Furthermore, NADRA has officially discontinued the reprinting service for CNICs, which means that individuals who have lost their CNIC
must follow the new procedures laid out for obtaining a Smart NIC.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having lost your CNIC, there is no cause for alarm as you can still acquire a replacement identification card. Throughout this article, I will outline critical information that will assist you in this process, including:
The requirements you must meet to obtain a Smart NIC as a replacement for your lost CNIC
The essential documents you will need to have ready when applying for a new ID card
The step-by-step procedure to follow when applying for a lost ID card in Pakistan
Details regarding the processing time and associated fees for obtaining a new ID card
1. Requirements for Obtaining a Smart NIC due to a Lost CNIC
To successfully apply for a new Smart NIC in place of your lost CNIC, certain requirements must be fulfilled:
The applicant must be present in person at the NADRA office.
Additionally, a blood relative of the applicant must also appear in person at the office.
2. Documents Needed for Applying for a CNIC Replacement Due to Loss
When preparing to apply for your lost CNIC, please gather the following documents:
A copy of your lost CNIC.
Note 1:* If you do not possess a physical copy of your CNIC, you can provide your CNIC number; NADRA can initiate the application process
utilizing this number.
Note 2:* While it is not mandatory to submit a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) to NADRA, it is highly recommended to report
your lost or stolen CNIC to the police for your own protection and safety.
3. Step-by-Step Procedure for Applying for a Lost CNIC in Pakistan
To initiate the application process for your lost CNIC, follow these steps:
First, visit the nearest NADRA office in person. Upon arrival, take a token and wait patiently for your turn to be called.
Once you are called, present either a copy of your lost CNIC or provide your CNIC number to the NADRA representative. Your personal data
will be entered into the system, and you may have a photograph taken. Additionally, the biometrics of a blood relative may be required during this process. After completing these steps, you will receive a receipt confirming your application.
4. Processing Time and Fees for a Lost ID card
The processing timelines and associated fees for obtaining a lost ID card vary based on the type of service requested. The following table illustrates these options:
Priority Type | Processing Time | Fee |
Normal | 31 Days | Rs. 750 |
Urgent | 23 Days | Rs. 1500 |
Executive | 7 Days | Rs. 2500 |
FAQs
Q: Can I apply for a reprint of my CNIC if it is lost?
A: No, under the new NADRA policy, it is not possible to apply for a reprint of your CNIC if it has been lost or stolen. The only option available is to apply for a Smart ID card. This marks a significant change from previous policies, where reprinting was allowed prior to the discontinuation of CNICs in that category.
Q: Is it necessary to have a copy of the FIR or police report to obtain a duplicate CNIC/ID Card?
A: No, while NADRA does not require you to submit a copy of the FIR or police report as part of the application process, it is advisable to have a copy of the report for your own protection in case your lost CNIC is misused.
Q: Should I bring someone with me to the NADRA office when applying for a duplicate ID Card/CNIC?
A: Yes, it is strongly recommended that you bring a blood relative along with you when you go to apply for a duplicate ID card, specifically the Smart NIC to replace the lost simple CNIC