LAHORE – National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is the competent authority to issue Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) to Pakistani citizens who are 18 years or above.
The NADRA ID card is a secure and technologically advanced identification document issued to Pakistani citizens. Designed with state-of-the-art technology, the NIC ensures authenticity and validity.
Each card features a unique 13-digit identification number, recognized nationwide. The CNIC 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.
ID Card is directly linked with healthcare by linking medical records and in education by verifying identities for school admissions. It is also essential for getting SIM cards.
Where to Apply
The eligible citizens, who are applying for the CNIC for first time, are required to visit any nearby office of the National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) along with required documents to apply for the ID card.
The applicant is required to bring birth certificate or matric result card and CNIC copy of a family member while going to apply for the ID card.
NADRA CNIC Fee July 2025
The federal government is expected to keep the fee schedule for the ID cards unchanged in next fiscal year 2025-26. The fresh applicant is issued the NADRA CNIC for free of cost under normal category.
However, for urgent processing, the fee is Rs1,1500, while the executive category currently costs Rs2,150.
Timeline
The normal category CNIC is issued within 15 days while processing time for urgent category is 12 days and applicants can get their ID card within six days only after applying in executive category.
