Hong Kong Passport Certified Copy – Same-Day Remote UK Solicitor Certification

Need a Hong Kong passport certified copy for a bank, company, lawyer, employer, KYC check or overseas authority?

Ginkgo Advisory provides an express remote UK solicitor service for certified copies of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports.

We can assist with the CHN-AO-03004 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport, the 2019 Next Generation HKSAR electronic passport.

Our remote verification process can include a clear copy of the passport biodata page, video inspection of the original physical passport and, where appropriate, verification of the electronic passport chip using an NFC-enabled smartphone and compatible passport-reading application.

Same-day service is available where all required evidence is received and the solicitor is satisfied that the passport copy can properly be certified.

Hong Kong Passport Certification for CHN-AO-03004

The CHN-AO-03004 is an ordinary Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport.

Its official title is:

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
PASSPORT

It is commonly referred to as the:

Hong Kong SAR Passport, HKSAR Passport or Hong Kong e-Passport.

This document is the 2019 Next Generation HKSAR electronic passport.

Key details include:

• Document reference: CHN-AO-03004
• Document type: Ordinary passport
• Passport: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport
• Issuing jurisdiction: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
• PRADO first-issue reference: 1 May 2019
• Next Generation HKSAR e-Passport introduced: May 2019
• Passport type: Electronic passport / e-passport
• Construction: Single booklet
• Size: approximately 88 × 125 mm
• Number of pages: 32
• Cover colour: Blue
• Cover construction: Flexible
• Cover material: Plastic
• Cover embossing: Gold hot foil stamping
• Biodata page: Polycarbonate integrated biodata card
• Electronic chip: Contactless
• ICAO-compliant electronic travel document

The passport incorporates sophisticated physical, optical and electronic security features.

These features can provide several independent sources of evidence during remote passport verification.

What Does Hong Kong Passport Certification Mean?

A certified passport copy is a copy that a solicitor has checked against the original passport presented for inspection.

The solicitor then adds appropriate certification wording to the copy.

For example, the certification may state that the document is a:

true copy of the original document seen

The precise wording can depend on the organisation receiving the certified copy.

A solicitor-certified HKSAR passport copy will normally include:

• the solicitor’s signature;
• date of certification;
• solicitor’s full name;
• professional status;
• firm or business details; and
• appropriate certification wording.

Before certification, please tell us who requires the document, the destination country and the intended purpose.

Banks, lawyers, financial institutions, corporate service providers and overseas authorities may have different certification requirements.

Remote Hong Kong Passport Certification

You may not need to attend a solicitor’s office to obtain a certified copy of your Hong Kong passport.

In suitable cases, the verification process can be completed remotely.

We may combine several forms of evidence so that the solicitor can assess both the original passport and the person presenting it.

1. Send a Clear Colour Passport Copy

First, send us a clear colour scan or high-quality photograph of the passport biodata page.

The entire identity page should be visible.

The copy should clearly show information including:

• your photograph;
• full name;
• nationality;
• date of birth;
• passport number;
• issue date;
• expiry date; and
• machine-readable zone, or MRZ.

The solicitor can compare this information with the original physical passport shown during the verification process.

2. Provide a Short Passport Verification Video

We may ask you to provide a short video showing:

• your face;
• the original physical HKSAR passport;
• the integrated biodata page;
• your passport photograph;
• the blue passport cover;
• the transparent security window;
• selected internal passport pages; and
• the passport being slowly moved or tilted under the light.

This provides considerably more information than a static passport scan alone.

The CHN-AO-03004 incorporates physical and optically variable security features whose appearance can be better assessed when the original document is moving.

3. Complete an NFC HKSAR E-Passport Check

The 2019 HKSAR Passport is an electronic passport containing a contactless chip.

Where appropriate, we may therefore ask you to scan the passport using an NFC-enabled smartphone and a compatible passport-reading application.

Depending on the passport-reading application, the electronic check may provide information such as:

• passport biodata;
• MRZ information;
• facial image data stored electronically;
• data retrieved from the passport’s contactless chip; and
• electronic authentication results supported by the application.

This provides another independent source of information to compare with the physical document.

An NFC passport scan does not itself constitute solicitor certification.

Instead, it provides supporting electronic evidence that the solicitor can consider during the verification process.

Why We Use Video and NFC Verification

A scanned passport page can show the information printed on the document.

