Losing a loved one comes with enough paperwork already, but canceling their CNIC is one step that shouldn’t be skipped or delayed. An active CNIC left on record after death can hold up inheritance matters, pension settlements, and other legal processes for the whole family. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Why This Matters
Under Section 17A of the NADRA Ordinance, a deceased person’s CNIC is legally required to be cancelled within 60 days of death. Beyond the legal requirement, leaving it active can cause real problems for surviving family members:
- Inheritance complications: An active CNIC can complicate how an estate is officially divided among heirs.
- Pension delays: Pension settlement processes can be held up when the deceased’s record still shows an active, valid CNIC.
- Unresolved legal and financial matters: Transactions and accounts tied to the CNIC may remain technically open longer than they should.
- Inaccurate national records: Keeping NADRA’s database accurate helps with everything from government planning to preventing identity misuse.
Many families delay this simply out of not knowing the process, or assuming there’s a fee involved. There isn’t — cancellation is completely free.
Who Can Apply
Any close relative can apply for CNIC cancellation, including the deceased’s parents, spouse, children, siblings, or anyone listed in the family’s official NADRA family record.
Documents You’ll Need
- The deceased’s original CNIC — or just the CNIC number, if the physical card isn’t available
- A computerized death certificate, obtained from the relevant Union Council, Cantonment Board, or Tehsil Municipal Office
- A burial certificate
Step-by-Step Process
- Register the death first. Before you can cancel the CNIC, the death itself must be formally registered and a computerized death certificate obtained from your local Union Council, Cantonment Board, or Tehsil Municipal Office.
- Gather all required documents listed above.
- Visit your nearest NADRA registration center and submit the documents to the officer on duty, requesting CNIC cancellation due to death.
- Collect your cancellation certificate. This is typically issued within about 7 working days.
- NADRA will destroy the deceased’s original CNIC card as part of the cancellation process.
A Newer, Faster Digital Option
NADRA has also begun rolling out a more streamlined digital process in parts of the country. Once a death is registered through the provincial Civil Registration Management System (CRMS) — currently being piloted through a mobile app in select Punjab districts, with plans to expand nationwide — the CNIC can then be cancelled directly through NADRA’s Pak ID app, since NADRA and provincial systems now share this data in real time. A family member will still need to complete biometric verification at a NADRA office to finalize the cancellation. Check with your local Union Council or NADRA center to see if this faster digital option is already available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to cancel a deceased person’s CNIC?
No. CNIC cancellation due to death is completely free of charge at NADRA.
What happens if we don’t cancel the CNIC within 60 days?
The law requires cancellation within 60 days of death, though in practice, many families take longer. It’s best to complete this as soon as the death certificate is available, since delays can complicate inheritance and pension matters.
Can anyone in the family apply, or does it have to be the closest relative?
Any close relative — parents, spouse, children, siblings, or anyone listed in the deceased’s official family record — can apply for the cancellation.
Do we need the physical CNIC card to cancel it?
No. If the original card isn’t available, providing just the CNIC number along with the death certificate and burial certificate is sufficient.
Taking care of this step early — ideally soon after arranging the death certificate — helps avoid unnecessary delays later when settling inheritance, pensions, or other legal matters tied to your loved one’s affairs.
