by In June and July 2025, Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) unveiled a comprehensive modernization of the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) application process. These reforms combine new rules, online tools, and expanded services to make identity documentation faster, more flexible, and more secure for all Pakistani citizens—domestic and abroad.The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched a revamped and simplified CNIC application system in 2025 to make the process more efficient, digital, and citizen-friendly. This transformation is part of the government’s broader initiative to promote e-governance, transparency, and convenience for the public across Pakistan.
✨ Key Features of the New System
1. Digital-First Application and Payment with Pak‑ID
Available through NADRA’s official online portal and Pak‑ID mobile app, applicants can now:
- Apply for new CNICs, renewals, modifications, and duplicate cards.
- Upload required documents (birth certificate/B‑Form, identity proof, photo).
- Complete biometric verifications, either at home or in person.
- Pay fees digitally via Visa/Mastercard, Easypaisa, JazzCash, or e‑Sahulat, eliminating in‑person visits to NADRA offices.
2. Clear, Affordable Fee Schedule
The fee structure for 2025 is:
| Processing Type | Fee (PKR) | Estimated Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Normal / Standard | 750 (or free for first-time applicants aged 18+) | ~15–30 days |
| Urgent | 1,500 | ~7–10 days |
| Executive | 2,500 | ~4–9 days |
3. Updated CNIC & B‑Form Rules for 2025
A sweeping set of regulatory updates ensures:
- Birth registration at the Union Council is now mandatory before issuance of a Child Registration Certificate (B‑Form)—especially important for preventing identity fraud.
- Age-based biometric requirements for B‑Forms:
- Under 3: no photo or biometric data.
- Ages 3–10: photo + iris scan.
- Ages 10–18: photo, fingerprint scan, and iris scan.
- Individualized B‑Forms now come with expiry dates and are required for passport issuance. Older formats may still be accepted for other purposes.
- The Family Registration Certificate (FRC) has gained legal status, requiring a signed declaration and fully documenting marriages and children. Married women can now choose to list either their father’s or husband’s name on their CNIC.
4. Security & Accessibility Enhancements
- A new chipless CNIC option includes bilingual (English/Urdu) data and a QR code for on‑spot verification—cheaper and faster to issue.
- NADRA pledges to resolve confiscation or restoration cases within 30 calendar days. NADRA Introduces
5. Expanded Service Outlets
- NADRA launched 24/7 National Registration Centres (Big NRCs) in cities like Karachi (e.g., Malir Cantt, Surjani Town), providing round‑the‑clock service.
- Union council offices in 1,200 locations across the country now handle CNIC services, reducing travel and wait times for citizens.
- In Karachi, NADRA’s mobile biker units have grown from 3 to 8, improving doorstep service delivery.
💡 Why These Reforms Matter
- Accessible & Convenient: Citizens can apply, upload documents, make payments, and track applications remotely—via web or app—with SMS and portal updates.
- Secure & Transparent: Age-appropriate biometric rules and legal legalization of records add accuracy and reduce fraud.
- Inclusive & Empowering: Women now have agency in selecting their CNIC identity representation; unregistered family members can be added more easily.
- Faster & More Affordable: Faster timelines, digital delivery options, and a cheaper chipless card option make ID management more reachable for lower-income users.
✅ How to Apply in 2025
- Register on the NADRA portal or download the Pak‑ID app.
- Choose your application type: new, renewal, modification, or duplicate.
- Upload documents: B‑Form / birth certificate, identity proof, photo, proof of residence, parent’s CNIC (if applicable).
- Provide biometric data as required—either via home appointment, NADRA center, or biker/mobile service.
- Pay the fee through the app using your preferred payment method.
- Submit and receive a tracking ID. Monitor status online or via SMS (send tracking ID to 8400).
- Opt for home delivery if available.
🚀 Conclusion
NADRA’s 2025 reforms transform the CNIC application into a modern, accessible, and robust system—built for Pakistan’s evolving digital landscape. By balancing cutting-edge technology with citizen-first policies, these changes reflect a significant step forward in inclusive national identity management.
