Previous HKIDs remained valid until the Executive Council, through the Secretary for Security, declared them invalid. The new cards contained an embedded microchip, which stored the bearer's information electronically. On 23 June 2003, the Immigration Department of Hong Kong began issuing a new smart Identity card. In 2003, the government began replacing the cards with smart ID cards in stages. Following the handover the cards display a smaller seal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the back of the card. On 1 June 1987, the Immigration Department produced cards without the coat of arms of British Hong Kong, which would last through the handover on 1 July 1997. The government adopted a policy of deporting illegal immigrants within three days if they could not produce a valid ID card.įrom March 1983, digitally processed identity cards were introduced to reduce forgery. This law was passed to control large numbers of illegal immigrants arriving in the territory. New immigrants subsequently became known colloquially as "green stampers" ( Chinese: 綠印客 Cantonese Yale: luhk yan haak).įrom 24 October 1980, carrying an identity card in public areas and showing it when requested by a police or immigration officer became compulsory. The colour of the stamp identified and differentiated permanent residents (black) from non-permanent ones (green). The format of card was replaced in November 1973 with a card without fingerprints. Males had a blue card and females had a red card.
The information was typed, and the card was laminated. These bore the holder's fingerprint and photograph, and an official stamp.
#HK DATE CODES REGISTRATION#
Although registration was compulsory for all residents, people were not required to carry their documents with them at all times when out in public.īeginning on 1 June 1960, the government introduced the second generation of ID cards. These measures were put into practice to halt the large influx of refugees from Communist China and control the border with mainland China. In 1949, when the Government of the Republic of China retreated to Taiwan and the People's Republic of China was established on the mainland, the Hong Kong Government began to register Hong Kong residents to issue compulsory identity documents. Hong Kong residents who held Republic of China citizenship were not registered. īefore 1949, people could move freely into and out of Hong Kong (then a British colony), and China (then Republic of China). The use of identity documents has a long history in Hong Kong, starting with manually filled paper documents, to the smart card introduced on 23 June 2003. The current HKID, named as the new smart identity card, features multiple security, durability and chip technology enhancements. There are around 8.8 million Hong Kong identity cards in circulation. The Hong Kong permanent identity card is a class of HKID issued to Hong Kong residents who have the right of abode (ROA) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The HKID does not expire for the duration of residency in Hong Kong. HKIDs contain amongst others the name of the bearer in English, and if applicable in Chinese. 177), all residents of age 11 or above who are living in Hong Kong for longer than 180 days must, within 30 days of either reaching the age of 11 or arriving in Hong Kong, register for an HKID. According to the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Cap. The Hong Kong identity card (officially HKIC, commonly HKID) is an official identity document issued by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong. Hoeng1 gong2 wing5 gau2 sing3 goei1 man4 san1 fan2 zing3
Hēung góng wíhng gáu sing gēui màhn sān fán jing Replacement (alteration of particulars): HK$460
Replacement (lost, destroyed, damaged or defaced): HK$370 Residence in Hong Kong, person over 11 years of age The back of the fourth-generation Hong Kong permanent identity card (with the right of abode in Hong Kong)