Lost CNIC? How to Get a Duplicate CNIC Online in 2026 (Fee & Steps)
Quick answer
If your CNIC is lost, stolen or damaged, apply for a duplicate CNIC on the Pak ID app or at any NADRA centre. You keep the same CNIC number. The 2026 fee is Rs 400 for a regular CNIC or Rs 750 for a Smart NIC on normal priority. No data can be changed on a duplicate.
Table of contents
A lost CNIC is stressful because you need it for banks, SIMs, travel and almost every government office. The good news: getting a duplicate CNIC is simple, can be done online through Pak ID, and you keep the same CNIC number. This guide covers the official 2026 fee, the online and office methods, whether you need an FIR, and how to protect yourself from misuse of the lost card.
Duplicate CNIC Fee 2026 (Official NADRA Rates)
These are the rates on NADRA's official fee structure page:
| Card type | Normal | Urgent | Executive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duplicate CNIC (regular) | Rs 400 (15 days) | Rs 1,150 (12 days) | Rs 2,150 (6 days) |
| Duplicate Smart NIC | Rs 750 (31 days) | Rs 1,500 (23 days) | Rs 2,500 (9 days) |
Applications through Pak ID produce a Smart NIC, so expect the Smart NIC rate there. The fee shown at payment is final. You can confirm the latest rates on nadra.gov.pk.
Lost CNIC: First Steps to Take
- Note your CNIC number. You'll find it on old photocopies, your bank app, your electricity bill records or your B-Form/FRC documents.
- Check SIMs on your CNIC. Send your CNIC number (without dashes) to 668 and block any SIM you don't recognise. Full method: SIM check on CNIC.
- Inform your bank if you think the card could be used to impersonate you.
- Report theft to the police if the card was stolen. An FIR or police report is not normally required for a duplicate, but it gives you a record if the card is misused.
- Apply for the duplicate online or at a NADRA centre as explained below.
How to Apply for a Duplicate CNIC Online (Pak ID)
- Install Pak ID (publisher: NADRA) or open id.nadra.gov.pk.
- Log in or create an account with your CNIC number, a mobile number in your own name and your email.
- Go to the Identity Card section and select the duplicate / lost or damaged card option.
- Your existing record loads. Confirm the details; nothing can be edited on a duplicate.
- Take a live photo and complete fingerprint verification with your phone camera.
- Choose Normal, Urgent or Executive and pay online.
- Save the tracking ID and follow progress with our CNIC tracking guide. The new card is delivered by courier.
Tip: If in-app fingerprint verification keeps failing, don't retry dozens of times. Go to a NADRA centre, where biometrics are taken on a proper scanner.
Applying at a NADRA Registration Centre
You don't need any documents if you know your CNIC number, because NADRA verifies you by fingerprints. Visit any NADRA centre, take a token for a duplicate card, give your fingerprints, have your photo taken, pay the fee and keep the receipt. Check NADRA office timing before you go. Many mega centres also open for longer hours.
Duplicate vs Renewal vs Modification
| Situation | Apply for |
|---|---|
| Card lost, stolen or damaged, details unchanged | Duplicate |
| Card expired or about to expire | Renewal |
| Need to change address, name, marital status, etc. | Modification |
Note: If your lost card was also expired, apply for renewal instead of a duplicate. If you need to change any detail, apply for a modification. You don't need to apply for a duplicate first.
Damaged or Faded CNIC
A card that is broken, bent or so faded that the photo or number can't be read is treated the same way as a lost card. Apply for a duplicate and hand over the damaged card at the NADRA centre if you visit in person.
Lost CNIC Abroad
Pakistanis living abroad can use Pak ID from any country. Most overseas Pakistanis hold a NICOP rather than a CNIC; fees and zones are explained in our NICOP fee guide. For help, contact the NADRA helpline.
Warning: Never pay an agent who claims he can issue a CNIC "without fingerprints" or "from the back office". Only NADRA can issue a card, and it always verifies biometrics.
Urdu mein khulasa
CNIC gum ho jaye, chori ho jaye ya kharab ho jaye to Pak ID app ya NADRA office se duplicate card apply karein. CNIC number wohi rehta hai aur koi detail change nahi hoti. 2026 mein fee regular CNIC ke liye 400 rupay aur Smart NIC ke liye 750 rupay (normal) hai. Aam taur par FIR ki zaroorat nahi hoti, lekin chori ki soorat mein police report karna behtar hai. Apne CNIC par SIMs check karne ke liye CNIC number 668 par bhejein aur anjaan SIMs block karwayein.
Frequently asked questions
What is the duplicate CNIC fee in 2026?
Do I need an FIR for a lost CNIC?
Will my CNIC number change?
Can I change my address or name while applying for a duplicate?
Can I apply for a duplicate CNIC from abroad?
How do I stop someone misusing my lost CNIC?
Accuracy note: Fees and procedures in this guide were checked on 01 October 2026. Government departments can change rules without notice — always confirm on the official portal before paying. Found something outdated? Tell us and we will correct it.
Written & reviewed by Faisal
Faisal writes practical guides on NADRA, passport, FBR and PTA procedures. Every guide is checked against the official government portal and updated when fees or rules change.