However, a scan alone does not necessarily demonstrate that the customer currently possesses the original physical passport.

For a modern electronic passport such as the 2019 HKSAR Passport, our remote process can therefore combine:

passport copy + original passport video + passport holder’s face + MRZ comparison + NFC passport chip information

This gives the solicitor several different sources of information before deciding whether the passport copy can properly be certified.

The exact verification requirements may vary according to the circumstances.

2019 Next Generation HKSAR Electronic Passport

The Hong Kong Immigration Department introduced the Next Generation Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Electronic Passport in May 2019.

The passport continues to comply with International Civil Aviation Organization standards.

It contains a polycarbonate personal data page and a contactless integrated circuit chip.

The chip stores the passport holder’s:

• personal data; and
• facial image.

The electronic travel document symbol appears on the dark blue passport cover to indicate that the passport contains an electronic chip.

The 2019 design also introduced enhanced physical security features, including a transparent window and more advanced UV and tactile security technology.

Electronic Chip in the Hong Kong SAR Passport

The HKSAR electronic passport contains a contactless chip.

The Hong Kong Immigration Department states that the chip stores the holder’s facial image and personal information in digital form.

This electronic component provides another verification layer in addition to the physical security features of the passport.

Where compatible passport-reading technology is used, the electronic information can be compared with:

• information printed on the biodata page;
• MRZ information;
• the printed facial image;
• the passport holder appearing in the video; and
• electronically stored facial image data.

Electronic verification complements rather than replaces the solicitor’s professional assessment.

NFC Verification of an HKSAR Passport

Modern smartphones commonly contain Near Field Communication technology.

Where an appropriate passport-reading application is used, NFC can communicate with the contactless chip in an electronic passport.

For remote HKSAR passport verification, this may provide additional evidence concerning:

• the passport holder;
• passport details;
• electronic facial image;
• MRZ data; and
• electronic document authentication.

The precise information available depends on the application and security protocols supported by the passport.

NFC verification is therefore supporting evidence rather than a substitute for examination of the original passport.

Security Features of the CHN-AO-03004 HKSAR Passport

The CHN-AO-03004 Hong Kong SAR Passport contains numerous physical and optical security features.

These features make the passport more difficult to reproduce, alter or counterfeit and can also assist when examining the original document remotely.

Blue Passport Cover

The passport has a flexible blue cover.

The cover is made from plastic material and incorporates gold-coloured hot foil stamping.

The electronic travel document symbol on the cover indicates that the passport contains an electronic chip.

Polycarbonate Integrated Biodata Card

The passport contains an integrated polycarbonate biodata card.

Polycarbonate allows identity information and security elements to form part of the physical structure of the data page.

This provides greater resistance to alteration than a conventional printed paper biodata page.

The biodata card is connected to the passport using a hinge fused into the polycarbonate body.

Transparent Security Window

One of the distinctive security features of the 2019 HKSAR Passport is a transparent window incorporated into the biodata page.

The Hong Kong Immigration Department identifies this as one of the enhanced security features introduced in the Next Generation Passport.

The transparent window incorporates a representation of the passport holder created using laser engraving technology.

This provides a strong physical security feature that is difficult to reproduce using ordinary printing or copying techniques.

Laser-Engraved Portrait in the Transparent Window

The transparent window contains the passport holder’s portrait.

The portrait is produced using laser engraving.

Because the image forms part of the physical structure of the transparent window, it provides another representation of the passport holder that can be compared with the main biodata photograph.

During remote verification, we may ask you to show this window clearly under different lighting conditions.

Black-and-White Facial Image

The main facial image on the integrated biodata card is black and white.

During remote verification, the solicitor can compare:

• the person appearing in the video;
• the main passport facial image;
• the image incorporated into the transparent security window;
• the passport copy supplied; and
• electronic facial image data where available.

Multiple identity comparisons can strengthen the remote assessment.

Hologram

The integrated biodata card contains an optically variable hologram.

A holographic security element changes appearance as the passport is moved or viewed from different angles.

For this reason, we may ask you to slowly tilt the biodata page during the passport verification video.

This can demonstrate optical behaviour that cannot be shown by a static photocopy.

Security Laminate

The biodata page also incorporates a security laminate.

The laminate contributes to the integrity and anti-tampering characteristics of the identity page.

It forms another layer of physical document security.

UV Features on the Biodata Card

The biodata card incorporates fluorescent security printing designed to become visible under 365 nm ultraviolet light.

