CNIC Correction Process (Name, Father Name, Date of Birth) – 2026 NADRA Guide

CNIC correction process 2026 showing NADRA guide for name correction, father name correction, and date of birth correction in Pakistan

This guide is written in simple English, focuses on real NADRA procedures, and explains how to correct mistakes in CNIC without confusion.


1. What Is CNIC Correction?

CNIC correction means fixing incorrect information on your Computerized National Identity Card issued by NADRA.

Common corrections include:

  • Name spelling mistake

  • Father’s name correction

  • Date of Birth (DOB) correction

These mistakes usually happen due to:

  • Data entry errors

  • Old handwritten records

  • Mismatch with B-Form or educational documents

⚠️ CNIC corrections are serious matters because NADRA links your CNIC to family records, passport, bank accounts, and government databases.


2. Who Can Apply for CNIC Correction?

You can apply for CNIC correction if:

  • You are a Pakistani citizen

  • You already have a CNIC

  • Your CNIC has wrong or incomplete information

  • You can provide supporting documents

Common Examples in Pakistan

  • Name spelling different from Matric certificate

  • Father’s name mismatch with B-Form

  • Wrong DOB entered during first CNIC issuance

  • Married women needing correction after nikah

👉 Example:
If your CNIC shows Muhammad Ahsan but your Matric certificate shows Muhammad Ehsan, you must apply for name correction.


3. Documents Required for CNIC Correction

Documents depend on what you want to correct. Original documents are mandatory.


A. Documents for Name Correction

You may need any one or more of the following:

  1. B-Form / CRC

  2. Matric Certificate (most preferred)

  3. Birth Certificate (Union Council)

  4. Passport (if available)

  5. Father’s CNIC

📌 NADRA prefers educational and NADRA-issued documents.


B. Documents for Father’s Name Correction

Required documents:

  1. Applicant’s B-Form

  2. Father’s CNIC

  3. Family Registration Certificate (FRC) (if asked)

  4. Educational document (optional but helpful)

👉 If father is deceased:

  • Father’s CNIC (if available)

  • Death certificate (if required)

  • Mother’s CNIC


C. Documents for Date of Birth (DOB) Correction

This is the most sensitive correction.

You may need:

  1. B-Form

  2. Birth Certificate

  3. Matric Certificate

  4. Passport (if already issued)

⚠️ NADRA strictly checks DOB changes. Large changes may require:

  • Union Council verification

  • NADRA headquarters approval


4. Step-by-Step CNIC Correction Process at NADRA

Below is the official offline process used in Pakistan.


Step 1: Identify the Exact Mistake

Before visiting NADRA:

  • Compare CNIC with B-Form and Matric certificate

  • Identify exact field needing correction

📌 Do not apply for multiple unnecessary corrections.


Step 2: Visit NADRA Registration Center

You can go to:

  • NADRA Registration Center (NRC)

  • NADRA Mega Center

  • Executive NADRA Center

👉 Best time: Early morning


Step 3: Get Token for “CNIC Modification”

Tell staff you need:

  • CNIC Modification / Correction

You will receive a token number.


Step 4: Data Entry & Document Submission

At the counter:

  • Explain the correction clearly

  • Submit original documents

  • NADRA officer enters correction request

⚠️ Incorrect explanation can cause rejection.


Step 5: Biometric Verification

NADRA will take:

  • Fingerprints

  • Photograph (if required)

  • Signature


Step 6: Family Verification (If Required)

For father name or DOB corrections:

  • A blood relative may be required

  • Relative gives biometric verification


Step 7: Review & Confirmation

You will see updated information on screen.

✔ Check carefully:

  • English & Urdu spelling

  • Numbers (DOB)

  • Father’s name

Once approved, sign the form.


Step 8: Pay CNIC Correction Fee

Fees depend on service type:

ServiceTimeFee
Normal~30 daysLow
Urgent~15 daysMedium
Executive~7 daysHigh

Step 9: Receive Tracking Slip

You will get:

  • Application ID

  • Estimated delivery date


Step 10: Receive Corrected CNIC

Corrected CNIC is delivered by:

  • Courier

  • Or SMS notification


5. Online Method for CNIC Correction (Pak-Identity)

Some corrections can be done online via Pak-Identity Portal.

Corrections Allowed Online

  • Minor name spelling correction

  • CNIC renewal with correction

  • Address update

Corrections NOT Usually Allowed Online

  • Major DOB change

  • Father name change

  • Family record disputes

👉 In such cases, NADRA center visit is mandatory.


6. Offline Method Summary (Quick Steps)

  1. Visit NADRA center

  2. Take modification token

  3. Submit documents

  4. Biometric verification

  5. Family verification (if required)

  6. Confirm correction

  7. Pay fee

  8. Track application


7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these frequent errors:

  1. Applying without supporting documents

  2. Using expired CNIC

  3. Mismatch with B-Form

  4. Asking for unnecessary changes

  5. Ignoring Urdu spelling

  6. Not bringing a verifier

  7. Losing tracking slip

👉 Important:
False corrections can lead to CNIC blocking.


8. FAQs – CNIC Correction Process

Q1: Can I change my name completely?

Only with strong legal proof (court order). Minor spelling changes are easier.


Q2: How many times can CNIC be corrected?

Minor corrections are allowed, but repeated changes raise red flags.


Q3: Can DOB be changed after passport issuance?

Yes, but passport must also be updated later.


Q4: Is father name correction difficult?

Yes, if documents don’t match. Family verification is mandatory.


Q5: How long does CNIC correction take?

  • Normal: ~30 days

  • Urgent: ~15 days

  • Executive: ~7 days


Q6: Can I track correction status?

Yes, using NADRA tracking ID or SMS service.


9. Conclusion

The CNIC correction process in Pakistan is straightforward if your documents are correct and consistent. Most rejections happen due to mismatched records, not the application itself.

Final Advice:

  • Fix B-Form first if incorrect

  • Use educational documents as proof

  • Double-check English & Urdu spellings

  • Visit NADRA center for major corrections

If done properly, your corrected CNIC will be issued without delays or complications.