Quick Answer
How do I change details on my CNIC?
Apply for Modification (not Renewal or Reprint) through the Pak ID app or at a NADRA Registration Centre (NRC). You’ll need supporting documents for the change, such as a computerised birth certificate for a name correction, a marriage certificate for marital status, or address proof for a new address. [verify the current documents for your case] Choose the speed, pay the fee, then track your application. Don’t use Reprint for a change in details.
CNIC Modification: How to Change Your Name, Address, Marital Status or Other Details
Not an official government website, and not legal advice. We’re an independent guide. Use only NADRA’s official Pak ID app, website and registration centres, and never pay agents.
Can I Modify My CNIC Online?
Yes, in many cases. A Brandsynario report says NADRA’s Pak ID app has been upgraded to handle most CNIC modification scenarios, including marital status changes, with digital biometric verification, document uploads and online payment. [verify which changes the app currently supports. For some cases, you may still need to visit an NRC.]
How Do I Apply? (Step by Step)
In the Pak ID App
- Download NADRA’s official Pak ID app and log in.
- Open Identity Documents, then ID Card.
- Select the applicant and choose Modification.
- Select what you want to change.
- Upload the required documents.
- Complete biometric or photo steps as prompted.
- Choose your speed (Normal, Urgent or Executive) and pay the fee.
- Track your application in the app. [verify the steps. They may differ by change type.]
At a NADRA Registration Centre
For a name change, NADRA’s August 2025 video guide says:
- Prepare your documents (see below).
- Take a token at the NRC.
- Complete biometric verification when your turn comes.
- A NADRA official enters your details, takes your fingerprints and photo, and gives you a printout to check for errors.
- The office in-charge approves the application.
- Pay the fee at the office or online.
- Collect your new CNIC from the same NRC after the processing period.
NADRA clarified that you don’t need to get the form attested for CNIC amendments. [verify]
When Should I Use Modification?
Not sure which option to pick? Choose by situation:
| Situation | Choose |
|---|---|
| Your name, address, marital status, photograph, or other personal details have changed. | Modification |
| Your CNIC is lost or damaged, and your personal details have not changed. |
Reprint See our Lost CNIC Guide. |
| Your CNIC is expiring or has expired, and you do not need to change your recorded details. |
Renewal See our NADRA Services Guide. |
Confirm the correct category and application requirements on the official NADRA CNIC services page before applying.
What Documents Do I Need? (By Change)
Documents vary by change, so confirm yours with NADRA.
Change of Name
According to NADRA’s guide (reported by ARY):
- A computerised birth certificate from the Union Council or Cantonment Board showing the correct, updated name.
- If none is available, an affidavit on NADRA’s specified form: Form C1 for a B-Form and Form C2 for a CNIC.
- A Dar-ul-Ifta certificate for a change of religion.
PhoneWorld says men can change their name once, while women can change it multiple times. [verify the current rule.]
How Do I Register a Complaint on Aap Ki Baldia?
Change of Marital Status
A marriage certificate is usually needed. See our Punjab marriage registration guide. A Pakistani consulate page lists an attested marriage certificate for marriage-related changes. [verify for your case, including divorce or widowhood.]
Change of Address
Pakistan Observer reported that people living in rented houses can update their current address in NADRA records. For a temporary or current address, documents may include:
- The CNIC of a blood relative or spouse registered at the same address
- Property ownership documents
- A utility bill in your or your parents’ name
To register a rented house as a permanent address, you may need the landlord’s affidavit, the landlord’s CNIC and the original property documents. [verify. Requirements differ for temporary and permanent addresses.] The report says you can visit an NRC with your original CNIC and documents, or upload documents on PakID.
Change of Date of Birth
PhoneWorld says NADRA allows changing your date of birth only once. [verify.] A consulate page notes an extra age modification fee on top of the modification fee. [verify.]
Photo
You’ll usually recapture your photo in the app or at the NRC. [verify.]
How Much Does It Cost?
A 2026 guide lists a Smart NIC fee of Rs. 750 (Normal), Rs. 1,500 (Urgent) and Rs. 2,500 (Executive). [This is a third-party guide. Check NADRA’s official fee page for your type of change and for any extra fee, such as age modification.]
How Long Does It Take?
Wego lists timelines of 31, 23 and 7 days for Pak Identity applications across normal, urgent and executive service levels. [That’s from a renewal guide. Verify the time for modification.]
Common Problems and Fixes
- My documents don’t match. NADRA compares them with its records. Make sure names and spellings are consistent across documents.
- I don’t have a computerised birth certificate. Use NADRA’s affidavit option (Form C1 or C2). [verify.]
- The app won’t let me change this detail. Visit an NRC.
- I changed my name but my other documents didn’t update. You’ll need to update your bank, passport and other records separately. See our e-Passport guide.
- I picked Reprint by mistake. If your details changed, cancel or re-apply under Modification. [verify how.]
Tips
- Choose Modification when any detail changes.
- Gather documents before you start.
- Keep clear scans.
- Keep your tracking ID and receipt.
- Update other records after your CNIC changes (bank, SIM, passport, school and property).
- Use accurate information. False information can lead to rejection and legal action.
and legal action.
How Do I Avoid Scams?
- Use only the official Pak ID app, id.nadra.gov.pk and NADRA centres. Check the web address carefully.
- Never pay agents to “fix” or “change” your record. Fees are paid through official channels.
- Don’t buy fake documents (birth certificates, affidavits). They can lead to criminal charges.
- Don’t share OTPs, PINs or card details, or send CNIC photos to strangers.
- Beware of messages that claim your CNIC will be “blocked” unless you click a link.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I change my name on my CNIC?
Apply for Modification with a computerised birth certificate, or Form C1 or C2 if you don’t have one. [verify]
2. Can I change my CNIC address online?
Pakistan Observer says you can upload documents on PakID. [verify]
3. Can I change my date of birth?
NADRA allows it once, per PhoneWorld. [verify]
4. What’s the difference between modification and reprint?
Modification is for changing details. Reprint is for a lost or damaged card with no change.
5. Do I need attested forms?
NADRA said CNIC amendments don’t require an attested form. [verify]
6. How much does modification cost?
A 2026 guide lists Rs. 750, Rs. 1,500 or Rs. 2,500, depending on speed. [verify]
7. Is this the official NADRA website?
No. We’re an independent guide. Use NADRA’s official channels.