The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) issued advisory for parents whose children will apply for a CNIC for a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) for the first time.
NADRA has advised parents to make sure their children have an updated Child Registration Certificate (CRC), commonly known as a B-Form, with the required photograph and biometric information. If the updated B-Form has not been prepared, the child’s latest photograph and fingerprints may not be available in NADRA’s records.
Parents have therefore been advised to visit their nearest NADRA Registration Centre when their child needs to obtain a first identity card.
New form-B requirements based
NADRA has introduced age based biometric requirements for children to improve identity verification.
Children below three years can receive a B-Form without routine biometrics. The document remains valid until they turn three.
NADRA’s current official guidance requires a photograph and iris data for children between 3 and 10 years old, with the document valid until the child reaches 10.
Children between 10 and 18 require stronger biometric requirements, including a photograph, fingerprints and an iris scan. The document remains valid until they reach 18.
NADRA says the presence of children above 3 years old is mandatory when processing a CRC. Parents may therefore need to take their child to a registration centre to complete the required biometric process.
CNIC fees and processing time
- CNIC under the normal category is free and has a processing time of 15 days
- CNIC under urgent category costs Rs1,150 and takes 12 days
- CNIC under the executive category costs Rs2,150 and takes six days
- Smart NIC with normal fee at Rs750 with a processing time of 31 days
- Smart NIC urgently costs Rs1,500 and takes 23 days
- Smart NIC executive category costs Rs2,500 and takes nine days
