The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched a significant new service. Pakistani citizens can now apply online for their first Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC). The process begins through the official PakID mobile application. This digital step makes the initial application much more convenient for new applicants.
Every Pakistani citizen aged 18 or above must obtain a CNIC. This document is required to access essential national services. These include opening a bank account, applying for a passport, and registering to vote. The government has introduced a major facilitation measure alongside the digital service.
All first-time CNICs will now be issued completely free of charge. NADRA has committed to delivering the first non-chip ID card within 15 days. The authority announced this policy on its official social media channels. It responded to a direct public query about the online application process.
Read: NADRA Clarifies CNIC Procedure for Applicants Without Living Relatives
Applicants need either a computerised birth certificate or a B-Form (Child Registration Certificate). They must use a parent’s verified PakID account to submit the digital application. For a B-Form application, one parent acts as the primary applicant. The other parent then serves as the official attester for the process.
NADRA clarified a critical in-person requirement. Applicants must still visit a NADRA office for the final steps. These are the mandatory biometric enrollment and a short verification interview. This ensures the security and integrity of the national identity database.
If one parent is unavailable, the application can still proceed. This scenario requires the family to visit a NADRA registration centre for manual processing. The authority encourages all eligible citizens to use this expedited, free service.
