Who must obtain a CNIC?

Every Pakistani citizen aged 18 or older is required to register for and obtain a CNIC.

What is the difference between CNIC and Smart CNIC?

The Smart CNIC adds a secure embedded microchip with enhanced security and durability, and a QR-code variant adds machine-readable verification.

🇵🇰 Pakistan · National ID card

NADRA CNIC

Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC)

The CNIC is Pakistan's mandatory foundational identity document, issued by NADRA to all citizens aged 18 and over. It serves as proof of identity, nationality, and legal status and is required for nearly all civil, financial, and government transactions. Variants include the standard card, the chip-based Smart CNIC, and a QR-code CNIC.

What it does

Identity verification / KYCBiometric authenticationOnline authentication

Country:🇵🇰 Pakistan

Type:National ID card

Status:Live

Launched:2000

Issuer:National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)

Who can get it:All Pakistani citizens aged 18 and above, in or outside Pakistan

Format

CardSmart cardMobile app

Identity attributes

Full nameFather or husband nameGenderDate of birth13-digit CNIC numberPhotographAddressFingerprints

Authentication methods

BiometricQR codeNADRA Verisys backend verification

Common use cases

SIM registrationBank account openingPassport and driving licence applicationsVoter registrationGovernment benefits and subsidies

Standards

ICAO-aligned smart card with secure microchip (Smart CNIC)13-digit national unique identifier

Coverage

Over 225 million CNICs issued by 2025

Interoperability

Domestic

Privacy and trust

NADRA holds one of the world's largest centralized biometric databases, governed by the NADRA Ordinance rather than a comprehensive data-protection statute.

Identity verification providers

Independent identity verification vendors that support documents like this for KYC and onboarding. Exact document coverage varies by provider and region, so confirm support before relying on it.

Onfido Jumio Veriff Sumsub Persona AU10TIX IDnow Regula

Official source

https://www.nadra.gov.pk/identityDocument/cnic

NADRA CNIC: frequently asked questions

Who must obtain a CNIC?: Every Pakistani citizen aged 18 or older is required to register for and obtain a CNIC.
What is the difference between CNIC and Smart CNIC?: The Smart CNIC adds a secure embedded microchip with enhanced security and durability, and a QR-code variant adds machine-readable verification.

Educational reference, not official guidance. Confirm current details with the issuing authority. all Pakistan schemes · identity verification vendors