Reminder on smart ID cards for children
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    Children holding existing identity (ID) cards and born from 1990 to 1992 or 1997 to 2003 are required to apply for new smart ID cards by November 11, a spokesman for the Immigration Department said today (July 14).

     Children who have never applied for ID cards or have already registered for smart ID cards are not affected by the requirement.

     The spokesman said one of the parents or the legal guardian should accompany the children to apply for their smart ID cards at any of the Smart ID Card Centres.

     If the child was born from 1997 to 2003, other than the child's existing permanent ID card, the accompanying parent or legal guardian is required to produce the child's proof of identity, such as a recent travel document or a recent school document with certified photo (eg, student handbook, school record book).

     "Children born from 1993 to 1996 are not included in the Replacement Exercise. They either already have smart ID cards or will have to apply for them at the Registration of Persons Offices when they reach 11 years," the spokesman added.

     The existing phase of the Hong Kong Smart ID Card Replacement Exercise runs from July 10 to November 11.

     For further information about the Replacement Exercise, please visit www.smartid.gov.hk or call the Immigration Department hotline, 2824 6111.

Ends/Friday, July 14, 2006
Issued at HKT 10:35

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