Guide for Changing Name while Being Outside of Hong Kong

Overview

This is a step-by-step guide to help you change your name on your Hong Kong Identity Card and Hong Kong Passport when you are physically outside of Hong Kong. In this regard, we understand that the Hong Kong government only accepts name change applications for amending both the Hong Kong Identity Card and the Hong Kong Passport when a Hong Kong Permanent Resident resides outside of Hong Kong.

First Stage: Obtaining the Right Document

Preferred Option: Deed Poll

The most common document accepted by the Immigration Department for legally changing name in Hong Kong is a deed poll. If you wish to know more on how to obtain a deed poll, please click here. Once you have obtained a deed poll, you need to sign it and have the signature witnessed before a notary public in the country that you are currently residing. 

***A photocopy of your notarized deed poll must be included with your applications forms when you apply to have your name changed. 

Other Option: Other Documents

Other documents (e.g. marriage certificate, foreign passport) may be accepted by the Immigration Department to support a name change application but whether such document will be accepted will vary case by case. We suggest that you confirm with the Immigration Department of Hong Kong in advance that such document will be accepted to support your name change before moving to the stage. 

Second Stage: Filling in All the Necessary Forms

In order to amend the registered name on your Hong Kong Identity Card and Hong Kong Passport, you are required to fill in  the following forms* (“Application Forms”) :

  • ROP 73 — Application for Amendment of Registered Particulars of Hong Kong Identity Card (Download PDF)
  • ROP 143 — Application for a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card by a Person of the Age of 18 Years or Over Resident Overseas (Download PDF)
  • ID 843 — Application for HKSAR passport (for persons 16 years of age or above applying outside Hong Kong) (Download PDF)
  • ID 853A — Fee Payment Form for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport to be collected at Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Mission (CDCM) (Download PDF)

  • **ROP 144 — Application for a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card by a Person under the age of 18 Years Resident Overseas (Download PDF)

  • **ID 844 — Application for HKSAR passport (for children under 16 years of age applying outside Hong Kong) (Download PDF)

*You also need to print out and include a printed copy (leave it blank) of Form ID 845 — Overseas Processing Form for HKSAR passport/and Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card (Download PDF).

** Forms ROP 144 and ID 844 are only required to be filled in if the name change application is being done in respect of a child (a person under the age of 18 years old).

You will be required to select which Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Mission (“CDCM") you want your new Hong Kong Passport and Hong Kong Identity Card to be delivered to. There is a list of all the CDCMs around the world available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China which can be accessed here.

Relevant Guidance Notes Published by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong

The Immigration Department of Hong Kong has published insightful guidances notes on how to fill in the various forms required, and they are updated from time to time with relevant information.

  • ROP 143A - Notes for Guidance on Application for Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card by a person of the age of 18 or over Resident Overseas (Download PDF)
  • ROP 144ANotes for Guidance on Application for Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card by a person under the age of 18 Resident Overseas (Download PDF)
  • ID 843A - Guidance Notes on Application for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Passport (For persons 16 years of age or above applying outside Hong Kong) (Download PDF)
  • ID 844A - Guidance Notes on Application for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Passport (For children under 16 years of age applying outside Hong Kong) (Download PDF)

Third Step: Submitting Application Forms to the Immigration Department

You must submit all your Application Forms, a cheque (with the correct amount for the processing fees of the government), photocopies of your supporting documents (e.g. photocopy of your deed poll), and Hong Kong Identity Card by post to this address:

Travel Documents and Nationality (Application) Section, 

Immigration Department, 4/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, 

Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Final Step: Collecting your New Hong Kong Identity Card and Passport

Assuming your application is accepted by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong, you will normally be required to collect your new Hong Kong Passport and Hong Kong Identity Card at the CDCM that you have previously selected. In light of the situation brought on by COVID, we suggest contacting the CDCM that you have selected and see how they handle the collection of passports and Hong Kong Identity Cards. In this regard, we understand that in certain circumstances some CDCM will allow Hong Kong Passport and Hong Kong Identity Card to be delivered by courier instead of being picked up.

Additional Questions

If you have additional questions which are not addressed here or wish to order a deed poll to be couriered to you, please contact us by telephone on +852 2176 4777 or by email at [email protected].

Need us to prepare a deed poll?