Self-service kiosks where the public can apply for international driving permits will soon be up and running at two locations in Hong Kong. The Transport Department said they can be found at two licensing offices, in Admiralty and Cheung Sha Wan, from January 13, 2025. There will be a daily quota of around 32 applications per kiosk, and drivers can make reservations from Saturday. The department's CEO of licensing, Chow Wai, said the application process will now be easier for the public with the two kiosks. "They can get their permit within the same day or within an hour after submitting the application. If they use the non-counter means - [applying] online, [via] drop-in box, or by post, usually it would take up to ten working days to send the permit to the applicants," he said. "One of the benefits of using the kiosk is that they can save waiting time to get the permit." The department said drivers need an iAM Smart+ account, with a digital signing function of a valid personal digital certificate, to use the kiosks. It added that authorities will look into whether more licensing offices can introduce self-service kiosks.
