Transport Department
To support the Government’s “Be the Smart Regulator” programme, the Transport Department (TD) has been dedicated to promoting the application of technology by introducing e-licensing initiatives and streamlining licence application procedures to further enhance operational efficiency and bring convenience to the general public.
With the launch of “iAM Smart” platform, TD has rolled out more than 20 online licensing services in phases since December 2020. These services enable drivers and vehicle owners to complete and submit application forms through computer or mobile devices at any time, saving the need to visit the Licensing Offices in person for counter services.
TD is delighted to see that online services are becoming increasingly popular among members of the public. During the period from 2021 to 2024, the number of online licensing applications surged from around 140,000 to 560,000 per year, representing an increase of more than 300%. The most popular services are online applications for international driving permit (IDP) and renewal of full driving licenses of which their proportions have increased to nearly 44% and 40% respectively. From 2025 onwards, online services will be extended to encompass other licensing services in phases.
Starting from 30 December last year, TD has enhanced vehicle licence (VL) by replacing the expiry date printed on the VL with a QR code. If the vehicle particulars remain unchanged, vehicle owners can continue to use the same VL after each subsequent renewal, without having to replace the VL displayed on their vehicles. Vehicle owners may scan the QR code to check the expiry date of their VLs online.
TD has also simplified the requirement on documents necessary for VL renewal application, so that vehicle owners are no longer required to present or submit the Vehicle Registration Document or the Certificate of Roadworthiness when applying for licence renewal. If they apply online and their insurance policy record can be verified via the online system of the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, they can even skip the procedure of uploading their policy of insurance. These measures enable vehicle owners to complete the renewal process more quickly and conveniently, thereby encouraging more of them to submit applications online.
To enrich the public’s experience in using various e-licensing services, TD launched the following e-service platforms and facilities between December last year and January this year:
e-Licensing Portal：Launched in December last year, the e-Licensing Portal provides one-stop services for licence applications and enquiries, featuring a dashboard that clearly displays information about licences held by registered users, expiry dates, and the progress and results of applications. Members of the public can manage their licences and vehicles more easily through this online platform and choose to receive email reminders for driving licence and VL renewals.
e-Auction：Launched in December last year, the e-Auction online platform for ordinary vehicle registration marks (VRMs) enables interested bidders to bid for VRMs through a computer or mobile device anywhere without attending a physical auction, and to make electronic payment and complete the follow-up procedures at this one-stop platform. The first online auction was successfully completed on 24 February 2024 with a total of 50 VRMs sold.
IDP Self-service Kiosks ：TD set up two IDP Self-service Kiosks, one each at the Hong Kong Licensing Office and the Kowloon Licensing Office, in January this year for online booking by the public as an additional means for them to apply for IDP. The public can collect their IDP within half an hour after completing the application procedure if they have all the required documents. The Self-service Kiosks have been well-received in the community and are always fully booked. We will review their effectiveness in a timely manner and consider further extension when necessary.
Through these innovative electronic services, TD offers more efficient and enhanced services to meet the diverse needs of the public, bringing convenience to their living and making it hassle-free to travel around.
