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NADRA CNIC and NICOP: Fees, Documents and Applying via Pak-ID App

Passport & identity · Checked October 9, 2026 against the official source

The Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) is issued by NADRA to Pakistani citizens aged 18 and above; the NICOP is the identity card for Pakistanis living abroad and allows visa-free entry into Pakistan. Both are needed for passports, attestation and most official work for study or jobs abroad.

Processing timeCNIC / Smart NIC: Normal 15 days, Urgent 12 days, Executive 6 days. Smart NICOP: Normal 31 days, Urgent 23 days, Executive 9 days. Timeline starts after fee payment.
Where to applyThrough the Pak-ID mobile app (id.nadra.gov.pk) or any NADRA Registration Centre in Pakistan; overseas Pakistanis can also apply at NADRA centres abroad or Pakistan Missions.

Step by step

  1. Check eligibility: CNIC for citizens 18+ who are not yet registered or hold a CRC/Juvenile Card; NICOP for Pakistanis living or working abroad, dual nationals, or children of Pakistanis born abroad.
  2. Apply online through the Pak-ID mobile app: create an account, select New CNIC / New NICOP (or Renew / Modify / Reprint), fill in your details and upload the required documents.
  3. Alternatively, visit a NADRA Registration Centre (NRC) in Pakistan, or a NADRA centre / Pakistan Mission abroad for NICOP.
  4. Complete biometric verification and photograph (a centre visit may be needed for this).
  5. Pay the fee for your chosen priority (Normal, Urgent or Executive). Processing time starts after payment.
  6. Track your application in the Pak-ID app; the card is delivered by courier (PKR 165 within Pakistan) or collected.

Documents you need

  • Identity card number of parent(s) or blood relative(s), or a biometric witness ID holder with Undertaking 'B' if no blood relative
  • Verified computerised birth certificate from Union Council / Municipal Committee / Cantonment, or citizenship / naturalisation certificate
  • Biometric verification of parent or blood relative, or attestation of the application form as per NADRA regulations
  • NICOP (non-residents): foreign detailed birth certificate, manual birth certificate or S1 form from the Mission, if born abroad
  • NICOP (non-residents): Pakistani or foreign passport, residence permit or travel document, or Undertaking 'A' attested by the Pakistan Mission
  • Renewal: existing CNIC/NICOP number (plus passport/residence proof for NICOP non-residents)

Fees

New CNIC, NormalPKR 0
New CNIC, UrgentPKR 1,150
New CNIC, ExecutivePKR 2,150
CNIC renewal / modification / duplicate, NormalPKR 400
CNIC renewal / modification / duplicate, UrgentPKR 1,150
CNIC renewal / modification / duplicate, ExecutivePKR 2,150
Smart NIC (new, renewal, modification, duplicate), NormalPKR 750
Smart NIC, UrgentPKR 1,500
Smart NIC, ExecutivePKR 2,500
Smart NICOP Zone A (USA, Europe), NormalUSD 39
Smart NICOP Zone A, UrgentUSD 57
Smart NICOP Zone A, ExecutiveUSD 75
Smart NICOP Zone B (Middle East, Africa), NormalUSD 20
Smart NICOP Zone B, UrgentUSD 30
Smart NICOP Zone B, ExecutiveUSD 40
Card delivery within PakistanPKR 165
Apply on the official portal Official information

Frequently asked questions

Is the first CNIC free?

Yes. NADRA's fee structure lists a new CNIC in the Normal category at zero fee. You only pay if you choose Urgent or Executive processing, opt for a Smart NIC, or later renew, modify or reprint the card.

How long is a CNIC or NICOP valid?

NADRA lists a 10-year validity for CNIC, Smart CNIC and NICOP for adults. Smart NICOPs for minors under 14 are valid for 10 years or until age 18, whichever comes first. NADRA rules say you should apply for renewal no later than one month after expiry.

Can I pay NICOP fees in rupees through Pak-ID?

Yes. NICOP fees are fixed in US dollars, but NADRA states that Pak-ID charges the fee in PKR after currency conversion at the official rate on the application date. The amount depends on whether your country is in Zone A or Zone B.

Do I still have to visit a NADRA centre if I apply on Pak-ID?

Sometimes. You can apply and upload documents in the app, but NADRA notes that biometric verification and photographs may require a visit to a registration centre. You can track your application in the app throughout.

Fees and procedures change. This guide summarises the official information; confirm on the official page before you pay or apply. Never pay agents who claim to "speed up" official attestation.

Going abroad?

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