🆔 CNIC Lost – What to Do and How to Reissue (Complete Guide 2026) 🇵🇰

📅 Last Updated: February 2026

😱 BREAKING NEWS: Losing your CNIC used to be a nightmare involving endless paperwork and police stations. But in 2026, NADRA has made the process incredibly simple! You can now get a replacement without even filing an FIR in many cases, and you can even apply from home using the Pak ID app!

This guide covers everything: FIR or no FIR?, fees, documents needed, online process, and tracking your application — in simple English + easy Roman Urdu.

📚 What This Guide Covers 🔽

👉 1️⃣ First Step: Should You File an FIR? 🚔
👉 2️⃣ Option A: Apply Online via Pak ID App (Easiest Method) 📱
👉 3️⃣ Option B: Visit NADRA Center (Traditional Method) 🏢
👉 4️⃣ Complete Fee Structure (2026 Updated) 💰
👉 5️⃣ New Upgraded CNIC Features (2025-26) ✨
👉 6️⃣ Tracking Your Application 🔍
👉 7️⃣ What to Do While Waiting for New Card ⏳
👉 8️⃣ FAQs (Real Pakistani Scenarios) ❓

🚔 1️⃣ First Step: Should You File an FIR? 🤔

This is the most confusing part for most people. Here’s the straight answer:

When FIR is REQUIRED:

• If your CNIC was STOLEN (theft, snatching, pickpocketing)

• If you suspect identity theft or misuse

• For your own legal protection in case someone misuses your ID

Roman Urdu: “Agar CNIC chori hua hai ya kisi ne chhina hai, to FIR zaroor karwaein. Yeh aapko legal protection deta hai.” 🛡️

When FIR is OPTIONAL:

• If you simply LOST it (misplaced, fell somewhere)

• If you’re 100% sure no one can misuse it

• NADRA now allows reissue without FIR in many cases

Roman Urdu: “Agar kho gaya hai aur misuse ka khatra nahi, to FIR ki zaroorat nahi. NADRA ab bina FIR ke bhi naya card de deta hai.” ✅

How to File an FIR (If Needed) 📝

Where to go:

• Nearest Police Station

• Police Khidmat Markaz (in Islamabad)

Documents required:

• Copy of lost CNIC (if available)

• Written complaint by applicant

• Any supporting documents

Process time: 5-10 minutes, on-spot registration

Fee: FREE

Roman Urdu: “FIR karwana hai to nearest police station jao. Apni lost CNIC ki copy le jao agar hai to. Free hai, 5-10 minute mein ho jata hai.” 🚓

📱 2️⃣ Option A: Apply Online via Pak ID App (Easiest Method) 🏆

NADRA’s Pak ID mobile app is the easiest way to get a replacement CNIC. You can do everything from home!

Step 1: Download the App 📲

App size: ~220 MB
Languages: English and Urdu

Step 2: Create Account 📝

You’ll need:

• Email address

• Mobile number

• Biometric verification (fingerprint or facial recognition)

Roman Urdu: “App mein account banane ke liye email, mobile number aur biometric verification chahiye.” ✅

Step 3: Select Service 🎯

From the main menu, select:
👉 “Reprint / Lost of CNIC”

Other services available:

• Renewal of CNIC

• Modification of CNIC

• New NICOP

• Reprint / Lost of NICOP

Step 4: Provide Information 📋

The app will guide you through:

• Interactive data acquisition

• ICAO-based photograph capture (using phone camera)

• Fingerprint acquisition (using phone camera)

• Digital signature capture (using touchscreen)

• Document upload (if needed)

Roman Urdu: “App aapko step-by-step guide karega. Photo apne phone se khinch sakte ho, fingerprint bhi phone se le leta hai.” 📸

Step 5: Attester Verification 👤

The system will verify your identity through:

• OTP verification

• Biometric matching with NADRA records

Step 6: Pay Online 💳

Make payment through the app using:

• Credit/Debit card

• Bank transfer

• JazzCash / Easypaisa

Step 7: Receive Confirmation ✅

You’ll get confirmation via:

• In-app notification

• SMS

• Email

Processing time starts from the day of application.

⚠️ IMPORTANT App Requirements:

• iPhone: Requires iOS 15.6 or later

• Android: Requires Android 8+

• Biometric-enabled phone recommended

• Stable internet connection

Roman Urdu: “App use karne ke liye aapka phone fingerprint support karta ho to behtar hai. Internet acha hona chahiye.” 📶

🏢 3️⃣ Option B: Visit NADRA Center (Traditional Method) 🚶

Prefer face-to-face service? Here’s how to do it the traditional way.

