The Macau government will begin issuing smart identification cards on December 4, a spokesman said. The spokesman said the cards would be issued to the territory's 438,000 permanent and non-permanent residents, and replacement of the existing cards would take four years. The cards will include PIN numbers for holders to access personal information. Later, residents will be able to use them as student cards and driving licences. Hong Kong will issue smart ID cards from the end of next year.