NADRA Makes Replacing Lost or Damaged CNICs Easier

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has released a detailed guide to help citizens replace lost or damaged identity cards, including Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs), National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs), and Pakistan Origin Cards (POCs). The process involves visiting a NADRA Registration Centre, completing biometric verification, receiving approval, paying the required fee, and collecting the replacement card after the prescribed processing time.

To obtain a duplicate CNIC, applicants must provide the number of their lost or damaged identity card. The required document number should be known before visiting the NADRA Registration Centre. NADRA has broken down the replacement process into five main steps.

First, applicants receive a token from the reception desk at the registration centre and wait for their turn to proceed with the application. Next, applicants complete biometric verification at the designated counter, which includes verifying their fingerprint, photograph, and iris scan to confirm their identity.

After biometric verification, the application is reviewed and approved by an authorized official. Once the application is approved, the applicant must pay the required fee. The fee can be paid by scanning the QR code on the token, depending on the type of identity document and the selected processing category.

Finally, after paying the fee, the applicant receives a receipt for their application and must wait for the prescribed processing period. They can collect their replacement identity card from the same NADRA office after the processing time has elapsed. NADRA offers different processing categories, with fees and processing times varying based on the urgency of the request.