The Hong Kong Immigration Department is to start the second phase of its territory-wide Hong Kong Identity Card replacement program on January 21.
Those who were born in 1985 and 1986, including domestic workers, should replace their ID card from January 21 to March 30 in replacement centers, according to a government press release.
For those who were born in 1968 and 1969 will have to replace their smart ID cards during the third phase starting from April 1 to June 1.
No fee will be charged for the new smart ID card issued under the replacement program, but those who fail to get them during the specified period without a valid reason could face a fine of HK$5,000 (US$637).
The Immigration Department will announce the replacement exercise timetable for other age groups in due course.
Members of the public are advised to make a prior appointment via the website www.gov.hk/newicbooking, Immigration Department Mobile App or 24-hour telephone booking hotline on 2121 1234.
They are advised to pre-fill the application form before going to replacement centers for more efficient replacement processing. There are nine replacement centers across the city with working hours from 8 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday.