ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — An expired computerised national identity card (CNIC) can be renewed from your phone through Pak-ID, the official app of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). Here is how it works, what it costs, and how long it takes, based on NADRA’s own guidance as of 14 November 2026.
When you need to renew
Under Rule 12 of the NADRA (NIC) Rules, 2002, a citizen must apply to renew a card at any time, but not later than one month after it expires or its validity ends early, according to NADRA.
For a renewal, NADRA lists a single requirement: your CNIC number.
How to renew in the Pak-ID app
- Download Pak-ID, NADRA’s official mobile app, from your phone’s app store.
- Create an account, or sign in if you already have one.
- Choose the CNIC service and the renewal option, then check your personal details.
- Verify yourself in the app. NADRA says it can scan your fingerprints through the phone’s camera, take a live photo that meets international photo standards, and record your signature on the touchscreen.
- Upload any documents the app asks for, by photographing them or choosing files from your phone.
- Choose a priority (normal, urgent, or executive) and pay in the app. NADRA says cards and mobile wallets are accepted, depending on the service.
- Track your application from the app’s dashboard.
NADRA says biometric verification and the photograph may still require a visit to a NADRA Registration Centre in some cases. You can also start the whole process at a centre instead of the app.
Fees and processing times
These are NADRA’s published fees for adults in Pakistan as of 14 November 2026. The faster the priority, the higher the fee.
| Service | Normal | Urgent | Executive |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNIC renewal | Rs400 (15 days) | Rs1,150 (12 days) | Rs2,150 (6 days) |
| Smart CNIC renewal | Rs750 (31 days) | Rs1,500 (23 days) | Rs2,500 (9 days) |
| Duplicate CNIC (lost or reprint) | Rs400 (15 days) | Rs1,150 (12 days) | Rs2,150 (6 days) |
| Duplicate Smart CNIC | Rs750 (31 days) | Rs1,500 (23 days) | Rs2,500 (9 days) |
The same fees apply when you change details on a card, NADRA’s schedule shows. A first-time CNIC is free at normal priority. Fees can change, so check the amount the app shows before you pay.
If your card is lost or damaged
NADRA treats a lost or damaged card as a reprint, which it calls a duplicate. Its Pak-ID app lets you request a reprint of an existing CNIC without visiting a centre, according to NADRA, and the fees are the same as for a renewal.
Which card you can get
NADRA currently issues three kinds of card: the standard card, a Smart CNIC with a secure microchip and extra security features, and a newer CNIC with a QR code that allows faster verification. The Smart CNIC costs more and takes longer to process, as the table above shows.
Overseas Pakistanis
Pakistanis living abroad hold a NICOP, the national identity card for overseas Pakistanis, which can also be renewed in the Pak-ID app. NADRA lists a Smart NICOP renewal at USD 39 (normal), USD 57 (urgent), or USD 75 (executive) in the United States and Europe, and at USD 20, USD 30, or USD 40 in the Middle East and Africa.
Getting help
NADRA’s helpline, 1777, runs around the clock. Its listed landline is +92 51 111 786 100, and complaints can be sent to csd@nadra.gov.pk.
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew my CNIC without going to a NADRA office?
Often, yes. NADRA says the Pak-ID app handles renewals, including fingerprints, photo, and signature, though it may still ask some applicants to visit a registration centre.
How much does CNIC renewal cost in 2026?
For a standard card, Rs400 at normal priority, Rs1,150 urgent, or Rs2,150 executive. A Smart CNIC costs Rs750, Rs1,500, or Rs2,500.
How long does renewal take?
NADRA’s processing times for a standard card are 15 days (normal), 12 days (urgent), and 6 days (executive). For a Smart CNIC they are 31, 23, and 9 days.
What do I need to renew?
NADRA lists your CNIC number as the requirement for a renewal. The app may ask you to upload other documents during the process.
When should I renew an expired card?
NADRA’s rules say you should apply no later than one month after the expiry date, so apply as soon as you can.
