You can update the address on your CNIC at a NADRA Registration Centre or through the Pak ID app. The documents you need depend on whether you are changing your current (temporary) address or your permanent address, and on whether you own or rent your home. This guide uses NADRA’s guidance reported by ARY News and Pakistan Observer in June to October 2026. NADRA can change the rules, so confirm the details before you go.
Two Kinds of Address
- Current (temporary) address: Where you live now, including rented homes.
- Permanent address: Your long-term address on record, which needs stronger proof.
How to Apply
- Offline: Visit the nearest NADRA Registration Centre with your original CNIC and documents. Biometric verification is required, and your documents are scanned and returned, according to Pakistan Observer (12 October 2026).
- Online: Apply through the Pak ID app, according to ARY News (28 July 2026). Pakistan Observer says some applications may still need a visit to a centre for verification.
ARY’s July report does not describe the online steps in detail. An older PhoneWorld guide (November 2023) says to open the app, choose the identity document option, enter your CNIC, select “Modify,” upload your photo and documents, complete the forms and pay by card. Those screens may have changed.
Documents for a Current or Temporary Address
ARY News (28 July 2026) says any one of these can be used:
- A tenancy agreement.
- A property registry or allotment letter.
- A utility bill.
- The CNIC of a blood relative or spouse showing the same address.
Pakistan Observer (12 October 2026) gives a longer list that also includes a notarised rent deed or landlord’s affidavit, a verified domicile or Permanent Residence Certificate and a housing society letter. Utility bills must be computerised electricity, gas or water bills in your own, your parents’ or your spouse’s name. ARY’s tenant report (12 October 2026) says one supporting document is enough, such as a lease, a landlord’s sworn statement or a utility bill.
A married sister’s address cannot be used for address verification, according to ARY News (July 2026).
Documents for a Permanent Address
- Homeowners: Original ownership documents, which are scanned during verification, so photocopies are not required, according to Pakistan Observer (30 June 2026).
- Tenants registering a rented property: The same documents as for a temporary address, plus an affidavit from the owner confirming the property is rented to you and that the owner has no objection to it being your permanent address. Pakistan Observer’s October report also mentions the landlord’s CNIC and original property documents.
- Other proof, per ARY News: Property documents, a utility bill or a domicile certificate in the name of the applicant, their parents or their spouse.
Fees
Pakistan Observer reports these fees for any CNIC modification, including address:
| Speed | Fee |
|---|---|
| Normal | Rs400 |
| Urgent | Rs1,150 |
| Executive | Rs2,150 |
The June report printed the normal fee as “400” without “Rs”, and the October report says the figures are approximate. Other reports give higher fees. PhoneWorld (2023) lists Rs750, Rs1,500 and Rs2,500, and Pakistan Observer (August 2025) gives the same for a name change, which may apply to the Smart CNIC. Ask NADRA for the exact fee for your card before you pay.
How Long Does It Take?
Pakistan Observer says generally a few days to about one week, depending on verification, and that the updated card can be couriered or collected from a centre. This is not an official NADRA timeline. The older PhoneWorld guide gives about 7 working days.
Common Reasons for Rejection
- NADRA may reject an application if it is not satisfied with the details, according to Pakistan Observer.
- Documents that are incomplete or in someone else’s name, such as a bill that is not in your name, your parents’ name or your spouse’s name.
- A married sister’s address used as proof.
Safety Tips
- Use only the official Pak ID app and NADRA centres.
- Do not share your OTP or CNIC photo with agents or on social media.
- Do not pay anyone to “fix” your address.
- NADRA’s helpline is 1777 or 111-786-100, according to Pakistan Observer.
What I Could Not Confirm
- The exact current fee, since reports differ.
- The step-by-step online process in the current app.
- Whether all the documents named in each report are accepted at every centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my CNIC address online?
Yes, through the Pak ID app. Some cases may still need a centre visit.
What documents do I need as a tenant?
A tenancy agreement and a recent electricity bill, or another listed document. For a permanent address, you also need the owner’s affidavit.
What if I own the house?
Bring the original ownership documents to a NADRA office. They are scanned and returned.
How much does it cost?
Reports show Rs400, Rs1,150 or Rs2,150, but others give higher amounts. Confirm with NADRA.
How long does it take?
About a few days to a week, according to Pakistan Observer.
Can I use my married sister’s address?
No, according to ARY News.
Check which address you want to change, gather the matching documents and confirm the fee with NADRA before you go.
