Last checked against official source: 10 Nov 2026 By Abubakar Iqbal, Asaan Guide
Your CNIC is about to expire (or already has), and the first question is simple: what is the NADRA ID card renewal fee, and how long will it take? Below are the exact figures from NADRA’s own fee page, which I re-opened on 10 November 2026, plus the steps for renewing on the Pak ID app or at a NADRA centre.
Quick answer
NADRA charges Rs 400 (normal, 15 days), Rs 1,150 (urgent, 12 days) or Rs 2,150 (executive, 6 days) to renew a regular CNIC. A Smart NIC renewal costs Rs 750 / Rs 1,500 / Rs 2,500 (31 / 23 / 9 days). Delivery within Pakistan is Rs 165. The clock starts after you pay. Apply on the official Pak ID app or at any NADRA Registration Centre.
Official fee page: nadra.gov.pk/feeStructure
NADRA ID card renewal fee 2026: CNIC and Smart NIC (inside Pakistan)
NADRA lists the same fee for renewal, modification and a duplicate card. The days shown are NADRA’s own timelines for each category.
| Service | Normal | Urgent | Executive |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNIC renewal | Rs 400 (15 days) | Rs 1,150 (12 days) | Rs 2,150 (6 days) |
| CNIC modification / duplicate | Rs 400 (15 days) | Rs 1,150 (12 days) | Rs 2,150 (6 days) |
| Smart NIC renewal | Rs 750 (31 days) | Rs 1,500 (23 days) | Rs 2,500 (9 days) |
| Smart NIC modification / duplicate | Rs 750 (31 days) | Rs 1,500 (23 days) | Rs 2,500 (9 days) |
| New CNIC (first time) | Rs 0 (15 days) | Rs 1,150 (12 days) | Rs 2,150 (6 days) |
| New Smart NIC | Rs 750 (31 days) | Rs 1,500 (23 days) | Rs 2,500 (9 days) |
Other NADRA charges you might need
- Home delivery within Pakistan: Rs 165 (abroad it “varies from country to country”).
- Updating non-printable fields: Rs 100 at a NADRA centre, or USD 5 through the Pak ID app (2 days either way).
- Changing your age / date of birth (inland): Rs 1,000 (up to 1 year), Rs 2,000 (1 to 2 years), Rs 3,000 (2 to 3 years), Rs 5,000 (more than 3 years), Rs 10,000 for a second age change.
- Validity: a CNIC, Smart CNIC or NICOP for adults is valid for 10 years.
NADRA’s Pak ID notice on the same page says two things worth knowing: fees are charged in PKR after currency conversion, and the normal, urgent or executive timeline starts only after the fee is paid. So if you apply on Friday and pay on Monday, count from Monday.
CNIC or Smart NIC: which one are you renewing?
NADRA’s CNIC page lists three card types: the standard CNIC (Teslin), the Smart CNIC with a secure microchip, and the newer CNIC with a QR code (polycarbonate). On the fee table, the cheaper Rs 400 line is for the CNIC and the Rs 750 line is for the Smart NIC. If you are not sure which one you will get, ask at the counter or check the fee the Pak ID app shows before you pay.
When should you renew?
NADRA’s renewal page quotes Rule 12 of the NADRA (NIC) Rules, 2002: you can apply at any time, but not later than one month after the expiry date (or early end of validity). In short, there is no need to wait for the card to expire.
Documents needed for CNIC renewal
- Your current CNIC number. This is the only requirement NADRA lists for renewal.
- A smartphone with the official Pak ID app, if you want to apply online.
- Time for a short visit to a NADRA Registration Centre if biometrics or a new photo are needed. NADRA says this “may require a visit”.
How to renew your CNIC on the Pak ID app
- Download the official Pak ID app (NADRA links to it from nadra.gov.pk).
- Create an account or sign in.
- Pick the renewal option for your card and fill in your details.
- Upload the documents the app asks for.
- Choose normal, urgent or executive and pay the fee the app shows.
- If the app asks for fingerprints or a photo, visit a NADRA Registration Centre.
- Track your application in the app.
Heads-up: NADRA’s own renewal page currently lists the step as “Select New CNIC”, which looks like a copy of the new-card steps. Menu names inside the app can change, so go by the label the app shows you for renewal.
How to renew at a NADRA Registration Centre
- Take your current CNIC to any NADRA Registration Centre.
- Tell the operator you want a renewal and choose the category (normal, urgent or executive).
- Give your photo and fingerprints and check every detail on the screen before you confirm.
- Pay the fee and keep your receipt and tracking ID.
Overseas Pakistanis: Smart NICOP renewal fee
| Zone | Normal (31 days) | Urgent (23 days) | Executive (9 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A (USA and Europe) | USD 39 | USD 57 | USD 75 |
| Zone B (Middle East and Africa) | USD 20 | USD 30 | USD 40 |
One figure to double-check: for a Zone B Smart NICOP duplicate on executive, NADRA’s page shows USD 40 in one copy of the table and USD 140 in the other. The official site shows two figures, so confirm with NADRA (helpline 1777) or in the app before you pay.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying an agent extra: the fees above are what NADRA charges. Anything more is a middleman’s charge.
- Forgetting the delivery charge: if you want the card delivered within Pakistan, NADRA lists Rs 165 on top.
- Wrong details: check your name, father’s name and address before you confirm. A later age change has its own fee (see above).
Need other documents too?
Renewing your CNIC is often step one. If you also need a passport, see our passport fee guide for 2026. For children, start with the B-Form (CRC) guide, and for visas or immigration you may need an FRC from NADRA. More NADRA guides are in our NADRA & ID Cards section.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NADRA ID card renewal fee in 2026?
For a regular CNIC: Rs 400 normal, Rs 1,150 urgent and Rs 2,150 executive. For a Smart NIC: Rs 750, Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,500.
How many days does CNIC renewal take?
NADRA lists 15 days (normal), 12 days (urgent) and 6 days (executive) for a CNIC, and 31 / 23 / 9 days for a Smart NIC. The time starts after payment.
Can I renew my CNIC online?
Yes, through NADRA’s Pak ID app. NADRA says biometric verification and a photo may still need a visit to a NADRA Registration Centre.
Is there a fine for renewing late?
NADRA’s page says you must apply no later than one month after expiry. Its fee table does not list a separate late fee, so ask NADRA if you are well past that point.
What documents do I need?
NADRA lists only your CNIC number for renewal. Keep your old card with you if you go to a centre.
Is there a delivery charge?
Yes. NADRA lists Rs 165 for delivery within Pakistan.
Official links and helplines
- NADRA fee structure: https://www.nadra.gov.pk/feeStructure
- NADRA CNIC renewal page: https://www.nadra.gov.pk/identityDocument/cnic?action=renew
- NADRA helpline: 1777 (24/7) · Phone: +92 51 111 786 100 · Complaints: csd@nadra.gov.pk
Related guides
- Passport fee in Pakistan 2026
- How to apply for a NADRA B-Form
- NADRA FRC: fee, types and how to apply
- Police character certificate in Punjab
Last checked against official source: 10 Nov 2026 (NADRA fee page and CNIC renewal page).
Asaan Guide is an independent website, not affiliated with any government department. We do not process applications or take payments. Fees can change without notice, so confirm on the official page or at the counter before you pay. Found something out of date? Tell us.