How to Change Address on CNIC
Moved to a new city or locality? Your CNIC address should match your current residence, since it's used for verification in banking, SIM registration, property, and other official matters. Updating it is a straightforward "Modification" request at NADRA — here's exactly how it works.
When Should You Update Your Address?
- You've permanently relocated to a new city, town, or neighborhood.
- Your current CNIC shows your parents' or a previous address that no longer applies.
- You need an updated address for a bank account, visa application, or property registration.
- You've moved abroad and need your NICOP or CNIC to reflect your overseas address.
Who Can You Change Your Address To — Blood Relatives
You don't always need a utility bill or rent agreement in your own name to update your CNIC address. NADRA also allows you to change your registered address to match that of a blood relative — most commonly a father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister — even if you personally don't have a bill or property document at that address.
Example: If a son is currently living in Karachi but his father's CNIC shows an Islamabad address, the son can apply to change his own CNIC address to Islamabad, using his father's CNIC and proof of relationship, instead of arranging separate address proof of his own.
Documents Needed for a Relative-Based Address Change
- Relative's Original CNIC: A copy of the blood relative's CNIC showing the address you want to move to.
- Proof of Relationship: Family Registration Certificate (FRC), B-Form, or NADRA family tree record confirming you and the relative are directly related.
- Applicant's Original CNIC: Your own current CNIC or its number if lost.
- Consent, if required: Some centers may ask the relative to be present or provide written consent, especially for siblings rather than parent-child relationships.
Documents Required
- Original CNIC: Your current, existing Smart CNIC (or its number if the card is lost).
- Proof of New Address: A recent utility bill (electricity, gas, or water) dated within the last 3 months, OR a rent agreement, OR a property ownership document.
- Domicile or Residency Proof: Required in some cases if moving between provinces — check with your local center.
- Passport-sized Photograph: One recent colored photo with a white background, in case biometric re-verification is needed.
Step-by-Step Process
Visit a NADRA Center or Use Pak-ID App
Address changes can be done in person at any NADRA Registration Center, or online through the Pak-Identity portal / Pak-ID mobile app if biometric re-verification isn't required.
Submit a Modification Request
Request a "Modification" (not a fresh application) form, and select "Address" as the field you want updated. Attach your proof-of-address document.
Biometric Verification
In most cases you'll need to reverify your fingerprints at the center, even for an address-only change, since NADRA re-issues the physical card.
Pay the Modification Fee
Pay the applicable fee based on your chosen processing speed — Normal, Urgent, or Executive — at the counter or online via the portal.
Collect Your Updated CNIC
A new physical card with the updated address will be issued and can be collected once ready, following the same tracking and collection process as a fresh CNIC.
Modification Fee
| Processing Type | Fee (PKR) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Rs. 750 | 30 working days |
| Urgent | Rs. 1,500 | 15 working days |
| Executive | Rs. 2,500 | 7 working days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reverify my fingerprints just for an address change?
In most cases, yes — since a new physical card is issued with the updated address, biometric verification is typically required even when only the address is changing.
Can I update my address without visiting a center?
Some address updates can be initiated through the Pak-ID app or Pak-Identity portal, but biometric re-verification, when required, must be done in person at a registration center.
What counts as valid proof of address?
A utility bill dated within the last 3 months, a rent agreement, or a property ownership document are all generally accepted.