Transport Department Launches Self-Service Kiosks for International Driving Permits in Hong Kong and Kowloon.

TD launches International Driving Permit Self-service Kiosks to provide convenient application and same-day collection

The Transport Department (TD) today (December 28) launched International Driving Permit (IDP) Self-service Kiosks, one each at the Hong Kong Licensing Office and the Kowloon Licensing Office, for booking by the public, providing an additional and more convenient means for members of the public who plan to drive outside Hong Kong to apply for and collect the IDP.

Eligibility and appointment

Starting from January 13, 2025, one Self-service Kiosk set up in the Hong Kong Licensing Office at United Centre, Admiralty and another in the Kowloon Licensing Office at the Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices will provide one-stop services for application and same-day collection of the IDP from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). Members of the public holding a valid Hong Kong identity card and a Hong Kong full driving licence which is valid or has not expired for more than three years may now book an appointment via the online Appointment Booking System (www.gov.hk/en/residents/transport/drivinglicense/abs.htm) for using the Self-service Kiosk.

Application procedures

Eligible persons with an "iAM Smart+" account equipped with the identity authentication and digital signing functions should bring along their address proof (issued not more than three months from application date) and visit the Self-service Kiosk at the Licensing Office concerned at the selected time slot. The IDP application procedures are as follows:

Perform identity authentication by "iAM Smart+", and input application information;

Verify e-contact means and scan the address proof;

Take photo at the Self-service Kiosk;

Input mobile phone number to receive SMS notification on permit collection;

Perform digital signing by "iAM Smart+"; and

Make electronic payment and get the receipt.

Same day collection

If the documents are in order, the IDP will be ready for collection within an hour at the designated counter of the same Licensing Office. Applicants will be notified by the TD via SMS.

The current applications via the GovHK's website or submission of paper application form (form TD51) over the counter at the Licensing Offices in person, through drop-in boxes and by post remain unchanged. For online or postal applications, if the application details are in order, the TD will mail the issued IDP to the applicant by registered post within 10 working days.

A spokesman for the TD said, "The IDP Self-service Kiosk is still under pilot operation. The TD will review the effectiveness in a timely manner and consider further extension of Self-service Kiosks when necessary."

The public may refer to the TD's website for details of IDP application and the pilot service.

TD launches International Driving Permit Self-service Kiosks to provide convenient application and same-day collection Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

TD launches International Driving Permit Self-service Kiosks to provide convenient application and same-day collection Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

TD launches International Driving Permit Self-service Kiosks to provide convenient application and same-day collection Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSAR LegCo strongly condemns foreign media organisation for misleading international society and whitewashing Lai Chee-ying's offenses

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

A spokesman for the Legislative Council ("LegCo") today (May 1) strongly condemned the release of a so-called press freedom index by a foreign media organisation and presentation of a so-called award to the national security offender Lai Chee-ying to sugarcoat his criminal acts, and smear the press freedom and rule of law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("HKSAR"). LegCo strongly condemns and firmly opposes all untrue comments that defame the human rights and rule of law in the HKSAR.

LegCo's spokesman stressed, "Hong Kong citizens enjoy freedom of the press and freedom of speech as protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The Hong Kong National Security Law ("HKNSL") and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance ("SNSO") clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of the press, of speech and of publication, enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to the HKSAR, are protected in accordance with the law. Facts speak louder than the words. Since the implementation of the HKNSL and the SNSO, Hong Kong society as a whole has thrived and returned to rationality and safety."

LegCo's spokesman emphasised, "Lai Chee-ying has been sentenced to 20 years in prison and the evidence is irrefutable. During the trial, a vast amount of evidence testified that for years, under the guise of journalism, democracy, and freedom, Lai Chee-ying utilised media platforms as political tools to incite hatred and commit acts that harmed both the country and Hong Kong. This included using media platforms to call for foreign forces to interfere in Hong Kong affairs and to impose sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials. The court conducted a rigorous, fair, just and open trial lasting 156 days. The reasons for the verdict, spanning 855 pages, have been fully disclosed for public inspection; they set out in detail the judges' rigorous analysis of legal principles and evidence, and clearly explain the reasons for finding Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies guilty. The judgment also pointed out that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. The court's conviction is well-reasoned and sound, fully demonstrating that the court makes rulings strictly in accordance with the law and evidence, free from any interference."

LegCo's spokesman said, "As emphasised by the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council,Mr Xia Baolong,in his speech on this year's National Security Education Day, Hong Kong's transition from chaos to order, and from order to prosperity, profoundly demonstrates that there is no development without security, and without security, everything is out of the question. Only by holding the bottom line of security can we achieve development and win the future."

LegCo's spokesman reiterated, "LegCo will continue to firmly fulfil its constitutional responsibilities, support the SAR Government's administration in accordance with the law, uphold the rule of law and ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems'. LegCo urges the international community to recognise the facts and immediately stop making any groundless, fact-distorting, misleading and malicious attacks against Hong Kong."

Source: AI-found images