The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has clarified that citizens do not need to apply for a new or reprinted identity card after registering their iris data.
According to a NADRA official, citizens only need to visit a NADRA Registration Centre to have their iris data recorded. There is no requirement to apply for a replacement or reprinted identity card once the scan is completed.
Free Iris scanning available at NADRA centres
NADRA introduced free iris scanning at its registration centres across Pakistan in July 2026. The facility was launched to strengthen identity records of citizens and improve the country’s biometric verification system.
Citizens can have their iris data registered without paying an additional fee. NADRA has urged people to visit their nearest registration centre and use the free service.
Parents have also been encouraged to bring children aged three years and above for iris registration.
NADRA’s current rules state that children aged three to 10 have their photograph and iris recorded for CRC and Juvenile Card registration. Children aged 10 to 18 require biometric requirements include a photograph, fingerprints and iris data.
How Iris verification works?
Iris recognition uses the unique patterns found in a person’s eye to verify their identity. These patterns provide another form of biometric identification alongside existing methods such as fingerprints and facial information.
NADRA says expanding its biometric database will improve the accuracy and security of identity verification. The additional biometric information is also intended to provide stronger protection against identity misuse and fraud.
Citizens who already have an identity card, however, simply need to register an iris scan does not mean they need a new CNIC.
Citizens can visit a NADRA Registration Centre, have their iris data added to the authority’s records and continue using their existing identity card. No separate reprint is required because an iris scan has been completed.
