Can I change my address or marital status while applying for a lost CNIC replacement?

No. The "Reprint" category strictly prints a duplicate of your existing database record without modifications. If you need to change your address, name spelling, or marital status, you must select the "Modification" category and provide supporting legal proofs (Nikkahnama, utility bill, or registry).

Is a Police FIR / Roznamcha report mandatory before applying for a lost card?

If your card was stolen or snatched in a crime, lodging a Police FIR / Daily Diary (Roznamcha) report at the nearest Police Station or Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) is strongly recommended to protect you against identity theft, fraudulent SIM issuance, or unauthorized financial transactions. For simple misplacement at home, NADRA allows direct online application via Pak-ID without demanding an FIR.

What can I use the NADRA Acknowledgment / Token Slip for while waiting for delivery?

The token slip containing your Tracking ID and QR code serves as interim proof of identity for routine domestic travel boarding checks, police verification, and civic interactions. However, it CANNOT be used for high-security biometric transactions such as opening new bank accounts, issuing cellular SIMs, or executing property registries, which strictly require the physical Smart Card microchip.

What should I do if my lost CNIC was already expired years ago?

Select the "Renewal" category on the Pak-ID app or at the NRC counter. You do not need to pay for both Reprint and Renewal; the single renewal process replaces your lost card and extends validity for a fresh 10-year cycle.

NADRA IDENTITY REPLACEMENTNADRA PAK-ID VERIFIED

Lost or Stolen CNIC Replacement Guide 2026: Reprint vs Renewal Rules & Pak-ID Applyگم شدہ یا چوری شناختی کارڈ کا دوبارہ اجراء: ری پرنٹ بمقابلہ تجدید اور فیس شیڈول

Losing your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) can feel stressful, but replacing it is a standardized, reassuring process. Understand whether to apply under "Reprint" or "Renewal", how to report theft to prevent identity fraud, the 2026 fee structure, and how to apply online via the Pak-ID app.

Routine Expiry Renewal?If your card is not lost but simply reaching its 10-year expiration date, follow our step-by-step Pak-ID mobile renewal guide.

Standard Renewal Guide →

New 2026 NADRA Policies?Learn about free first-time cards at 18, cashless NRC token desks, and updated biometric parent verification directives.

2026 Policy Directives →

In Short

Verified Summary

Audio Guide:

How to Check or Verify: Should I Apply for a 'Reprint' or 'Renewal' for a Lost CNIC?

If your lost CNIC was unexpired (still within its validity date), apply under 'Reprint' (Duplicate) to receive an exact replacement retaining your original expiry date. If your lost card had already expired or has less than 6 months left, apply under 'Renewal' for a fresh 10-year validity. Both can be done online via the Pak-ID app.

Immediate Safety Steps: What to Do First

File Police Report (If Stolen)

If your wallet or card was stolen/snatched, visit the nearest Police Station or Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) to enter a Daily Diary (Roznamcha/FIR) entry. This provides legal protection if your card is misused in unauthorized activity.

Notify Your Banks

Call your bank helplines to place a temporary watch on mobile banking or ATM withdrawals if your ATM cards or personal checkbooks were misplaced alongside your CNIC.

Initiate NADRA Application

Open the official Pak-ID mobile app or visit an NRC counter immediately. Once your application is lodged, NADRA's system registers the card status and generates a trackable token.

Reprint vs. Renewal vs. Modification: Which Category Do You Need?

Category Name	When to Select	Validity of New Card	Can Address/Data Change?
Reprint (Duplicate)	Lost, stolen, or physically broken CNIC that is still unexpired	Retains original remaining validity	No (Exact copy of existing data)
Renewal	Lost card was already expired, or expiring within the next 6 months	Fresh 10 Years Validity	No (Data remains unchanged)
Modification	Lost card + you also need to update marital status, present/permanent address, or spelling	Fresh 10 Years Validity	Yes (Supporting proof required)

Official Lost / Duplicate CNIC Fee Structure 2026

Official NADRA processing fees for issuing a replacement Smart National Identity Card (SNIC) with microchip:

Processing Tier	Official Fee (Smart CNIC)	Delivery Timeframe	Service Features
Normal Category	PKR 750	Approximately 31 Working Days	Standard home delivery via Pakistan Post / NRC counter pickup
Urgent Category	PKR 1,500	Approximately 15 Working Days	Fast-tracked printing and prioritized postal dispatch
Executive Category	PKR 2,500	Approximately 7 Working Days	Priority Mega Center processing, VIP lounge & express courier

How to Apply: Pak-ID Mobile App vs. Physical NRC Center

Method A: Pak-ID Mobile App (100% Online)

Download the official Pak-ID app (Google Play / App Store) or visit id.nadra.gov.pk.
Log in with your existing credentials and select "Issue Identity Document" → "CNIC" → "Reprint".
Enter your 13-digit CNIC number and capture a fresh white-background selfie photo.
Use the app camera to scan all 8 fingerprints on plain white paper under bright natural lighting.
Pay the fee via Debit/Credit Card or 1Link e-Pay PSID and specify your home postal delivery address.

