Applying for or renewing your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) is a essential task for every Pakistani. However, many people are unsure about the costs involved and how long the process takes. Understanding the NADRA CNIC fee in Pakistan is crucial for planning your application and choosing the right service tier for your needs and budget.
NADRA CNIC Fee in Pakistan: A Complete Cost and Timeline Guide
This comprehensive guide will break down every cost, from new applications to renewals and smart cards. We will also cover the processing timelines for normal, urgent, and executive services. By the end, you will have a clear picture of the NADRA fee structure and be able to manage your application without any surprises.
Understanding NADRA’s Service Tiers: Normal, Urgent, and Executive
NADRA offers three main service tiers to cater to different needs and budgets. Each tier has a different CNIC application fee and processing time. Knowing the difference helps you make the best choice.
The Normal service is the most affordable option. It is perfect if you are not in a hurry and can wait for the standard processing period. The Urgent service costs more but significantly reduces the waiting time. Finally, the Executive service is the fastest available option. It comes with a premium price tag for those who need their ID card as quickly as possible. The NADRA CNIC fee in Pakistan varies greatly depending on which of these three tracks you select.
Fee Structure for New and Renewed CNIC Applications
Whether you are getting your card for the first time or renewing an existing one, the fees are clearly defined. The CNIC price in Pakistan depends on the type of card and the service speed you choose.
NADRA offers three service tiers for most of its identity card applications: Normal, Urgent, and Executive. The price of your CNIC directly depends on how quickly you want to receive it. The normal service is the most affordable, but also takes the longest to process. The urgent and executive services are faster but come at a higher cost. These fees are a significant factor in the CNIC application fees Pakistan.
Executive Service
This is the fastest option for those who need their card in a hurry. The executive service fee is PKR 2150 for all CNIC applications and can get your card ready in about 6 days.
Normal Service
This is the standard, most cost-effective option. The fee for a normal CNIC application is free of cost for a new card and PKR 400 for a modification, duplicate, or renewal. The standard processing time is approximately 15 days.
Urgent Service
If you need your CNIC sooner, the urgent service is available. The NADRA urgent CNIC fee is PKR 1150 for both new and modified/duplicate/renewal applications, with a processing time of around 12 days.
Smart CNIC Fees and Other Services
The Smart CNIC, or SNIC, is the latest generation of identity card with enhanced security features. The Smart CNIC card fee has a different structure than the traditional CNIC, reflecting its advanced technology.
Smart CNIC (New/Modification/Duplicate/Renewal)
For a new, modified, or replacement Smart CNIC, the normal NADRA CNIC renewal fee is PKR 750, with a processing time of around 31 days. The urgent service fee is PKR 1500 (15 days), and the executive fee is PKR 2500 (9 days).
Fees for Other Essential NADRA Certificates
Beyond CNICs, NADRA issues other important documents with their own fee structures. Two of the most commonly requested are the Child Registration Certificate (CRC) and the Family Registration Certificate (FRC).
The CRC, also known as the B-Form, costs PKR 50 for normal processing, which takes 7 days. An executive service is available for PKR 500 for same-day issuance. The FRC is only available through executive service, costing PKR 1,000 for same-day delivery. Furthermore, canceling a CNIC due to death is a sensitive service that NADRA provides free of charge, usually processed within one day.
NADRA Fee and Timeline Details for Pakistani ID Documents
| Category/Type | Processing Fee & Timeline | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Urgent | Executive | |
| New CNIC (Fresh) | Free of Cost (15 days) | PKR 1150 (12 days) | PKR 2150 (06 days) |
| CNIC (Modification / Duplicate / Renewal) | PKR 400 (15 days) | PKR 1150 (12 days) | PKR 2150 (06 days) |
| Smart NIC (New/Modification/Duplicate/Renewal) | PKR 750 (31 days) | PKR 1500 (15 days) | PKR 2500 (09 days) |
| Smart NIC Non-Printable Field Modification | PKR 100 (01 day) | – | – |
| CNIC Cancellation (Due to death) | Free of Cost (01 day) | – | – |
| CRC New/Duplicate/Modification | PKR 50 (07 days) | – | PKR 500 (01 day) |
| FRC | – | – | PKR 1000 (Same day) |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of the **NADRA CNIC fee in Pakistan**, including charges for Smart NIC, CRC, and FRC, and their respective timelines for processing. For the most up-to-date information, always check the official NADRA website.
What to Know Before Paying Your NADRA Fee for New CNIC
When you are ready to apply and pay the CNIC price in Pakistan, it’s helpful to be aware of a few key things to make the process smoother.
Payment Methods
NADRA accepts various payment methods, including credit/debit cards (Visa or Mastercard). Some fees can also be paid through e-Sahulat, Easypaisa, or JazzCash, which provides a lot of flexibility for applicants.
Timelines
It’s important to remember that the stated timelines are an estimate and can vary. The clock starts ticking only after your application is approved, not from the moment you submit it.
Online vs. In-Person
The NADRA online CNIC fee is the same as the fee for in-person applications, but the online process might have different payment options or additional convenience charges. Always verify the fees for your specific application on the official NADRA website.
Understanding the NADRA CNIC fee in Pakistan is a straightforward process once you know the different categories and service levels.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying and Paying
Navigating the NADRA fee chart is easier when you know the steps. Here is a simple guide to ensure a smooth experience:
- Determine Your Need: Decide if you need a new, renewed, or modified card. Choose between a standard CNIC or a Smart NIC.
- Select Your Service Tier: Based on your budget and urgency, choose between Normal, Urgent, or Executive processing.
- Gather Required Documents: Have all your necessary documents, like your birth certificate and old CNIC (if applicable), ready.
- Visit a NADRA Center: Go to your nearest NADRA office with your documents. An executive will guide you and tell you the exact CNIC application fee details.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the required amount at the cash counter and obtain your receipt.
- Complete Biometrics: Provide your fingerprints, photo, and signature to finalize the application.
Conclusion: Plan Your Application with Confidence
Understanding the NADRA CNIC fee in Pakistan empowers you to make informed decisions. You can now choose the service that best fits your timeline and budget, whether it’s a free normal application or a fast executive service. Remember to always double-check the latest fees on the official NADRA website, as charges can be updated. With this complete guide to the NADRA fee structure, you can approach your application with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect in terms of cost and processing time.
