How to Change Your Name on a NADRA ID Card (CNIC) Big Update 2026

If you need to correct or change your name (due to marriage, legal reasons, or spelling errors), follow these steps NADRA Office: Go to your nearest NADRA Registration Center (NRC) in person for biometric verification (fingerprints and photo).

Get a Token: Present your original CNIC and supporting documents at the reception to receive a processing token.

Data Entry & Verification: An officer will update your name in the system. Double-check the spelling on the computer screen before the form is finalized.

Pay the Fee: Pay the required fee (Normal, Urgent, or Executive) at the counter.

Required Documents

For Minor Spelling Correction: Your original CNIC and an educational certificate (Matric/Inter) showing the correct spelling.
For Complete Name Change: A legal affidavit (attested by a first-class Magistrate), a newspaper advertisement announcing the name change, and an updated educational degree or birth certificate.
For Women (After Marriage): Your original Nikahnama (Marriage Certificate) and a copy of your husband’s CNIC.

The Process

Visit a NADRA Registration Center (NRC): You must visit in person for biometric verification (fingerprints and photo).
Token Issuance: Present your documents at the counter to receive a processing token.
Data Entry: An officer will update your name in the system. Carefully check the printed form for any errors before signing.
Fee Payment: Pay the processing fee (Normal, Urgent, or Executive).
Collection: You will receive an SMS when your new card is ready. You can collect it from the center or have it delivered to your home (if you chose the delivery option).

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NADRA Family Registration Certificate (FRC) Process

An FRC is a document that identifies your family composition. It is often required for visas, school admissions, or legal matters.

Categories of FRC

By Birth: Shows details of your parents and siblings.
By Marriage: Shows details of your spouse and children.
By Adoption: Shows details of guardians and the adopted child.

How to Apply (Online or In-Person)

Option A: Online (Faster Method)

Visit the Pak-Identity website (id.nadra.gov.pk).
Register an account and log in.
Select the FRC category.
Enter the CNIC numbers of your family members.
Upload a photograph (if a family member’s photo is not in the NADRA database).
Pay the fee (approx. Rs. 1,000) using a Credit/Debit card.
The PDF copy of the FRC will be sent to your email within 24 hours.

Option B: At a NADRA Center

Visit the nearest NRC with your original CNIC.
Ask for an FRC token.
The officer will verify your family tree. You may need the CNIC numbers of all members you wish to include.
Provide your biometrics.
Pay the fee, and the FRC is usually printed and handed to you on the spot.

Conclusion

Updating your CNIC and obtaining an FRC are streamlined processes. For name changes, legal documentation (like an affidavit) is crucial, whereas for an FRC, simply having the CNIC numbers of your relatives is often enough. Always ensure your mobile number is linked to your CNIC for easy verification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change my name online?
No, complete name changes require a physical visit to a NADRA center for biometrics and legal document verification.
How long does it take to get an FRC?
At a NADRA center, it is issued instantly. Online, it usually takes a few hours to a day.
Is an FRC the same as a B-Form?
No. A B-Form (CRC) is an identity document for minors, while an FRC is a certificate showing the entire family tree.