Method B: Physical NADRA Registration Center (NRC)

Visit any nearby NADRA Registration Center, Executive Center, or 24/7 Mega Center.
Get a token for "Lost CNIC / Duplicate" at the reception desk.
Provide your 13-digit CNIC number or show a copy/photo of your old card, B-Form, or passport.
Complete live digital biometric fingerprint capture, digital signature, and facial photograph at the data entry counter.
Collect your printed official Acknowledgment Token Slip containing your live Tracking ID.

Temporary ID: What the NADRA Token Slip Can & Cannot Be Used For

✓ What the Token Slip CAN Be Used For

Interim identification for routine domestic travel (domestic airport checks, inter-city railway).
Proof of identity during routine police stop-and-search verifications.
Tracking live card printing and postal dispatch progress online at track.nadra.gov.pk.
Collecting your physical card at the NRC counter once printed.

✕ What the Token Slip CANNOT Be Used For

Opening fresh bank accounts or withdrawing over-the-counter cash requiring biometric verification.
Issuing or transferring mobile cellular SIM cards (requires live BVS biometric machine scan).
International border immigration or applying for new international visas.
Executing registered property sale deeds (Intiqal/Registry) before a Sub-Registrar.

Step-by-Step Lost or Stolen CNIC Replacement Workflow

From police report to Pak-ID reprint application and secure card receipt

VERIFIED PROCESS FLOW

FIR / PKM1

Police Report (If Stolen)

Lodge a Daily Diary (Roznamcha) report at your local Police Station or Khidmat Markaz (PKM) to prevent identity fraud.

Step 1 of 4✓ Verified

Pak-ID / NRC2

Select Reprint (Duplicate)

Log into Pak-ID mobile app / portal or visit NRC; choose 'Reprint' if unexpired, or 'Renewal' if already expired.

Step 2 of 4✓ Verified

Biometrics3

Biometric Verification & Fee

Complete camera/live scanner fingerprint capture and pay statutory fee (Normal PKR 750 Smart, Urgent PKR 1,500).

Step 3 of 4✓ Verified

Card Delivered4

Tracking & Card Collection

Track production status using your 11-digit Tracking ID; collect card from NRC counter or receive via home courier.

Step 4 of 4✓ Verified

Police Report (If Stolen)

FIR / PKM

Lodge a Daily Diary (Roznamcha) report at your local Police Station or Khidmat Markaz (PKM) to prevent identity fraud.

Select Reprint (Duplicate)

Pak-ID / NRC

Log into Pak-ID mobile app / portal or visit NRC; choose 'Reprint' if unexpired, or 'Renewal' if already expired.

Biometric Verification & Fee

Biometrics

Complete camera/live scanner fingerprint capture and pay statutory fee (Normal PKR 750 Smart, Urgent PKR 1,500).

Tracking & Card Collection

Card Delivered

Track production status using your 11-digit Tracking ID; collect card from NRC counter or receive via home courier.

Related NADRA Identity Verification Tools on Pakistan Info Hub

Card Policy

CNIC New Rules 2026 →

Latest biometric & family registration regulations.

Card Logistics

Track Duplicate Card →

Check reprint status via 8400 SMS & Pak-ID portal.

Family Tree

B-Form & FRC Status Check →

Verify family certificates & child birth records.

App Helper

Pak-ID Biometric Fingerprint Fix →

Resolve camera scanning & fingerprint errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (Lost CNIC Replacement)

Essential guidelines on reprint vs renewal, police reports, interim token usage, and address modifications

Verified Answers

You apply for a "Reprint" (Duplicate) when your lost or damaged card is STILL VALID (has not crossed its expiry date); it retains your original expiry date and 13-digit CNIC number. You apply for a "Renewal" ONLY if the lost card was already expired or within 6 months of expiring, which grants a fresh 10-year validity.

Official Sources Cited:

NADRA Pak-Identity Official Portal: https://id.nadra.gov.pk/National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Headquarters: https://www.nadra.gov.pk/NADRA Official 24/7 Helpline: 051-111-786-100 / Mobile: 1777: https://www.nadra.gov.pk/contact-us/