Lost Your CNIC? Complete NADRA Replacement Process, Fee & Timeline

CNIC — The Most Important Document Every Pakistani Owns

Your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) is required for virtually every official transaction in Pakistan: opening bank accounts, buying SIM cards, getting passport, property registration, filing tax returns, voting, receiving government benefits, and hundreds more. Losing it is a significant disruption to your life. Fortunately, NADRA's replacement process, while requiring some patience, is well-documented and accessible across Pakistan.

Step-by-Step CNIC Replacement Process

1. 1File an FIR at the nearest police station IF your CNIC was stolen (not required if simply lost, but recommended for protection against identity fraud)
2. 2Gather required documents (see below)
3. 3Visit the nearest NADRA office or NADRA Mega Center with documents
4. 4Fill the application form at the NADRA counter
5. 5Biometric verification (fingerprints) at the counter
6. 6Pay the applicable fee
7. 7Receive acknowledgment slip (temporary identity document)
8. 8Collect CNIC when ready (within the delivery timeline for your selected service)

Required Documents for CNIC Replacement

• Old CNIC (photocopy if available, or state it was lost/stolen)
• B-Form (birth registration certificate) if original CNIC was first-time issuance
• Parent's CNIC copies (if under 18 or for first-time registration)
• FIR copy (if CNIC was stolen — recommended even if lost)
• Paid utility bill showing your current address (some offices may require)
• Proof of family registration (if needed for verification)

NADRA Fee Structure 2026

Note: Fees are subject to revision by NADRA. Check NADRA's official website (nadra.gov.pk) or call their helpline (051-111-786-100) for the latest fee schedule before visiting.

Online Options — NADRA Portal and Pak-ID App

Pak-ID Mobile App

NADRA's Pak-ID app allows you to initiate the renewal/replacement process online for existing CNIC holders. You can schedule an appointment at your nearest NADRA Mega Center, upload document scans, and track your application status. Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.

NADRA Online Portal (nadra.gov.pk)

The NADRA website provides an online token system for some services, a fee calculator, and office locator. For replacement of a lost CNIC, an in-person visit is still required for biometric verification — you cannot complete the entire process online.

NADRA Mega Center Locations by City

Temporary ID Slip While Waiting

NADRA issues an acknowledgment slip upon application. This slip serves as a temporary identity proof for many (not all) purposes while you wait for your CNIC. Banks may accept it for some transactions. For voter registration and property transactions, you typically need the actual CNIC.

How to Prevent CNIC Loss in the Future

A Nishaaan QR tag on your wallet means that if your wallet is ever lost (not stolen — if genuinely lost and found by an honest person), they can scan to contact you for return. Your CNIC is inside the wallet. This doesn't prevent theft, but Pakistan's lost-and-found culture means the majority of lost wallets that are genuinely lost (not snatched) are returned when the finder can identify the owner.

• Keep a photocopy of your CNIC in a separate location (home filing, with a trusted family member)
• Store a digital photo of your CNIC in a secure cloud location
• Keep your CNIC in a wallet with a QR tag — easier to return if lost
• Do not keep your original CNIC in your vehicle's glove compartment