NADRA CNIC: who can apply, where, and how to renew

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Last checked 30 Sep 2026. Helpline numbers, fees, timings and procedures in this guide were checked against the official sources listed at the end on that date. They can change, so always confirm with the official office before you apply, pay or travel.

Who can apply

According to NADRA, Pakistani citizens who are 18 or older and whose birth is registered in NADRA's database can apply for a National Identity Card. For children under 18, parents or legal guardians can apply for a Child Registration Certificate (CRC), also known as the B-Form.

Where to apply

NADRA says you can apply at a NADRA Registration Centre, a Mobile Registration Van, or through the PakID mobile app. The app lets you apply for new cards, renew or reprint an existing CNIC, verify fingerprints with your phone camera, upload documents, pay, and track your application.

To find your nearest centre, use "Find Nearest NRC" on nadra.gov.pk, the PakID app, or call the helpline on 1777.

Fees and delivery

There is a fee, and it depends on the document and the service (new, renewal, reprint and so on). Check the current fee structure on NADRA's website. NADRA offers home delivery in certain areas; you can check availability when applying.

Lost your card?

You can apply for a reprint. NADRA says you will typically need the application form, your CNIC number and supporting documents. Additional documents may be needed depending on your case.

NADRA contacts

• Helpline (mobile users): 1777, available 24/7
• Phone: +92 51 111 786 100
• Complaints: [email protected]
• Head office: State Bank of Pakistan Building, Shahrah-i-Jamhuriat, G-5/2, Islamabad

Your first CNIC

When you turn 18, your first CNIC builds on the record NADRA already holds for you, usually from your Child Registration Certificate (B-Form) and your parents' registration. Before you apply:

• Check that your details on the B-Form are correct, including the spelling of your name and your date of birth.
• Take originals and photocopies of any documents that support your identity and family details, such as your B-Form and your parents' CNICs.
• Read NADRA's FAQs for your case. NADRA may ask for a family member to verify your identity, and requirements can differ from case to case.

Renewing before it expires

Every CNIC shows an expiry date. Renew in good time, because an expired CNIC can cause problems at banks, mobile-phone shops, passport offices and when travelling. Renewal is often the simplest service to do in the PakID app, since NADRA already holds your record.

Using the PakID app step by step

1. Download PakID from the official app store listing published by NADRA. Avoid copies from other sources.
2. Register with your own mobile number and follow the on-screen checks.
3. Choose the service you need, such as renewal or a reprint.
4. Verify your fingerprints with the phone camera and upload the photo and documents the app asks for.
5. Pay the fee shown in the app, then note your tracking number and follow progress in the app.

Visiting a NADRA centre

• Check the centre's timings before you go, using "Find Nearest NRC" on NADRA's website or the PakID app.
• Arrive early, as busy centres can have long queues.
• Take originals and photocopies of your documents, and keep your token and receipt.
• Read your details on the screen carefully before you confirm them. Correcting a mistake later takes more time.

Protecting your CNIC

• Share copies of your CNIC only when necessary. Many people write the purpose and date across a photocopy so it cannot easily be reused.
• Never share one-time codes sent to your phone. NADRA and banks will not ask for them in a call.
• If your card is lost or stolen, apply for a reprint and keep a record of the date you reported the loss.

Children and the B-Form

Register children with NADRA early. The Child Registration Certificate (B-Form) is needed for many things before a child turns 18, such as school admissions and a child's passport. Check the spelling of names on the B-Form carefully, because the child's CNIC is later built from this record.

Questions