National Identity Card (NIC) is issued to the citizens of Pakistan. It is a blend of state-of-the-art technology and well-defined business rules to guarantee its authenticity and validity. The unique 13 digit identification number is recognized all over the country. It is the first requirement of individuals as it is mandatory to obtain documents like license, NTN, bank account, passport, cellular connection etc. Every citizen of Pakistan, 18 years and above, is eligible for NIC.

The National Identity Card (NIC) is an official identification document issued by NADRA to the citizens of Pakistan over the age of 18.
All Pakistani Citizens over the age of 18 are eligible for NIC.
The National Identity Card (NIC) and Smart National Identity Card (Smart NIC) are different generations of NIC cards. The NIC was the older version, while the Smart NIC is a newer version that includes a smart chip, biometric data, and advanced security features.
NIC
NIC can only be applied by visiting the nearest NADRA Center (To locate the nearest NADRA Center, click here)
Smart NIC
To apply for a Smart NIC, either of the following three ways can be used.
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- By visiting the nearest NADRA Center (To locate the nearest NADRA Center, click here)
- By utilizing the Pak Identity website
- By using the PakID Mobile App.
You can locate NADRA Centers in Pakistan by visiting the NADRA Pakistan web portal or by Using RAHBAR Mobile.


The operating hours of NADRA Centers can vary based on their location and office type. To view the timings for a particular NADRA Center, please click here.
- New (First Time application)
- Modification (Change in existing data)
- Reprint (Lost/Damaged)
- Renewal (Card is expired)
Yes, there is a fee associated with applying for an identity document. The fee structure is as follows
Normal | Urgent | Executive | |
---|---|---|---|
New NIC | Free | _ | _ |
New Smart NIC | PKR 750 | PKR 1500 | PKR 2500 |
NIC Modification | PKR 750 | PKR 1500 | PKR 2500 |
NIC Duplicate | PKR 750 | PKR 1500 | PKR 2500 |
NIC Renewal | PKR 750 | PKR 1500 | PKR 2500 |
Fees for identity documents can be paid using various methods. You can make payments in cash or via credit/debit card at NADRA Centers. Additionally, you may use the Easypaisa Mobile App for fee payments.
There are two means in which a card can be delivered.
Through NRC
- Normal – 31 days
- Urgent – 23 days
- Fast Track – 9 Days (Queue priority at NRCs for immediate processing)
Through Pak Identity
- Application Processing – 7 days
- Local Shipping in Pakistan – 2 days
- International Shipping – 5 Days
Please note that the processing time of your application starts after submission of your attested form.
You can prioritize your NIC application by providing an additional fee. The fee structure is as under
Normal | Urgent | Executive | |
---|---|---|---|
New NIC | Free | _ | _ |
New Smart NIC | PKR 750 | PKR 1500 | PKR 2500 |
NIC Modification | PKR 750 | PKR 1500 | PKR 2500 |
NIC Duplicate | PKR 750 | PKR 1500 | PKR 2500 |
NIC Renewal | PKR 750 | PKR 1500 | PKR 2500 |
Yes, you can apply online for Smart NIC only through the official NADRA website or by using the PAKID mobile app.


When applying online for Smart NIC, the fee can be paid securely using debit or credit cards through the online payment gateway provided by NADRA.
Yes, you have the option to apply for Smart NIC using the PAKID mobile app.


To inquire about the status of your application, you can choose from the following two options:
- If you submitted the application at a NADRA Center, simply send the application Tracking ID number to 8400 through your mobile phone.
- For online applications, you can conveniently check the status by clicking on the provided link.
Yes, NADRA offers a home delivery service for all types of Cards. During the application process, you have the option to select home delivery. Additional charges might apply for this service.
If you have lost your original identification card, you can apply for a reprint / lost card.
When applying for the reprint of a lost card, you only need the Unique number of your lost identification card.
The renewal of an identity document refers to the process of obtaining a new, updated version of your existing identification card (e.g., NIC, Smart NIC) after its validity period has expired.
You should start the renewal process at least one month before your current identification card’s expiry date. It is essential to always have a valid identification document for various official purposes.
You can apply for your NIC by either visiting NADRA Registration Center (NRC) or through Pak Identity website.
NADRA Registration Center (NRC)
Visit the nearest NADRA Registration Center (NRC).
Please click here to locate your nearest NRC.
You will undergo following steps at NRC for processing of your application:
- You will be issued a token
- Your photograph will be captured
- Your fingerprints and signature will be taken
- Your required data entry will be done and form will be printed to be reviewed by yourself
- You will be handed over a printed version of your application form
- Submit this form after confirming the printed information and attestation by a gazetted officer
Bring any of your blood relative (father/mother/brother/sister/son/daughter) and skip the attestation of the form by providing their biometrics at NRC.
Pak Identity Website
You can apply for your Smart National Identity Card (SNIC) by visiting Pak Identity website and have it delivered to your doorstep. You can not apply for fresh/new CNIC from website.
Please visit Pak Identity website to apply and learn about the services.
When applying for the renewal of an identity document, you only need a copy of the old NIC.
Yes, you can renew your Smart NIC online through the official NADRA website or by using the PAKID mobile app.


Yes, there is a fee associated with applying for NIC / Smart NIC. The fee structure is as follows:
Normal | Urgent | Executive | |
---|---|---|---|
NIC Renewal | PKR 750 | PKR 1500 | PKR 2500 |
Yes, you can renew your identity document even after it has expired. However, it is advisable to start the renewal process before the expiry date to avoid any inconvenience.
You can modify your NIC / Smart NIC by applying for card modification through either of the following three ways can be used.
- By visiting the nearest NADRA Center (To locate the nearest NADRA Center, click here.)
- By utilizing the Pak Identity website
- By using the PakID Mobile App.
A citizen marked “DUP” in the NADRA database due to having duplicates of the identity card has been issued, and the individual needs to apply for DUP clearance to rectify the situation and retain the correct and valid identity card.
A citizen obtaining two or more identity cards/certificates with different Identity Numbers is marked “DUP” in NADRA database. Once you apply for DUP clearance, one of your National Identity Card (NIC) will be retained while the other (duplicate) will be surrendered automatically. Citizen will have a choice to retain any one of his/her NICs/Certificates through an application made to National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA).
You can visit any NADRA Registration Center (NRC) and apply for “DUP” clearance.
The fee charged for this is Rs. 1000 and Rs. 10,000 for different particulars.