Some of this fluorescent overprinting is invisible under normal lighting.

The reverse of the integrated card also contains fluorescent UV security features.

UV Features on the Inside Covers

Both the inside front and inside back covers contain fluorescent security printing.

These features are invisible under ordinary lighting and are designed to react under ultraviolet illumination.

This means that security features are distributed throughout the document rather than being concentrated solely on the biodata page.

Security Printing

The CHN-AO-03004 contains several specialised security-printing techniques.

Security printing appears on:

• inside front cover;
• inside back cover;
• integrated biodata card;
• internal passport pages; and
• other areas of the booklet.

This makes unauthorised reproduction of the complete passport considerably more difficult.

Polycarbonate Biodata Card Hinge

The integrated biodata card is joined to the passport booklet using a hinge fused into the polycarbonate body.

The hinge also incorporates printed patterns.

The physical relationship between the biodata card, hinge and passport pages therefore forms another aspect of the document’s construction that may be examined.

Stitched Passport Binding

Pages 2 to 32 are bound using thread saddle stitching through the passport spine.

The binding thread is white.

Inspection of the binding can provide useful evidence concerning the integrity and construction of the original passport booklet.

Watermarks

Internal passport pages contain centred watermarks.

These security features are intended to be examined using transmitted light.

Because the watermark forms part of the paper rather than being ordinary surface printing, it is difficult to reproduce accurately using conventional photocopying or printing.

Fluorescent Fibres

The internal passport pages contain red fluorescent fibres.

These fibres become visible under ultraviolet light.

Their incorporation into the passport paper provides another physical anti-counterfeiting characteristic.

UV Security Features on Visa Pages

The passport’s internal pages incorporate UV security technology.

The Hong Kong Immigration Department specifically highlights the use of advanced full-colour UV printing in the Next Generation HKSAR Passport.

Under UV illumination, security imagery not normally visible under ordinary light can appear.

These characteristics form part of the enhanced security design introduced with the 2019 passport.

Page Numbering

The internal pages also incorporate security numbering features.

These provide additional continuity throughout the booklet and help protect against page substitution or alteration.

32-Page Passport Booklet

The CHN-AO-03004 contains 32 pages.

Because security features extend throughout the passport booklet, we may ask the holder to show selected internal pages rather than only the biodata card.

Turning through several pages during the verification video can help demonstrate possession of the complete original passport.

Same-Day Hong Kong Passport Certified Copy Service

Ginkgo Advisory provides an express same-day Hong Kong passport certification service.

Customers may require a certified HKSAR passport copy urgently for:

• KYC checks;
• AML checks;
• banks;
• financial institutions;
• investment accounts;
• company formation;
• Companies House matters;
• company compliance;
• property transactions;
• mortgage applications;
• employment;
• professional registration;
• university administration;
• legal matters;
• powers of attorney;
• inheritance matters;
• probate matters; or
• overseas applications.

To maximise the possibility of same-day completion, please provide all requested information, documents and video evidence as early as possible.

Same-day completion remains subject to successful verification.

The solicitor must be satisfied that the original passport has been adequately examined and that the copy can properly be certified.

Hong Kong Passport Certification in London and Across the UK

Our remote process means that you may not need to attend a solicitor’s office.

We can assist HKSAR passport holders throughout the United Kingdom, including:

London, City of London, Westminster, Kensington, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Fulham, Richmond, Putney, Wimbledon, Kingston upon Thames, Ealing, Hounslow, Croydon, Surrey, Reading, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Southampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh and elsewhere in the UK.

Hong Kong passport holders living outside central London can generally use the same remote verification process.

Hong Kong Passport Certification for Hong Kong Residents in the UK

Many Hong Kong residents living, studying or working in the United Kingdom require certified copies of their passports.

A certified HKSAR passport may be required for:

• opening or maintaining a bank account;
• investment accounts;
• KYC or AML procedures;
• company formation;
• Companies House matters;
• property purchases;
• mortgage applications;
• employment;
• university administration;
• professional registration;
• legal matters; or
• other identity-verification purposes.

Where UK solicitor certification is accepted by the receiving organisation, the process may be completed remotely.

Hong Kong Passport Certification for Clients Outside the UK

You may also need a UK solicitor-certified copy of an HKSAR passport while living or working outside the United Kingdom.

