HKID Card Renewal: A Guide to Re-application Process 2025

If you’re still holding an old Smart HKID and need to know how to get an HKID, time is running out. This 2025, these cards will be phased out in two stages, making renewal a necessity to avoid legal or administrative issues. With the replacement exercise now over and centers closed, many are unsure of the next steps.

This guide breaks down the HK ID renewal process, appointment booking, required documents, deadlines, and what happens if you miss them. Read on to stay compliant.

Who Needs to Renew Their HKID Card in 2025?

If you still hold an old Smart HKID issued before November 26, 2018, you must renew it in 2025 to avoid invalidation. The Hong Kong Immigration Department has confirmed that old HKID cards will be phased out in two stages:

• Phase 1: If you were born in 1970 or later, your HKID will become invalid on May 12, 2025.
• Phase 2: If you were born in 1969 or earlier, your HKID will become invalid on October 12, 2025.

This requirement applies to all permanent residents and non-permanent residents living, working, or studying in Hong Kong. Understanding the requirements for a Hong Kong Work Visa can help you ensure compliance. 

If your HKID is not replaced before the deadline, it will no longer be valid for identification, travel, or official transactions in Hong Kong.

However, not everyone covered under the phase-out schedule can renew their HKID right away. If you fall into one of the following special cases, there are specific renewal conditions you must follow:

How to Renew Your HKID Card in 2025: Step-by-Step Process

Below is a clear guide on where to book, what to bring, and what happens during your appointment.

Step 1: Book a Hong Kong ID Renewal Appointment 

To renew your HKID, you must first book an appointment through the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s online system. The booking period is 96 working days, so it’s best to schedule early to secure your preferred date.

You can book your appointment using one of the following methods:

Option 1: Online Booking (Recommended)

If you prefer to book online for Hong Kong id card renewal, follow these steps:

1. Visit the GovHK Booking Portal.
2. Select "Identity Card Application."
3. Enter your HKID number, birthdate, or travel document number (if applicable).
4. Choose your appointment date and time within the next 96 working days.
5. If booking for multiple people (up to 4 applicants), ensure all belong to the same application type.
6. Enter a 4-digit enquiry code for modifying or canceling your appointment later.
7. Receive a confirmation email if you opt for an appointment reminder.

Option 2: Mobile App Booking

You can also book and manage your appointment using the Immigration Department Mobile App, available for download on official app stores.

Option 3: Phone Booking

Call the 24-hour hotline at (852) 2598 0888 to schedule your appointment.

Step 2: What to Bring to Your HKID Appointment

When attending your HKID renewal appointment, you must bring the original copies of the required documents. The required documents depend on your renewal situation.

Regular Hong Kong ID Renewal (Old Smart ID Replacement)

• Your current HKID (issued before November 26, 2018).

Minors (Under 18) Renewing Their HKID 

• Current HKID of the applicant.
• Birth certificate of the applicant (if requested for verification).
• HKID, passport, or travel document of the accompanying parent or legal guardian.

Additional Requirements for Minors:

• Applicants under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• The legal guardian must present proof of guardianship if they are not a biological parent.

Overseas Residents Returning for HKID Renewal

• Your valid travel document to confirm your return date to Hong Kong.

Failure to bring the correct documents may result in delays or rejection of your application.

If your documents contain a different name than your HKID, you must provide legal proof of name change, such as:

• Deed of name change
• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree or;
• Adoption certificate

If you do not renew your HKID within the required period without a valid reason, you may face a fine of up to HK$5,000.

Step 3: What Happens During Your HKID Appointment?

At your appointment, the process includes identity verification, biometric scanning, and document submission. Here’s what to expect:

1. Check-In at the ROP Office:
2. Arrive on time at the selected Registration of Persons (ROP) office.
3. Show your appointment confirmation and take a queue number.
4. Identity Verification & Biometric Capture:
5. Immigration officers will verify your documents.
6. They will take your fingerprints and a new digital photograph.
7. Processing & Collection Slip:
8. Once verified, you’ll receive a collection slip for your new HKID.
9. Your old HKID may be marked or retained if required.

How Long Does It Take to Get a New HKID Card?

According to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, the processing time for an Hong Kong ID renewal is typically 5 working days (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays).

Once processing is complete, applicants can collect their new HKID on the next working day. This means that in most cases, your new HKID will be ready within 6 working days after your appointment.

Here’s how to collect your Hong Kong ID card renewal:

How Much Does It Cost to Renew or Replace an HKID?

Hong Kong ID card renewal is free for those replacing their old Smart HKID under the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise. However, if you lose, damage, or need to update your personal details, a replacement fee applies.

What to Do If You Lose Your HKID Card? 

If you lose your HKID or it gets stolen, damaged, or defaced, you must report it and apply for a replacement at a Registration of Persons (ROP) Office within 14 days.

The HK ID renewal and replacement processes are the same, but replacement requires additional documents and a fee.

To apply for a replacement, follow the same steps as renewal and bring these required documents:

• A police report (if lost or stolen).
• Any other valid identification (e.g., passport or driving license).
• Your damaged or defaced HKID (if applicable).
• HK$370 replacement fee (payable by cash, Octopus, credit card, or EPS).

If your HKID was lost outside Hong Kong, you must apply for a replacement within 14 days of returning. If you later find your lost HKID, you must return it immediately to an ROP Office or a police station.

Extended Service Hours and Special HKID Renewal Centers

With thousands of Hong Kong residents needing to renew their HKID cards, the Immigration Department previously extended service hours at four Registration of Persons (ROP) Offices. However, these extended hours have now ended.

At this time, there are no special renewal centers in shopping malls or mobile registration offices for elderly or disabled applicants. All renewals must be done at an ROP office or self-service kiosk if eligible.

Current Operating Hours & Location:

To avoid delays, book your appointment for HK ID renewal early or check if you qualify for the self-service option.

Conclusion

Renew your HKID on time to avoid issues with identification, travel, or official transactions. Book your appointment and complete your HK ID renewal before the 2025 deadline to prevent any complications.

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