Smart ID Card

I picked up my new Smart ID card.

View large image Hong Kong residents must carry an ID card. Anyone failing to produce the card upon request could be fined.

An ID card is essential. It's hooked into everything; trying to get things done without it is painful.

Need a place to rent? What's your ID number? Making a loan application? What's your ID number? Having a phone line installed? What's your ID number? Want a loaf of bread? What's your ID number?

Just kidding about the loaf of bread.

The Smart ID cards are designed to make identity fraud and illegal immigration far more difficult, if not impossible. The embedded chip contains personal information and algorithmic representations of scans of both the right and left thumbprint. No one can access the information on the card without first scanning a thumbprint at a kiosk with a card-reader.

The turnover of old ID cards is painless.

The administrative process is orderly, efficient and most of all, fast: it takes less than half an hour.

Here's how it works:

· Make an appointment.

· Show up at the given time.

· Go to the reception counter.

· Fill out a brief form.

· Wait for your number to be called.

· Go to the assigned interview desk.

· Confirm your particulars.

· Sit for two digital photos. Choose one.

· Have your left and right thumbprint scanned.

· Move to the waiting area.

· Wait for your number to be called.

· Go to the assigned interview desk.

· Confirm everything.

· Leave with a collection form.

· Two weeks later, return and hand in the form.

· Wait for your number to be called.

· Turn in the old ID card and scan thumbprint.

· Pick up the new card and leave.

When I apply for permanent residency in two years, whereupon I'll need a replacement for this Smart ID card, I hope it goes as smoothly as this.

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