Policy on the Issuance of ID Cards

Do you know why ID cards were issued ? At the beginning, ID cards were mainly used for the purposes of law and order and the distribution of supplies to the people whenever necessary. Following the enactment of the Registration of Persons Ordinance in 1949, the registration of ID cards has become statutory and mandatory. Over the years, there have been a number of amendments to the legislation, such as those on the age and the fees required for the registration of ID cards. In view of the close relationship between ID cards and immigration control, the responsibilities relating to ID cards were taken up by the Immigration Department in 1977.

The Registration of Persons Ordinance was enacted in 1949. (1949)

Compulsory registration of ID cards was required under the Registration of Persons Ordinance. (1949)

Press release reminding the public that any person not registered for an ID card would be liable to prosecution. (1955)

Children under the age of 12 were exempted from registration under the Registration of Persons Ordinance in 1949. In 1960, the age required for ID card registration was extended to children at the age of 6 or above for the purpose of rationing whenever necessary, as revealed in a document in 1976. (1976)

A notice reminding new arrivals that they must seek advice from the Registration of Persons Office about registering themselves within 10 days of their arrival. (1971)

In 1973, the age of first registration for the issuance of a juvenile ID card was amended to 11, while the age of re-registration for an adult ID card was raised from 17 to 18. (1973)

A pamphlet introducing the new arrangements on the registration for juvenile ID cards. (1973)

Under the Immigration (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance 1980, all people attaining the age of 15 must bring along their ID cards. (1980)

Starting from 1960, registration fees were charged to cover the costs involved in issuance of ID cards. The issuing fee for an adult ID card was $1, while that for a juvenile ID card (for a person aged between 6 and 16 years) was free. (1960)

In 1974, the issuing fee for an adult ID card was increased to $2. (1974)

Due to the need for the infusion of immigration expertise in performing various aspects of the registration work, such as the detection of forged documents, it was necessary to arrange staff of the Immigration Department to work alongside staff of the Registration of Persons Department. (1976)

Given the close relationship between the registration of persons and immigration control, the Working Party on Registration of Persons indicated the need for one organisation being made responsible for registration of persons and immigration control. (1976)

The Registration of Persons Department amalgamated with the Immigration Department on 20 April 1977. Since then, the Immigration Department has been responsible for registration of persons. (1977)

Registration for ID Cards

The Designs of ID Cards

ID Card@Poster