Lifestyle
NADRA CNIC Renewal & Smart Card Online Guide (2025 Edition)
By Huzi
Renew, update, and troubleshoot from your couch—no queues, no touts.
“If your CNIC expires, so does half your life in Pakistan.” — NADRA slogan, 2025
🟢 2025 Fees & Timelines (Official)
| Service | Normal (30 days) | Urgent (15 days) | Executive (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart CNIC Renewal | ₨ 750 | ₨ 1,500 | ₨ 2,500 |
| Smart NICOP (Overseas) | £51.50 | £64.50 | £79.50 |
🔐 Universal 3-Step Flow (Works Everywhere)
1️⃣ Pre-Check
- Expiry date printed on the front of your CNIC
- Fingerprint issue? → see Section 7 below first
2️⃣ Apply Online
| Platform | URL | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Pak-Identity Portal | pak-identity.nadra.gov.pk | All renewals & modifications |
| Pak ID Mobile App | Play Store / App Store | Photo + biometric upload on phone |
Upload Checklist
- CNIC front & back (JPG ≤ 500 KB)
- Passport-size photo (white background, 600 × 600 px)
- Thumbprint scans (PNG, ≥ 300 dpi)
3️⃣ Pay & Track
- Online: HBL Konnect, JazzCash, credit/debit card
- Track: Enter tracking ID → tracking.nadra.gov.pk
- SMS: Send tracking ID to 9988 → status in 10 seconds
📱 Mobile App Shortcut (30-Second Walkthrough)
- Open Pak ID App → “Renew CNIC”
- Scan CNIC → auto-fills data
- Capture photo → AI crop
- Pay inside app → ₨ 750 for normal
- Book courier → ₨ 250 home-delivery
🔧 Troubleshooting Cheat-Sheet
| Problem | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Fingerprint mismatch | Visit NADRA e-Sahulat → biometric update (free) |
| Photo rejected | Retake inside Pak-Identity portal or mobile app |
| Status stuck | Wait 3–7 working days for NADRA sync |
| 938 code error | Re-sync CNIC + BISP at BISP Tehsil Office |
🚨 Fingerprint Mismatch → Step-by-Step Fix
- Clean fingers (soap + warm water)
- Visit nearest NADRA office with original CNIC
- Request “Biometric Update” (free)
- Re-scan all 10 fingers
- Wait 3–7 days → retry BISP or passport applications
📦 Delivery Options (2025)
| Method | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Self pick-up | ₨ 0 | SMS alert → collect at designated NADRA centre |
| Home delivery | ₨ 250 | TCS/Speed Post 1–2 days extra |
| Locker pickup | ₨ 150 | Pak-ID lockers at HBL branches |
🕒 7-Day Renewal Sprint
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check expiry on CNIC |
| 2 | Upload docs + pay fee online |
| 3 | Track via 9988 SMS |
| 4 | If fingerprint error → biometric update |
| 5 | Re-upload if photo rejected |
| 6 | Wait for “Ready for Collection” SMS |
| 7 | Collect or wait for courier |
📞 Helplines (24×7)
- NADRA Helpline: 051-111-786-100
- BISP Biometric Help: 0800-26477
- SMS Status: 9988
Renew today, thank yourself tomorrow—because every SIM, bank account, and subsidy starts with a valid CNIC.