Step 1: Locate Your Nearest NADRA Center 📍

Find your nearest NADRA registration center:

• Visit nadra.gov.pk

• Use the “Find Us” feature

• Or call NADRA helpline: 051-111-786-100

Step 2: Gather Required Documents 📂

Good news! For lost CNIC reissue, you generally do NOT need:

• Copy of lost ID card

• Affidavit

• FIR (in most cases)

Just bring:

• Your presence (biometric verification needed)

• CNIC number (if you remember it)

• Any supporting document (optional)

Roman Urdu: “NADRA center jao to pehle wali ID ki copy ki zaroorat nahi. Sirf khud hazir ho jao, biometric verify ho jayega.” 👍

Step 3: Take a Token Number 🎟️

• Visit the help desk

• Tell them you need “Lost CNIC Reissue”

• Get your token number

• Wait for your turn

Step 4: Biometric Verification 👆

At the counter, you’ll provide:

• Fingerprints (all 10 fingers)

• Photograph

• Signature

Roman Urdu: “Counter par 10 ungliyon ke nishan dene honge, photo khinchwani hogi, aur sign karne honge.” ✅

Step 5: Select Service Type ⚡

Choose your processing speed (see fees section below):

• Normal (31 days)

• Urgent (15 days)

• Executive (9 days)

Step 6: Pay Fee 💰

Pay at the designated payment counter.

Step 7: Collect Receipt 🧾

Keep the receipt with:

• Token number

• Application ID

• Expected delivery date

💰 4️⃣ Complete Fee Structure (2026 Updated) 📊

Upgraded Non-Chip CNIC Fees (2025-26)

Smart CNIC Fees (Chip-based)

*Source: The Express Tribune *

Payment Methods Accepted:

✅ Cash at NADRA centers
✅ Credit/Debit cards
✅ Online payment (via app)
✅ JazzCash / Easypaisa

Roman Urdu: “Normal service 31 din mein card de deti hai, urgent 15 din mein, executive 9 din mein. Jitni jaldi chahiye, utna mehnga.” ⏱️

✨ 5️⃣ New Upgraded CNIC Features (2025-26) 🆕

The new CNIC you’ll receive has enhanced security features:

What’s New? 🔥

✅ Bilingual Information: Details in both English and Urdu (consistent with passports)

✅ QR Code Integration: Scan QR code to access digital identity via Pak ID app

✅ Improved Security: Better anti-forgery features

✅ Organ Donor Symbol: Registered organ donors get unique symbol + lifetime validity

✅ Disability Markers: Special features for Persons with Disabilities + lifetime validity

Roman Urdu: “Naya CNIC mein QR code hai, Urdu aur English dono mein details hain, aur security bhi better hai.” 🛡️

🔍 6️⃣ Tracking Your Application 📱

Track via Pak ID App 📲

1. Open Pak ID app

2. Log in to your account

3. Go to “My Applications”

4. Check status of your lost CNIC application

Track via SMS 📨

• Send your CNIC number to 8300

• You’ll receive status update via SMS

Track via Website 💻

• Visit nadra.gov.pk

• Go to “Track Application”

• Enter your token/application number

Track via Call ☎️

• Call NADRA helpline: 051-111-786-100

• Provide your CNIC number

• Get status update

Roman Urdu: “Application track karne ke liye Pak ID app mein dekho, ya 8300 par SMS karo, ya NADRA ki website par jao.” 📡

⏳ 7️⃣ What to Do While Waiting for New Card 🕐

Your CNIC is essential for many daily tasks. Here’s how to manage while waiting:

Get a Token/Application Copy 📄

The receipt/token you received from NADRA can serve as temporary proof that you’ve applied for a new card. Keep it with you.

Use Other ID Documents 🆔

In emergencies, you can use:

• Passport

• Driving license

• Copy of old CNIC (if you have a scan)

Roman Urdu: “Naya card ane tak apna receipt sambhal kar rakhein. Zaroorat par passport ya driving license use kar sakte ho.” ✅

For Sehat Card / Medical Emergencies 🏥

According to Sehat Sahulat Program rules:

• In emergencies, service will NOT be denied

• You can establish identity using:

  • Passport, Driving License, or any valid ID

  • NADRA application token/receipt is also acceptable

Roman Urdu: “Sehat Card ke liye emergency mein service nahi rukti. NADRA ka receipt bhi kaam aa sakta hai.” 🏥

❓ 8️⃣ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Real Pakistani Scenarios) 🙋

Q1: Do I need to file an FIR if I lost my CNIC? 🚔

A: Not necessarily. If it was simply misplaced/lost, NADRA now allows reissue without FIR . However, if it was stolen or you fear misuse, file an FIR for legal protection.