A certified passport may be required for:

• overseas banking;
• international KYC;
• investment accounts;
• company registration;
• property transactions;
• foreign lawyers;
• employment;
• inheritance matters; or
• another overseas authority.

Depending on the recipient’s requirements, remote UK solicitor certification may be suitable.

Please tell us:

• where you currently live;
• who requires the certified copy;
• the destination country;
• the intended purpose; and
• whether particular certification wording has been requested.

We can then consider the appropriate certification process.

Hong Kong Passport Certified Copy for KYC and AML

An HKSAR passport may be used as a primary identity document for KYC and AML purposes.

Banks, financial institutions, law firms, accountants and companies may request a certified passport copy as part of customer due diligence.

Where UK solicitor certification is accepted, our remote verification process can combine:

• a clear colour passport copy;
• video of the passport holder;
• examination of the original passport;
• comparison of facial images;
• MRZ comparison; and
• electronic passport chip information where appropriate.

The organisation receiving the document ultimately determines whether solicitor certification satisfies its own KYC or AML requirements.

Hong Kong Passport Certification for Companies House and Corporate Purposes

Certified HKSAR passport copies may also be required for:

• company formation;
• Companies House matters;
• directors;
• shareholders;
• persons with significant control;
• beneficial ownership checks;
• corporate service providers;
• lawyers;
• accountants;
• banks; and
• corporate compliance.

The exact certification requirement should always be confirmed with the organisation requesting the document.

Hong Kong Passport Certified Copy for UK and Overseas Use

Many organisations accept passport copies certified by a UK solicitor.

However, requirements differ significantly between countries and organisations.

Some recipients may instead require:

• notarisation;
• an apostille;
• embassy or consular legalisation; or
• specific certification wording.

Please tell us the destination country and intended purpose before certification.

This can help avoid unnecessary repeat certification.

Certified Copy, Notarisation and Apostille: What Is the Difference?

These are different procedures.

Solicitor-Certified Hong Kong Passport Copy

A UK solicitor examines the original HKSAR passport and certifies that the copy corresponds with the document presented.

This is commonly used for banking, KYC, AML, corporate and legal purposes where solicitor certification is accepted.

Notarised Hong Kong Passport Copy

A Notary Public performs the certification.

Some overseas organisations specifically require notarisation rather than certification by a solicitor.

If the recipient asks for a notarised passport copy, ordinary solicitor certification may not satisfy that requirement.

Apostille

An apostille is a separate legalisation procedure.

Where appropriate, it authenticates the signature or professional capacity of the UK professional whose signature appears on the certified document.

If the receiving organisation requires an apostille, please tell us before certification so that the correct certification and legalisation route can be considered.

What We Need for CHN-AO-03004 Hong Kong Passport Certification

For a typical remote application, we may request the following.

Clear Passport Copy

Send a clear colour scan or high-quality photograph of the passport biodata page.

Short Video

Show your face together with the original physical HKSAR passport.

Original Biodata Page

Clearly show the integrated biodata card and your passport photograph.

Transparent Security Window

Show the transparent window clearly and move the passport as requested so that its physical characteristics can be viewed.

Passport Cover

Show the original blue passport cover.

Tilt and Move the Passport

Slowly tilt or move the original passport under the light so that relevant optical and holographic features can be observed.

Selected Internal Pages

Show selected internal pages and turn through portions of the passport booklet as requested.

NFC E-Passport Scan

Where required, scan the HKSAR passport’s contactless chip using a compatible NFC-enabled passport-reading application and provide or demonstrate the results.

Additional Evidence

The solicitor may request further information or evidence if any aspect of the passport or verification requires clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CHN-AO-03004?

CHN-AO-03004 is the PRADO document reference for the 2019 version of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport.

It is a Next Generation electronic passport.

Is CHN-AO-03004 a mainland Chinese passport?

No.

It is a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport, commonly known as an HKSAR Passport.

It should be distinguished from an ordinary passport issued by the mainland authorities of the People’s Republic of China.

When was the 2019 HKSAR passport introduced?

PRADO records a first-issue date of 1 May 2019 for CHN-AO-03004.

The Hong Kong Immigration Department states that applications for the Next Generation HKSAR e-Passport began on 14 May 2019, and identifies that date with the introduction of the new passport generation.

Can a UK solicitor certify a Hong Kong passport?

Yes.

