China will halt the use of the first generation of resident identity cards next year, and residents nationwide are urged to replace their old cards with updated ones before the New Year.

The first generation of resident identity cards will be abolished on Jan 1, according to an amendment to the Resident Identity Cards Law, and public security bureaus are reminding residents to seize the last few days of this year to get their ID cards updated.

Quite different from the first generation resident identity cards, the second generation identity cards contain a non-contact IC chip, which enables access to more personal information through electronic devices.

Individuals under the age of 16 were also permitted to apply for an identification card.