Existing ID card holders will have their cards replaced with Smart ID cards in phases, according to their year of birth, from August 18. The whole exercise will be completed in four years' time.

ID Card holders will be notified through public announcements to have their cards replaced at one of the nine Smart ID card centres within specified periods.

Details of the first phase are as follows:

* members of immigration service, Police officers and labour inspectors - August 18 to November 15, 2003;

* card holders who were born in 1968-69 - September 15 to November 15, 2003;

* card holders who were born in 1966-67 - November 17, 2003 to January 10, 2004; and

* card holders who were born in 1964-65 - January 12 to March 13, 2004.

The Chief Executive, Executive Councillors, legislators and principal officials may replace their ID cards between August 18 and November 15.

Nine Smart ID card centres will be set up to accept applications under the replacement exercise. They will be open from 8am to 9.15pm on Mondays to Saturdays.

Bookings for replacement cards can also be made 14 days before the commencement of each phase by calling 1838 333, through the ESDlife website or at ESD kiosks.

To ensure that a quota is available at the chosen time slot, people are encouraged to make an appointment in advance.

Only bookings made by ID card holders who belong to the right age group will be accepted. Applicants have to attend at one of the centres in person to have their ID cards replaced.