China's first generation of resident ID cards will expire on Jan. 1, 2013, the Ministry of Public Security said Thursday.
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More than 1.1 billion people, or 80 percent of China's population, already have second-generation ID cards, according to a statement released by the ministry.
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The ministry said it will ensure convenience for those who have not updated their cards and wish to do so, such as people who live overseas.
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Chinese citizens under the age of 16 can apply for ID cards on a voluntary basis.
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On Oct. 29, 2011, China adopted an amendment to its Resident Identity Card Law to prohibit the use of the first-generation cards after Jan. 1, 2013.
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The second-generation card was introduced in 2004.
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The amendment also requires fingerprints to be recorded when people apply for or change ID cards in order to curb counterfeiting and illegal alterations to the cards.
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The ministry will strive to ensure every police station in China can collect fingerprints before the end of next year, the statement said.Â