For citizens who do not have a National Identity Card (CNIC) and do not possess a birth certificate, NADRA has introduced a special facility under specific conditions. In particular, women over the age of 18 can benefit from this facility if they have been unable to obtain a CNIC because they do not have a birth certificate.
Under this facility, applicants can apply for a CNIC without a birth certificate on the basis of certain required documents and family records. This concession is available for a limited period until December 31, 2026.
Procedure for married women
Married women over 18 years of age who do not have a birth certificate can apply for a CNIC by visiting a NADRA center with a computerized Nikah Nama (marriage certificate) issued by the Union Council.
In addition, the applicant must have either a father or mother’s CNIC/NICOP and her husband’s CNIC/NICOP. NICOP refers to the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis.
The applicant must visit the NADRA center along with her Nikah Nama, her father or mother who holds a CNIC/NICOP, and her husband for biometric verification.
If the father, mother, or husband has passed away but their record is available in NADRA’s database, the applicant may still be eligible to submit an application.
During the process, NADRA officials will ask the applicant several questions. If the answers are satisfactory, the application can be processed.
Unmarried women
According to NADRA, unmarried women over 18 years of age can also benefit from this special facility. The conditions related to a husband will not apply to them, but they will still have to fulfill the other required conditions and verification procedures.
Men over 24 years of age can also benefit
The facility is not limited to women. Men over 24 years of age who have never obtained a CNIC can also benefit if, in addition to their father or mother, at least one of their siblings has a CNIC or NICOP.
Such an applicant must visit a NADRA center with a parent who has a CNIC. If both parents have passed away, the applicant can visit the NADRA office with a brother or sister who holds a CNIC and submit the application after providing the required information and details.
Important condition regarding permanent record
NADRA has also informed applicants about an important condition. The applicant’s parents’ details, date of birth, and place of birth will be recorded on the CNIC according to the information provided during the application process.
These details cannot be changed for life. Therefore, applicants must provide all information very carefully and accurately when applying at a NADRA center.
Apply before the deadline
NADRA’s special relaxation regarding the birth-certificate requirement is available until December 31, 2026.
People who meet the specified conditions and have been unable to obtain a CNIC solely because they do not have a birth certificate can visit their relevant NADRA center and submit their applications during this limited period.
This facility provides an important opportunity for eligible men and women who have family records available but have remained without a CNIC simply because they did not have a birth certificate.