Old Smart HKIDs issued before November 26, 2018, are invalidated in 2025 and now invalid.
HKID renewal or replacement is required for residents living, working, or studying in Hong Kong.
Appointments can be booked online, via mobile app, or by phone.
New HKIDs are generally ready within six working days.
Regular HKID renewal is free.
Lost or damaged cards require a statutory fee.
HKID renewal and replacement must be completed in Hong Kong, subject to limited statutory exceptions.
If you are still holding an old Smart HKID and need to know how to get a new Hong Kong Identity Card, the replacement deadlines have already passed.
As of 2026, all old Smart HKIDs issued before 26 November 2018 are invalid and can no longer be used for identification, immigration clearance, employment verification, or government services.
The Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise has ended, and temporary replacement centres have closed.
This guide explains the current HKID renewal and replacement process, appointment booking methods, required documents, applicable deadlines, and consequences of non-compliance, based on the latest practice of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Who Needs to Renew Their HKID Card in 2026?
If you held an old Smart HKID issued before November 26, 2018, it is now invalid. The Hong Kong Immigration Department phased out these cards in two stages during 2025:
- Phase 1: Persons born in 1970 or later – HKID invalidated on May 12, 2025
- Phase 2: Persons born in 1969 or earlier – HKID invalidated on October 12, 2025
As of 2026, any person who has not replaced an old Smart HKID must apply for a Hong Kong ID card replacement immediately to restore valid identity documentation. This requirement applies to both 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.
An invalid HKID cannot be used for identification, immigration clearance, employment verification, or government services in Hong Kong.
Special Categories and Renewal Conditions
| Category | Policy / Note |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong residents returning from overseas | If you were outside Hong Kong when your HKID became invalid, you must apply for replacement within 30 days of returning. |
| Permanent residents of Chinese nationality living abroad | Permanent resident status is not affected solely because the HKID was invalidated while overseas. Replacement must be completed within 30 days of return. |
| Permanent residents not of Chinese nationality | Absence from Hong Kong for 36 months or more may result in loss of the right of abode subject to the Immigration Ordinance and individual circumstances. A right to land may be granted instead. |
| Residents of care homes | Eligible residents may use the On-Site Identity Card Replacement Service, including cases where the HKID has been invalidated. |
| Individuals with health issues | Elderly, blind, or medically unfit individuals may apply for a Certificate of Exemption, subject to Immigration Department approval. |
How to Renew Your HKID Card in 2026: 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 or replace an HKID, you must book an appointment through the Immigration Department’s Registration of Persons (ROP) system. Appointment slots are generally available up to 96 working days in advance.
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:
- Visit the GovHK Booking Portal
- Select “Identity Card Application”
- Enter your HKID number, date of birth, or travel document number
- Choose an available appointment date and time
- Up to four applicants may be booked together if they fall under the same application type
- Retain the 4-digit enquiry code for modification or cancellation
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)
- Current or invalidated HKID (if available)
Minors (Under 18) Renewing Their HKID
- Applicant’s HKID (if issued)
- Birth certificate (if requested)
- HKID or travel document of accompanying parent or legal guardian
Additional Requirements for Minors:
- A parent or legal guardian must accompany the applicant
- Non-biological guardians must provide proof of guardianship
Overseas Residents Returning for HKID Renewal
- Valid travel document showing date of return to Hong Kong
Change of Name or Personal Details
If the name shown on your supporting documents differs from the name on your HKID, you must provide legal proof of the name change.
Acceptable documents include 1.) a deed poll or deed of name change, 2.) a marriage certificate, 3.) a divorce decree, or 4.) an adoption certificate.
Failure to apply for an HKID replacement without reasonable cause may result in prosecution and a maximum fine of HKD 5,000 under the Registration of Persons Ordinance.
Step 3: What Happens During Your HKID Appointment?
At your appointment, the process includes identity verification, biometric scanning, and document submission.
You should arrive on time at the selected Registration of Persons (ROP) office and present your appointment details to obtain a queue number.
Immigration officers will then verify your documents, capture your fingerprints, and take a digital photograph. After the process is completed, you will be issued an acknowledgement slip.
Your old or invalidated HKID may be cancelled or retained by the officer handling your application.
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.
HKID Collection Methods
| Collection Method | Details |
|---|---|
| In person | Present the acknowledgement slip and verify the card’s chip data by scanning both thumbs. |
| Authorized representative |
A parent or legal guardian may authorize a person aged 18 or above to collect the HKID using Form ID 678 or a written authorization.
The representative must present: • Their own HKID or valid proof of identity • The applicant’s acknowledgement slip • The signed authorization form |
| Self-service collection kiosk | Available at designated locations for eligible applicants, subject to biometric verification and system availability. |
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.
| Reason for Replacement | Fee |
|---|---|
| Renewal of HKID (regular replacement) | Free |
| Replacement due to loss or destruction | HKD 370 |
| Replacement due to damage or defacement | HKD 370 |
| Replacement due to change of personal particulars | Subject to statutory fee (amount varies by case) |
| Consular Corps identity card renewal | Free |
What to Do If You Lose Your HKID Card?
Lost, stolen, damaged, or defaced HKIDs must be reported and replaced within 14 days.
Required Documents
- Police report (for lost or theft)
- Alternative valid identification (passport or driving license)
- Damaged HKID (if applicable)
- Applicable replacement fee
If the HKID was lost overseas, replacement must be completed within 14 days of returning to Hong Kong. Any recovered HKID must be returned immediately to an ROP Office or police station.
Extended Service Hours and Special HKID Renewal Centers
Extended service hours and temporary replacement centers used during the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise have ended.
As of 2026, all HKID renewals and replacements must be handled at designated Registration of Persons Offices or approved self-service facilities.
Immigration Headquarters (Tseung Kwan O)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 4th Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories |
| Working Hours | 8:45 am – 5:00 pm (Monday to Friday) |
| Closed | Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays |
| General Enquiries Hotline | Telephone: 2824 6111 Fax: 2877 7711 Email: enquiry@immd.gov.hk |
Conclusion
Holding a valid HKID is a legal requirement in Hong Kong. If you have not replaced an old Smart HKID, you should complete the Hong Kong ID card renewal or replacement process as soon as possible to avoid identification, immigration, or administrative issues.
Running a business in Hong Kong? Air Corporate makes company formation, banking, and compliance simple—so you can focus on growth while we handle the paperwork.
FAQs
No, HK ID renewal must be done in Hong Kong. If you are overseas during your renewal period, you must apply within 30 days of your return.
Old Smart HKIDs issued before November 26, 2018, are still valid until their assigned invalidation date in 2025.
The processing time is usually 5 working days (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays). You can collect your new HKID the next working day after processing is complete.
