Having gone from a paper document to a laminated card, from computerisation to smart authentication, the evolution of the Hong Kong identity card (ID card) has witnessed the changes of society and the advancement of technological development since its first issuance in 1949. The transformation of the ID card throughout these 70 years is introduced in the Public Records Office's annual exhibition titled "Identity Card - A Timeless Proof" this year.
 
     The "Identity Card - A Timeless Proof" exhibition is open from today (August 23) onwards from Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5.45pm (except for public holidays) at the Exhibition Hall on the second floor of the Hong Kong Public Records Building at 13 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong. Admission is free.
 
     The exhibition showcases over 70 holdings. Apart from displaying all generations of ID cards and equipment for the production of ID cards on loan from the Immigration Department, exhibits include photos related to registration of persons in Hong Kong, for example precious historical photos showing members of the public taking the ID card photo and a mobile registration team in action in the 1960s, as well as government promotional posters on ID card registration, etc.
 
     Besides, the exhibition features the reasons behind the changes in the designs of ID cards. Why didn't the juvenile ID card in the 1960s include the photo and given name of the card holder? Why were the photo and given name added to the card in the 1970s? How was the registration of persons legislation amended? Answers can be found in the "Identity Card - A Timeless Proof" exhibition.
 
     In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, cleaning and disinfection measures will be stepped up at the Exhibition Hall. Visitors should follow the infection control measures implemented at the Hong Kong Public Records Building, including wearing masks at all times when they are inside the Building, undergoing temperature checks before entering the Building, applying hand sanitiser and scanning the "LeaveHomeSafe" QR code or registering through other means.
 
     Want to enjoy a more laid-back tour? The Public Records Office has launched an online exhibition (www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/hkid/en/index.html) and will share interesting information about the history of the Hong Kong ID card through its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/grs.publicrecordsoffice). Members of the public are welcome to visit the Facebook page. In addition, the Public Records Office will also hold roving exhibitions. For details, please visit the Government Records Service website (www.grs.gov.hk) or the Public Records Office Facebook page or call the Public Records Office at 2195 7700.

Ends/Monday, August 23, 2021
Issued at HKT 10:15

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