The NIC, or National Identity Card, is an essential document that serves as a fundamental means of official identification for the citizens of Pakistan. Courtesy of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the NIC plays a major role in allowing individuals in the country to get access to a wide range of public services, including activities such as banking, voting, obtaining a passport, and so on.
Initially launched in 1973 as a paper-based document, NADRA issues various types of NICs based on the user’s requirements. For instance, the CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) is issued to all Pakistani individuals who are aged 18 years and older. Similarly, the SNIC (Smart National Identity Card) is an advanced, micro-chip version of the CNIC, storing biometric information and enhancing security. There are also the NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) and POC (Pakistan Origin Card) – the former of which is issued to Pakistani citizens living abroad and the latter to foreign nationals of Pakistani origin.
Over the years, NADRA has been continuously evolving and improving the implementation of the NIC so that integration of digital technologies such as online authentication, e-payments, and digital signatures can also be achieved. Having said that, if you are a Pakistani citizen and are looking to apply for the NIC, then make sure to continue reading our extensive guide for more details.
What are the Eligibility Requirements
Based on the type of NIC or National Identity Card you are applying for, the eligibility requirements will alter gradually.
If you are applying for CNIC, then you must be a verified citizen of Pakistan and over 18 years old. On the contrary, if you are applying for NICOP, then apart from being a verified citizen of Pakistan, you must also be residing outside of Pakistan. However, there are no age limitations.
For applying for POC, you need to present proof of Pakistani origin, which can be proved by showcasing documents that you were born in Pakistan or that one or both of your parents or grandparents were born in Pakistan.
Additionally, relevant supporting documents, such as birth certificates, citizenship certificates, passports, etc., should also be submitted for verification.
How to Apply and Activate
There are two ways you can apply for your NIC – either online or via a nearby NADRA Registration Center (NRC). Steps for each process have been conveniently provided below, which you need to follow judiciously.
Applying and Activating Online
- The first step involves heading over to the official website here.
- You will be required to either sign in to an existing account or register a new account.
- Once you are logged in to your account, select the type of NIC you want to opt for. For more information on the different NICs that are issued, visit NADRA.
- Start the online form fill-up process, and once you have completed that, you will be required to pay the requisite fee online via your debit or credit card. Details for the fee structure can be found here.
- After payment, you will be required to upload your scanned photograph, fingerprint (biometric), and scanned supporting documents. Once done, submit the application and wait for the verification process to complete.
After successful verification, you will receive your NIC at your doorstep.
Applying and Applying Via NRC
- Begin by first locating a NRC around you via the official website.
- Once you have found your preferred office location, head over there with your photograph and supporting documents.
- At the registration center, you will first be issued a token, and then when your time arrives, your photograph, fingerprints, and signature will be taken.
- After that, your personal information will be entered into a form, which will then be printed to be reviewed by yourself.
- Once you have reviewed your printed form, the same will be attested by a gazetted officer and then submitted for verification. After successful verification, you will receive your NIC.
How to Contact For Help
The ideal way to get in touch with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) would be via mobile at 1777 or at +92 51 111 786 100. Phone lines are open 24×7.
Additionally, you can email NADRA customer support at csd@nadra.gov.pk.
Benefits of the National Identity Card (NIC)
As previously stated, one of the primary reasons why the NIC is issued, is to ensure that all Pakistani citizens are provided with an official and universally accepted form of identification.
In addition to that, the NIC allows individuals to vote in elections, apply for driver’s licenses or passports, open bank accounts, purchase a property or register a business, and even obtain benefits from various government welfare programs and services.
The implementation of the NIC also streamlines the identification process across multiple government departments, making it easier for Pakistani citizens to complete their paperwork and access public services.
Apart from obtaining the aforementioned benefits, the NIC also helps in seamless domestic travel across the country of Pakistan, as well as visa-free travel from any country to Pakistan, especially if you are a holder of the NICOP and live abroad.
