Although the new smart HKIDs have been in issue since late November, the replacement process officially begins this Monday. Before you get your shiny new piece of plastic, here are a couple of things to know.

Noteworthy features

• Under UV light, the new smart HKIDs now display a full-color image of Hong Kong’s fireworks and major buildings.
• Your picture changes color and dimension at different angles.
• Hong Kong’s 5-petal orchid is featured on the front and back.
• There’s a new see-through window with your ID number.
• The chip has segregated compartments to keep immigration information separate from the information used in other matters.
• All information stored on the card can be checked at immigration self-serve kiosks.
• The new card has a lifespan of 15 years, compared to the last which had just 10.

For newbies

For those needing to apply for HKIDs, applications can be made through the department of immigration app or online.

For those of us who aren’t professional models

Smartid.gov.hk has been kind enough to give us ‘tips to get a good photo on smart identity card,’ as well as a handy new video, with makeup instructions included. Top ti: glasses are welcome, contacts are not.

Getting your replacement

The entirement replacement exercise, which will last four years, began just after Christmas for our servicemen and servicewomen, as well as labor inspectors. For the rest of us, replacement begins Monday, starting with those born in the years 1985 and 1986, followed by those born in the years 1968 and 1969 from April 1st.

More information can be found at www.smartid.gov.hk.

Smart Identity Replacement Centers:

Wan Chai: Room 200, 2/F, Shui On Centre, 6–8 Harbour Road, Wan Chai

Kwun Tong: Unit 1, 2/F, Manulife Financial Centre and Unit 1B, 3/F, Manulife Financial Centre, Tower A, 223–231 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong

Mong Kok 12/F, Gala Place, 56 Dundas Street, Mong Kok

Tsuen Wan: Shop S201, 2/F, Smartland, 50 Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan

Sha Tin: Shop G26, G/F & Shop 123, 1/F, Kings Wing Plaza 1, 3 On Kwan Street, Sha Tin

Sheung Shui: 7/F, Spot, 48 Lung Sum Avenue, Sheung Shui

Tuen Mun: Shop L414B, Level 4, Leung King Plaza, Leung King Estate, 31 Tin King Road, Tuen Mun

Yuen Long Shop 50, G/F, Manhattan Plaza, 23 Sai Ching Street, Yuen Long

Tseung Kwan O: Shop 20-26, G/F, Corinthia By The Sea, 23 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, Sai Kung