Hong Kong ID Card Application

The Hong Kong ID card (HKID) is an identity card held by residents of Hong Kong. The identity card has had several iterations, from the paper document to the new smart card. This guideline will help you find out the basics of HKID and its application process.

Table of contents

Who needs a Hong Kong identity card?
Classes of Hong Kong identity card
Hong Kong ID card application process
Documents needed for HKID application
Get a photograph formatted for HKID
How much does it cost to get a HKID?
How long is HKID valid for?
What to do if the HKID card is lost or stolen??

Who needs a Hong Kong identity card?

All residents of Hong Kong above the age of 11, regardless of nationality, who live in Hong Kong for longer than 180 days must hold a valid HKID. This includes inividuals with employment visas, student visas, dependent visas, and other types of permits.

If your child is 11 years old or older, you must also get an ID card within 30 days of their birthday.

Types of Hong Kong identity card

There are two HKID categories based on the residency rights of a holder:

Hong Kong permanent ID card: for holders with right of abode;
Hong Kong identity card: for holders without right of abode.

Hong Kong identity cards may also be divided into types based on age:

Child (for residents under 11, not compulsory);
Youth (for residents aged between 11 and 18);
Adult (for residents above the age of 18).

Hong Kong ID card application process

The application process for an HKID is straightforward, and the general steps are as follows:

Book appointment

First, you will need to schedule an appointment. You can do it online on the official Immigration Department website, the Immigration Department Application, or at (852) 2598 0888.

Attend appointment

Attend the SIDCC in person, and don’t forget to have your appointment letter with you as you will need to scan the QR code there to go forward with the application process.

At this appointment, you will need to get your biometric data taken.

Receive your card

The HKID processing time is usually seven working days. You will then need to collect your card. If you cannot pick up your card personally, you may task an authorised representative (must be 18 or above and can show valid Hong Kong proof of identity). To do so, fill out this form for authorisation for the collection of identity cards/travel documents. Your representative must also bring this form and your acknowledgement of the application for an identity card.

Documents needed for HKID application

The documentation list depends on your age and status in Hong Kong.

For adults

If you newly arrived in Hong Kong, you must show a document proving your residence status in Hong Kong. This may be one of the following:

Valid travel document;
Passport;
Entry permit;
One-way Permit;
Affidavit confirming your status.

If you are already a resident of Hong Kong, you must show documents proving your residence status, which may be:

A previous identity card;
Juvenile identity card. If you have never had one, present the following:
- Birth certificate;
- Proof of identity (valid travel document or passport) or latest school document (with a photo authenticated by the school).

For youth card applicants (reached the age of 11)

If you were born in Hong Kong, you must show the following documents:

Birth certificate;
Proof of identity;
Previous identity card, if any.

If you were born outside of Hong Kong, show the following:

Birth certificate,
A valid travel document, passport, entry permit, One-way Permit or affidavit showing your residential status in Hong Kong;
Previous identity card, if any.

You must also be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian, who must also show their valid travel document, passport or Hong Kong identity card. If a legal guardian accompanies you, they must show documents proving the legal guardianship.

Get a photograph formatted for HKID

Here are the technical HKID photo requirements:

The background must be white;
The required HKID photo size is 40 mm in width and 50 mm in height;
The height of your head from chin to crown in the photo is 35mm;
The height of the negative space from the top the of the photo to the crown of the head is 5mm.

Here's an example of the photo:

Do you need a picture formatted with HKID standards? Then Visafoto can do it for you. Visafoto has been helping people get their photos professionally done for various documents worldwide since 2013.

Here are some posing and dress code requirements to take a for HKID photos:

Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes, eyebrows, and ears;
Do not wear head coverings and accessories such as hats, headbands, etc. You may put your long hair up in a bun or a ponytail;
The use of eyeglasses is allowed, but there must be no reflection from them. Tinted lenses are also not allowed. Make sure the eyeglasses’ frame does not obscure eyes or eyebrows;
Coloured contact lenses are not allowed;
Do not wear excessive make-up
Keep your eyes open and look straight to the camera
Keep your facial expressions neutral;
Wear a dark coloured and collared top.

Just take a photo under good lighting using the posing and dress code requirements above, and don’t worry about the technicalities; Visafoto will take care of them. Then, upload your photo to our tool below.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.

Upload photo & Continue

Source

Result

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

An example of a source photo:

You will receive 2 versions of your Hong Kong ID Card photo: for printing and for the online application

How much does it cost to get a HKID?

There are no any HKID processing fees: all applicants can get they ID card for free.

How long is HKID valid for?

Technically, the Hong Kong Identity Card does not have an expiration date. Once issued, the HKID is considered valid for the lifetime of its holder, unless it is canceled or revoked by the Hong Kong Immigration Department due to specific circumstances.

It's important to note that while the HKID itself does not expire, the personal details and photograph on the card may become outdated over time. Therefore, the Hong Kong Immigration Department periodically conducts a process called "smart identity card replacement" to update the cardholders' information and photographs. During this process, individuals are required to replace their existing HKID cards with updated ones.

The specific guidelines and procedures for HKID replacement are set by the Hong Kong Immigration Department, and individuals are usually notified by mail when it is time to replace their cards.

What to do if the HKID card is lost or stolen?

In this case, contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department to inform them about the loss or theft of your HKID card. You can reach them through their hotline or visit their office in person. They will guide you on the necessary procedures to follow.

To replace your HKID card, you will need to complete the appropriate application form and submit it to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The form can be obtained from their website or their office. You will also need to provide supporting documents, such as a police report, proof of identity, and any other documents as specified by the Immigration Department.

Last update: May 2023