A duplicate CNIC replaces a lost, stolen, or damaged original card with identical details — it requires a visit to NADRA with an existing CNIC copy or other identity documentation; no police FIR is required by NADRA for loss.

4 Steps to Apply for a Duplicate CNIC

Visit any NADRA office with a photocopy of old CNIC (if available), secondary ID, and your 13-digit CNIC number — biometric match confirms identity; pay Rs. 300–1,000 and track via receipt.

Step 1

Report the Loss or Damage to Confirm You Need a Duplicate

A duplicate CNIC replaces a lost or severely damaged card — the CNIC number stays the same, only a new physical card is issued. If your CNIC is merely worn but still readable and not expired, you can renew rather than request a duplicate (renewal costs the same and also gives you a new card).

There's no formal police FIR requirement for a duplicate CNIC application — NADRA doesn't mandate a loss report from police. Simply visit NADRA and declare the loss or damage. However, some banks and organisations request a police report as an added layer if CNIC loss is being used to justify account access — this is their requirement, not NADRA's.

Step 2

Visit NADRA With Supporting Documents

For a duplicate CNIC application:

  • If you've a photocopy of your old CNIC — bring it. It speeds up data entry at the counter.
  • One passport-size photograph (NADRA may take a fresh one on-site)
  • Any secondary identity document: driving licence, passport, employee ID, or school/college certificate — anything that corroborates your identity without the original CNIC
  • Your 13-digit CNIC number — memorise it or have it noted from an old utility bill, bank account, or saved contact
Step 3

Complete the Duplicate CNIC Application

At the NADRA counter, declare you're applying for a duplicate due to loss or damage. The officer retrieves your existing record using your CNIC number, verifies your identity through biometric matching (fingerprints), and initiates the duplicate issuance. No new data entry is needed — your existing information is already in NADRA's database.

Pay the fee: same as a standard CNIC (Rs. 300 normal, Rs. 500 urgent, Rs. 1,000 executive). Receive your tracking receipt. Track at nadra.gov.pk or via SMS to 7000.

Step 4

Secure Your Replacement CNIC Once Received

When your duplicate CNIC arrives, update all accounts and records that have your old CNIC on file: bank KYC, SIM registration verification, BISP/Ehsaas registration, employer HR records, and any government portals where your CNIC is stored.

Store a clear photocopy of your new CNIC in a separate location from the card itself — so if it's lost again, you still have the number and an image to reference. Digital storage (a clear phone camera photo saved to cloud) works well for this purpose.

Common NADRA Application Problems

I don't remember my CNIC number

Check old utility bills (LESCO, MEPCO, SSGC etc. all show your CNIC), bank account statements, or mobile SIM registration records. Call NADRA helpline 051-111-786-100 — with your name, parents' names, and date of birth they can retrieve your CNIC number from their system.

NADRA says biometric doesn't match for duplicate application

Biometric data can change with age or injury. The officer can escalate to alternative identity verification using witnesses, additional documents, or manual override by a senior officer.

Frequently Asked Questions

No — your 13-digit CNIC number is permanent for life. A duplicate is a new physical card with the same number, same details, just a new issue date.

Corrections and duplicates are separate processes. You can apply for a correction simultaneously, but it may extend processing time. Mention the required correction to the NADRA officer at the time of application.