaning they can reside in the city without any restrictions. On the other hand, the non-permanent identity card is issued to individuals who do not have the right of abode but are legally residing in Hong Kong, such as those on work or study visas. Hong Kong permanent residents are those who hold the permanent identity card.
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Non-permanent identity cards remain valid only as long as the holder’s visa is active. On the visa's expiration date, HKID cards will also become invalid. Non-permanent Hong Kong residents should keep their visa status updated to avoid any issues with their identity card. For newly arrived foreigners, obtaining a Hong Kong identity card is a straightforward process, often provided free of charge.
Knowing your type of HKID card is crucial, as it determines your rights and the specific renewal requirements. Whether you hold a permanent identity card as a long-term resident or a non-permanent card as a temporary visitor, understanding your card type helps streamline the renewal process.
The persons ordinance requires all Hong Kong residents, including those with a one way permit, to renew their Hong Kong ID card before the deadline to avoid penalties.
How To Renew Your HKID Card
To renew HKID cards, start by booking an appointment at any Registration of Persons Office, such as the Kowloon Office or Tseung Kwan O Office. Since these offices operate on a quota system, securing a slot beforehand is necessary. During your appointment, biometric information like fingerprints and facial images will be collected. Don’t forget to bring your appointment letter.
The following subsections outline the required documents for HKID renewal and the online appointment booking period, including the last revision date of the old form.
Required documents for HKID renewal
Renewing HKID cards requires presenting the following documents, qualifying you for a card-free replacement if certain conditions are met. All applicants must bring a valid travel document or their previous HKID cards along with a completed identity card application form to verify their identity and residency status. Make sure to bring the most recent application form, as submitting an old form could delay your HKID card.
For youth applicants born in Hong Kong, it’s often necessary to present a valid travel document in addition to their previous juvenile identity cards. Depending on your residency status and specific circumstances, additional documents with an updated revision date, such as a birth certificate or entry permit, may also be required.
If you are a minor, ensure that your legal guardian accompanies you during your HKID renewal appointment. The legal guardian will need to provide their own Hong Kong identity card to verify your identity.
Before attending your appointment, ensure you have gathered all necessary documents, such as your Hong Kong Identity Card, entry permit, and your previous identity card. This will help you avoid delays during the identity card replacement exercise.
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Booking an appointment online
You can complete your appointment booking for HKID renewal online via the official Immigration Department website or mobile app. The system offers slots within a 96 working day period, excluding general holidays and public holidays, providing scheduling flexibility. Alternatively, you can make an appointment within a shorter 24 working-day period, depending on your needs.
When booking online, provide your identity card number or birth certificate details along with your date of birth. The system allows multiple applicants to schedule appointments together within the same call-up window if they are applying for the same type of identity card, making it convenient for families or groups to coordinate their appointments.
After completing the online application, you will receive a QR code that you can scan upon arrival at the Registration of Persons Office. This code will guide you to the correct application windows. When renewing your Hong Kong ID card, it is important to pre-fill the application form online to speed up the process at the application windows during your appointment.
Processing Time and Costs
After scheduling your prior appointment and submitting your identity card application, consider the processing time and costs involved in renewing your HKID cards.
HKID processing times
You can typically receive your renewed Hong Kong ID card within approximately seven business days. During your appointment, bring all the necessary original supporting documents and submit your biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images.
This efficient processing time allows applicants to quickly receive their updated HKID cards, ensuring minimal interruption to daily activities.
Fees for HKID renewal
The costs for renewing your HKID cards vary depending on the service required. For example, replacing lost or damaged HKID cards costs 370 HKD, while changing personal details incurs a fee of 460 HKD.
Replacing Old Smart Identity Cards
With technological advancements, updating and replacing old ID cards with the new smart identity card becomes necessary. In 2025, the invalidation of old ID cards will occur in two phases, making it essential for residents to upgrade to the new smart identity card, which offers enhanced security and durability.Smart identity cards issued will ensure that all residents have access to the latest technology.
The Hong Kong immigration department mobile application offers further information and services for replacing your old identity card on their official service page, accessible via the provided URL.
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Replacement Schedule and Deadlines
The replacement schedule for old ID cards in Hong Kong ensures a smooth transition for all residents. Approximately 182,000 Hong Kong citizens still need to renew their smart identity card. If you are abroad when your card becomes invalid, you have 30 days upon returning to Hong Kong to replace it.
Failing to replace your HKID card on time can result in a fine of up to 5,000 HKD.
Benefits of the New Smart Identity Cards
The new smart identity card in Hong Kong offers numerous benefits. Enhanced security features better protect personal data, while updated chip technology allows for improved data processing and storage, ensuring your information is secure and accessible.
Additionally, each new card is designed with increased durability, making them more resistant to wear and tear compared to previous models. These improvements ensure that the new smart identity card is more reliable and secure for everyday use.
Extended Service Hours at Registration of Persons Offices
To accommodate the busy schedules of Hong Kong residents, the Registration of Persons Office offers extended service hours. This Hong Kong office is open on weekdays from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM and on Saturdays from 12:30 PM to 10:00 PM, providing services such as identity card replacement and respective registration for new arrivals.
Regular hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Extended hours provide flexibility and convenience, so each Hong Kong resident reaching the end of their HKID renewal process can do so outside regular working hours.
Summary
In conclusion, renewing your Hong Kong Identity Card in 2024 is a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined in this guide. The benefits of the new smart ID cards, combined with the extended service hours, make it easier than ever for residents to keep their identity cards up to date.
If you have any questions about establishing your business presence in Hong Kong, please don't hesitate to contact our experts!
FAQ
What are the types of Hong Kong Identity Cards?
There are two main types of ID cards in Hong Kong: permanent and non-permanent. Permanent cards are issued to residents with the right of abode, whereas non-permanent cards are for individuals residing in Hong Kong under visas.
What documents are required for HKID renewal?
For HKID renewal, you must present a valid travel document or your previous HKID card, along with a completed application form.
How do I book an appointment for HKID renewal?
To book an appointment for HKID renewal, visit the official Immigration Department website or mobile app and provide your identity card number or birth certificate details along with your date of birth.
What is the processing time for HKID renewal?
The processing time for HKID renewal is approximately seven business days following your appointment.
What are the fees for HKID renewal?
The fees for HKID renewal include 370 HKD for replacing a lost or damaged card and 460 HKD for changing personal details.
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