Key Points
- Hong Kong will phase out old smart identity cards in 2025.
- Cards for those born in or after 1970 will expire on May 12, 2025.
- Cards for individuals born in or before 1969 will expire on October 12, 2025.
- Affected residents must replace their cards by booking online or using self-service kiosks.
Overview
The Hong Kong Immigration Department has announced deadlines for replacing older versions of smart identity cards in 2025. This update affects all residents holding the previous generation of smart IDs, which is part of the government’s effort to modernize its identification system and enhance security features.
Smart ID cards issued under the previous replacement scheme will expire in two phases, depending on the holder’s birth year:
- Individuals born in or after 1970 must replace their cards by May 12, 2025.
- Individuals born in or before 1969 must do so by October 12, 2025.
To avoid penalties or disruption to public and private services that require identity verification, affected individuals should schedule a replacement appointment as soon as possible. Appointments can be made through the Immigration Department’s online portal or self-service kiosks at Immigration Headquarters.
The replacement process is part of Hong Kong’s territory-wide Smart Identity Card Replacement Exercise and will support the transition to a more secure and efficient identification system.
Looking Ahead
Employers and HR professionals should advise affected employees to verify the validity of their ID cards and complete the replacement process before the deadlines. Delays in updating identity cards may lead to complications in employment verification, access to public services, and immigration-related applications.
