🪪 How to Apply for CNIC & NICOP Online – Complete NADRA Pak Identity Portal Guide (2026)

How to apply for CNIC and NICOP online through NADRA Pak Identity portal 2026 step by step guide

📅 Updated for 2026 – Pakistan & Overseas Guide

If you want to apply for CNIC, NICOP, renewal, modification, or Smart Card, this complete guide explains how to use NADRA Pak Identity Portal step-by-step — in simple English + easy Roman Urdu 🇵🇰


🏢 1️⃣ What Is NADRA & Pak Identity Portal?

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) manages identity records of Pakistani citizens.

The Pak Identity Portal is NADRA’s official online system where you can:

✔ Apply for CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
✔ Apply for Smart CNIC
✔ Apply for NICOP (Overseas Pakistanis)
✔ Renew expired card
✔ Modify personal information
✔ Apply for FRC (Family Registration Certificate)

Roman Urdu:
“Pak Identity portal se aap ghar beth kar CNIC ya NICOP apply kar saktay hain — office jana zaroori nahi hota (ziyada cases mein).”


👤 2️⃣ Who Can Apply Online?

✔ Pakistani citizens (18+ for CNIC)
✔ Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)
✔ Expired CNIC holders
✔ Lost card applicants
✔ People needing correction (name, address, marital status)

Roman Urdu:
“Agar aap ka card expire ho gaya hai ya lost ho gaya hai, online apply karna asaan tareeqa hai.”


📋 3️⃣ What You Need Before Applying

Prepare these:

📌 Valid email address
📌 Mobile number
📌 Scanned documents (if required)
📌 Digital photograph
📌 Debit/Credit card for payment

For NICOP:

📌 Foreign address
📌 Passport copy

Roman Urdu:
“Documents clear scan karein warna application reject ho sakti hai.”


🪜 4️⃣ How to Create Account on Pak Identity Portal

Step-by-Step

1️⃣ Visit official Pak Identity website
2️⃣ Click Register
3️⃣ Enter:

  • Full Name

  • Email

  • Password

4️⃣ Verify email
5️⃣ Login to your account

Roman Urdu:
“Email verification zaroor complete karein warna login nahi hoga.”


📝 5️⃣ How to Apply for CNIC Online


🔹 Step 1: Start New Application

1️⃣ Login
2️⃣ Click Apply Now
3️⃣ Choose:

  • New CNIC

  • Renewal

  • Modification

  • Lost card


🔹 Step 2: Fill Personal Details

Enter:

✔ Name
✔ Father / Husband Name
✔ Date of Birth
✔ Address
✔ Religion
✔ Marital status

Roman Urdu:
“Spelling bilkul CNIC ya B-Form ke mutabiq likhein.”


🔹 Step 3: Upload Photograph

✔ Clear background
✔ Neutral expression
✔ No cap / sunglasses

System may ask for face verification.


🔹 Step 4: Provide Biometrics (If Required)

In some cases:

✔ Fingerprints
✔ Signature upload

If system asks physical verification, you may need to visit NADRA center.

Roman Urdu:
“Kuch cases mein biometric verification ke liye office jana parta hai.”


🔹 Step 5: Review & Submit

✔ Check all details
✔ Confirm information
✔ Submit application


💳 Step 6: Pay Online Fee

Payment options:

✔ Debit card
✔ Credit card
✔ International card (for NICOP)

Fee depends on:

TypeApprox Fee
Normal CNICStandard fee
UrgentHigher fee
ExecutiveHighest fee

Roman Urdu:
“Urgent aur Executive service mein card jaldi milta hai lekin fee zyada hoti hai.”


🌍 6️⃣ How to Apply for NICOP (Overseas Pakistanis)

NICOP = National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis

Steps same as CNIC but you must:

✔ Enter foreign address
✔ Provide passport details
✔ Pay international fee

Delivery available to overseas address.

Roman Urdu:
“NICOP se aap visa ke baghair Pakistan travel kar saktay hain.”


📦 7️⃣ How to Track Your Application Status

After submission:

1️⃣ Login to portal
2️⃣ Click My Applications
3️⃣ View status

Common statuses:

StatusMeaning
In ProcessUnder review
Under VerificationData checking
PrintedCard printed
DispatchedSent for delivery
DeliveredReceived

Roman Urdu:
“Agar ‘Under Verification’ aaye to tension na lein — normal process hai.”


⏳ 8️⃣ How Long It Takes?

Service TypeTime (Approx)
Normal15–30 days
Urgent7–15 days
Executive5–7 days

Delivery time may vary.

Roman Urdu:
“Executive service sab se fast hoti hai.”


⚠️ 9️⃣ Common Reasons Application Gets Rejected

❌ Blurry documents
❌ Wrong information
❌ Face not clear
❌ Mismatch with family record
❌ Unverified email

Roman Urdu:
“Form submit karne se pehle har cheez double check karein.”


🏢 🔟 When You Must Visit NADRA Office

You may need to visit if:

✔ Biometric mismatch
✔ Major correction
✔ Family tree verification
✔ System request

Bring:

✔ Original documents
✔ Application tracking number


❓ 1️⃣1️⃣ FAQs – NADRA Pak Identity

Q1: Can I apply CNIC first time online?
👉 Usually first-time CNIC requires visit to NADRA center.

Q2: Can I modify marital status online?
✔ Yes (documents required).

Q3: Is online application safe?
✔ Yes — official government portal.

Q4: Can someone else apply for me?
❌ No — personal verification required.

Q5: What if card is lost?
✔ Apply for “Lost Card” replacement online.


🏁 Final Advice

✔ Use official portal only
✔ Enter correct information
✔ Keep payment receipt safe
✔ Track status regularly
✔ Choose service type according to urgency

Roman Urdu Final Tip:
“CNIC ya NICOP apply karte waqt jaldi mein ghalti na karein — choti si mistake application delay kar sakti hai.”