A UK solicitor can certify a copy of an HKSAR passport where the receiving organisation accepts solicitor certification and the solicitor is satisfied with the verification process.

Can you certify CHN-AO-03004?

Yes.

We can assess a CHN-AO-03004 HKSAR Passport for remote UK solicitor certification.

Can I get my Hong Kong passport certified online?

In suitable cases, yes.

Our remote process can use passport images, video inspection of the original passport and electronic passport information where appropriate.

Do I need to attend a solicitor’s office?

Usually not for a suitable remote case.

The verification can normally be completed remotely.

Do I need to send my original Hong Kong passport by post?

Usually not.

Instead, we can ask you to demonstrate possession of the original physical passport through video.

Is the HKSAR Passport an electronic passport?

Yes.

The 2019 HKSAR Passport is an electronic passport compliant with ICAO standards.

Does the Hong Kong passport contain an NFC chip?

The HKSAR electronic passport contains a contactless integrated circuit chip.

Compatible NFC technology can communicate with contactless passport chips.

What information is stored on the HKSAR passport chip?

The Hong Kong Immigration Department states that the contactless chip stores the passport holder’s personal data and facial image in digital form.

Can an HKSAR passport be checked using NFC?

Where the passport-reading application is compatible, an NFC-enabled smartphone can be used to read electronic passport information.

The precise information and authentication results available depend on the application and passport-security protocols.

Why do you request an NFC passport scan?

An NFC scan can provide another source of electronic passport information to compare with the physical passport and scanned copy.

It therefore provides useful supporting evidence for remote verification.

Is NFC verification the same as solicitor certification?

No.

NFC technology provides supporting electronic evidence.

The solicitor makes the final professional decision about whether the passport copy can properly be certified.

Why do you ask me to tilt the passport?

The CHN-AO-03004 contains optical security features, including a hologram.

Their appearance can change depending on the viewing angle.

Moving the original passport therefore provides information that cannot be demonstrated by a static scan.

Why do you ask me to show the transparent window?

The transparent window is one of the major security features of the 2019 Next Generation HKSAR Passport.

It incorporates the holder’s portrait using laser engraving technology.

Showing the original transparent window helps demonstrate physical characteristics that a photocopy cannot reproduce.

Why do you ask me to show internal passport pages?

Security features extend throughout the HKSAR passport booklet.

Internal pages contain watermarks, fluorescent fibres, security printing, numbering and UV characteristics.

Showing selected pages also helps demonstrate possession of the complete original passport.

Can you provide same-day Hong Kong passport certification?

Yes.

We provide an express same-day Hong Kong passport certification service, subject to successful verification and receipt of all required evidence.

Can the certified passport copy be emailed to me?

Where the receiving organisation accepts an electronic copy, a scan of the completed certified document can normally be provided electronically.

If the recipient requires the original wet-ink certified document, a physical copy may also be required.

Can I use a UK solicitor-certified Hong Kong passport overseas?

Possibly.

Some overseas organisations accept UK solicitor certification, while others require notarisation, an apostille or further legalisation.

Always confirm the recipient’s requirements before proceeding.

Is solicitor certification the same as notarisation?

No.

A solicitor and a Notary Public perform different professional roles.

If the recipient specifically requires a notarised passport copy, solicitor certification may not satisfy that requirement.

Express Hong Kong Passport Certification by UK Solicitor

Ginkgo Advisory provides a fast remote service for customers who require a Hong Kong passport certified copy.

Our service can include:

• certified copy of Hong Kong passport;
• HKSAR passport certification;
• CHN-AO-03004 passport certification;
• Hong Kong SAR passport certification;
• Hong Kong e-passport certification;
• Next Generation HKSAR passport certification;
• UK solicitor-certified Hong Kong passport;
• remote Hong Kong passport certification;
• same-day Hong Kong passport certification;
• video passport verification;
• NFC passport chip checks;
• electronic passport verification;
• MRZ comparison;
• original passport inspection;
• HKSAR passport identity verification;
• certified Hong Kong passport for KYC;
• certified Hong Kong passport for AML;
• certified Hong Kong passport for banks;
• certified Hong Kong passport for company purposes; and
• Hong Kong passport certification for UK or overseas use.

If you need a Hong Kong passport certified copy, send us a clear colour copy of the passport biodata page and tell us who requires the certification, the destination country and the intended purpose.

We can then confirm the appropriate verification and certification process.