The first batch of Hongkongers picked up their new smart identity cards from kiosks and collection centres around the city on Monday.
The new cards, complete with updated security details such as built-in radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and higher resolution photographs to support facial recognition, will replace the standard Hong Kong identification card, required of all residents.
Among those eligible for the first round of cards were Hongkongers who had turned 11 or 18 -- getting their ID card for the first time -- those who had lost or damaged their cards, as well as new arrivals to the city.
The transition from old to new cards will occur over the next four years and will cover about 8.8 million Hong Kong identity cards currently in circulation.