Roman Urdu: “Agar kho gaya hai to FIR ki zaroorat nahi. Chori hua hai to FIR karwao.”

Q2: How much does a lost CNIC cost in 2026? 💰

A: For upgraded non-chip CNIC: Rs. 400 (normal), Rs. 1,150 (urgent), Rs. 2,150 (executive). For Smart Chip CNIC: Rs. 750 (normal), Rs. 1,500 (urgent), Rs. 2,500 (executive) .

Roman Urdu: “Lost CNIC ke liye 400 se 2,500 rupee lagte hain, service ke hisaab se.”

Q3: Can I apply for lost CNIC online? 📱

A: YES! Use the Pak ID mobile app. You can complete the entire process from home including photo, fingerprint, and payment .

Roman Urdu: “Haan, Pak ID app se ghar baithe apply kar sakte ho.”

Q4: How long does it take to get a new CNIC? ⏱️

A: Normal: 31 days, Urgent: 15 days, Executive: 9 days (for upgraded non-chip) . Smart CNIC is faster: 15 days normal, 12 days urgent, 9 days executive .

Roman Urdu: “Normal 31 din, urgent 15 din, executive 9 din.”

Q5: What documents do I need for lost CNIC? 📂

A: Very few! Just your presence for biometric verification. You generally do NOT need copy of lost ID, affidavit, or FIR .

Roman Urdu: “Kisi document ki zaroorat nahi. Sirf khud hazir ho jao.”

Q6: What if I don’t remember my CNIC number? 🤔

A: Your CNIC number is stored in NADRA’s database against your biometrics. When you visit the center, they can retrieve it using fingerprints.

Roman Urdu: “CNIC number yaad nahi to bhi chalta hai. Ungliyon ke nishan se NADRA database mein mil jayega.”

Q7: Will I get the upgraded CNIC with QR code? ✨

A: YES. All new/reissued CNICs now come with upgraded features including QR code, bilingual information, and enhanced security .

Roman Urdu: “Haan, naya CNIC upgraded features ke saath mile ga—QR code, Urdu-English, behtar security.”

Q8: Can someone else apply on my behalf? 👤

A: No. You must appear in person for biometric verification. This is a security requirement.

Roman Urdu: “Khud jana pare ga. Biometric verification zaroori hai, koi aur nahi kar sakta.”

Q9: What if I’m abroad and lost my Pakistani CNIC? ✈️

A: If you’re abroad, you should apply for NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) instead, which serves the same purpose. This can also be done via Pak ID app.

Roman Urdu: “Bahir hain to NICOP apply karein. Pak ID app se kar sakte ho.”

Q10: Is the new CNIC chip-based or non-chip? 🧠

A: NADRA offers both options. The non-chip upgraded CNIC (Rs. 400-2,150) has QR code and digital features. The Smart Chip CNIC (Rs. 750-2,500) has a physical chip with encrypted data .

Roman Urdu: “Dono options hain. Sasta wala QR code wala hai, mehnga wala chip wala hai.”

🏁 FINAL SUMMARY – Your Action Plan 📋

If Your CNIC is Lost:

Step 1: Decide if FIR needed (stolen = YES, lost = optional) 🚔

Step 2: Choose your method:

• Online (Recommended): Download Pak ID app, apply from home 📱

• In-Person: Visit nearest NADRA center 🏢

Step 3: Provide biometrics (fingerprints, photo, signature) 👆

Step 4: Select service type (Normal/Urgent/Executive) ⚡

Step 5: Pay fee (Rs. 400 – 2,500) 💰

Step 6: Keep receipt with application ID 🧾

Step 7: Track application via app, SMS, or website 🔍

Step 8: Collect new upgraded CNIC with QR code! ✨

Quick Reference – Fees & Timing 📊

Roman Urdu Final Advice:

“Dosto, CNIC kho jana ab pehle jaisa masla nahi raha. NADRA ne process bohat asaan kar diya hai. Pak ID app se ghar baithe apply karo, ya center ja kar 10 minute mein form bhar do. Naya CNIC upgraded features ke saath mile ga—QR code, Urdu-English, aur behtar security.

Yaad rakhein: agar chori hua hai to FIR zaroor karwao. Agar kho gaya hai to bina FIR ke bhi kaam ho jata hai. Jaldi karo aur naya CNIC bana lo!” 🇵🇰🆔✅