[Eagle]

Just returned from a 2 day trip to HK to get my new ID card. I was surprised to actually see the number of people still queuing in line to apply for 1.

Anyway very easy process for those who still have yet to change their old ID card. You just go there with your old ID card, show them your passport to show that you don’t actually reside in HK, sign a few papers and take a new photo, and that’s it.

The person behind the counter will take away your old ID card and give you a photocopy of your new ID card (incase you need it for any reason), and you come back in 2 weeks to pick it up. In my case I had a family friend who was able to pick it up for me (they had to sign a few more papers authorising them to be able to do so).

All this rubbish I’d been reading about from some people on this forum about customs taking away your card is pure b****x and you should be ashamed of yourselves for spreading such rumours. The only thing the custom officer says is that your card is out of date and is now invalid, to which you reply that you are here to get your new ID card. I was even late (regarding returning every 3 years) by a few months.

In the case of those people who haven’t gone back to HK for several years (like my brother who hasn’t been back for nearly over 10 years) all you do is fill in some extra forms as to why you haven’t been back. The lady behind the counter, who’s very helpful, will help you anyway.

Anyway hope this info helps.