The Smart Identity Card Centres will open to the public until May 18 for collection of new identity cards, the Immigration Department says. 

People who applied for their identity cards at the centres on or before March 31 should collect their new identity cards within the collection period as stated in the 'Notice of Collection'.

People who were absent from Hong Kong during the specified call-up periods and have not replaced their identity cards should apply within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong. They can book an appointment by calling the hotline, 2598 0888, or visiting the ESDlife website.

People who missed their specified call-up periods and have not replaced their old identity cards should make their applications at any of the Registration of Persons Offices as soon as possible.

Those born in 1989 should apply for smart identity cards at the offices when they attain the age of 18; those born in 1996 should apply when they reach the age of 11.