If you’re a Pakistani national and require updating your NADRA CNIC details—your name, address, or marital status, for example—you’re not by yourself. Marriages, divorces, moves, and even administrative mistakes might need your national identity records to change. But don’t worry, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has an easy process to update your CNIC data.
This tutorial is composed based on years of NADRA processes and system experience. Whether it’s your first time updating information or you need a reminder, this post will guide you through the process step by step in 2025.
What CNIC Information Can Be Updated?
NADRA enables you to update a number of personal details on your CNIC, which are:
Name
Father’s/Husband’s name
Marital status
Residential address
Photograph or signature
Date of birth (in special cases)
Religion (partial changes permitted)
Step-by-Step Guide to Revise Your CNIC
- Go to a NADRA Registration Center (NRC)
Online updates for CNIC are not available in most personal changes right now. You have to go to the nearest NRC in person.
Utilize the NADRA center locator to locate the nearest NRC.
- Present the Necessary Documents
Here is a general list of documents depending on the type of update:
Update Type\tRequired Documents
Name Change
Court order or affidavit, matric certificate (if applicable), CNIC of father/mother/spouse
Marital Status
Nikah Nama/Marriage Certificate or Divorce Certificate, CNIC of spouse
Address Change
Utility bill, rent agreement, property documents, or attestation by gazetted officer or union council representative
Father/Husband Name
CNIC of father or husband, or legal document
Date of Birth
Matric certificate, B-form, passport, or medical certificate (Note: Change of date of birth is restricted and only strict justification is allowed)
Tip: Keep with you original and one photocopy of each document.
- Token & Data Entry
Take a token number from the reception counter on arrival.
Wait in line.
A data entry operator will help you update your data.
Your photo, fingerprints, and signature will be re-taken.
- Verification and Approval
The operator will provide you a preview of the updated data.
Upon your approval, the application is made available for internal NADRA verification.
In certain situations, a call or house visit for verification may be conducted.
- Payment of fee
- Collection of Your New CNIC
Normal Delivery: 30 days
Urgent Delivery: 15 days
Executive Delivery: 7–10 days
You will be informed through an SMS when your CNIC is available for collection. Bring your original receipt for collection.
Important Points
Updating Marital Status is required after marriage or divorce. The lack of such updates can cause problems with passport, visa, and family registration.
You will be required to appear in person for biometric authentication.
In case your CNIC has expired, it will be automatically renewed with the updated info.
NADRA now provides only Smart CNICs (chip-based) for change and update.
NADRA Helpline & Website
Helpline (within Pakistan): 1777 (through mobile)
International Helpline: +92 51 111 786 100
Official Website: www.nadra.gov.pk
Summary Checklist
- Find closest NRC
- Document preparation
- Go to NRC in person
- Pay required fees
- Get renewed CNIC
How to Update Your NADRA CNIC Information
Having your NADRA CNIC details updated is imperative for everything from opening a bank account to taking a trip, casting a ballot, and handling legal issues. While it does involve a trip to the office, it’s now more streamlined and electronic than ever. Ensure your identity corresponds to your reality—accurately and safely.
If you still have doubts, go to your local NADRA center or ring their helpline. It is better to rectify old information today rather than encounter complications tomorrow.
