Smart Card Fee 2026 — At a Glance
The Smart CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) fee in Pakistan depends on two things: which processing speed you choose, and which type of card you're applying for — a new card, a renewal, a B-Form for a child, or a Family Registration Certificate. The table below covers the standard Smart CNIC fee that most applicants search for.
| Processing Type | Fee (PKR) | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 750 | 31 days |
| Urgent | 1,500 | 15 days |
| Executive | 2,500 | 7 days |
These three tiers apply whether you're getting a fresh Smart CNIC for the first time, renewing an expired card, or requesting a duplicate after loss or damage — the fee structure stays the same, only the required documents differ by situation.
Form B
Form B, used to register children under 18 in NADRA's system before they're eligible for a full CNIC, has a separate, lower fee structure:
| Processing Type | Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Normal | 50 |
| Executive | 500 |
Family Registration Certificate (FRC) Fee
| Certificate | Standard Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Family Registration Certificate | 1,000 |
How to Pay the Smart Card Fee
NADRA fees can be paid through several convenient methods, so you're not limited to visiting a bank branch in person:
- Easypaisa — Pay directly from your Easypaisa mobile wallet
- JazzCash — Pay using your JazzCash mobile account
- Raast — Pakistan's instant payment system, linked to your bank account
- Bank Transfer — Pay via online banking or over the counter at designated bank branches
All four options are available through the Pak-Identity portal at checkout — select your preferred method, confirm the amount, and complete the payment from your phone or bank's app without needing to visit an NRC just to pay.
How to Choose the Right Processing Speed
If you have no urgent deadline — no upcoming travel, bank account opening, or job requirement tied to your CNIC — the Normal tier at Rs. 750 is the most cost-effective option, even though it takes about a month. The Urgent tier at Rs. 1,500 roughly halves the wait to 15 days, which is the most commonly chosen option for people who need their card within a specific but not immediate timeframe. Executive processing at Rs. 2,500 is worth the extra cost only when you need the card within a week — for example, ahead of an international flight or an urgent legal matter.
Why Smart Card Fees Vary in Search Results
If you've searched "smart card fee 2026" and seen different numbers on different sites, it's usually because older articles haven't been updated after NADRA's periodic fee revisions, or because they're mixing Smart CNIC fees with NICOP fees (which are charged in USD, not PKR, and apply only to overseas Pakistanis). The table above reflects the standard domestic Smart CNIC fee schedule.
What's Included in the Fee?
- Biometric enrollment (fingerprint, photograph, and iris scan where applicable)
- Chip-embedded Smart Card production and printing
- Delivery to your chosen NADRA Registration Center or, in some cities, home delivery
There is no separate charge for biometric verification — it's bundled into the processing fee shown above, regardless of which tier you select.
CNIC Fee 2026 — Official NADRA Rates
Alongside the chip-based Smart CNIC, NADRA also issues a standard CNIC at a much lower fee, with first-time issuance completely free. The rates below are taken directly from NADRA's official fee schedule.
| Service | Normal | Urgent | Executive |
|---|---|---|---|
| New CNIC | Free 15 days | Rs. 1,150 12 days | Rs. 2,150 6 days |
| CNIC Renewal | Rs. 400 15 days | Rs. 1,150 12 days | Rs. 2,150 6 days |
| CNIC Modification | Rs. 400 15 days | Rs. 1,150 12 days | Rs. 2,150 6 days |
| Duplicate CNIC | Rs. 400 15 days | Rs. 1,150 12 days | Rs. 2,150 6 days |
CNIC vs Smart CNIC — Fee Comparison
| Card Type | New / First-Time | Renewal | Modification | Duplicate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNIC (Non-Smart) | Free | Rs. 400+ | Rs. 400+ | Rs. 400+ |
| Smart CNIC (Chip) | Rs. 750+ | Rs. 750+ | Rs. 750+ | Rs. 750+ |
Once issued a Smart CNIC, applicants cannot switch back to the standard CNIC — all future renewals are then charged at Smart CNIC rates instead.
CNIC Fee — Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CNIC still being issued in 2026?
Yes. It hasn't been discontinued and remains the standard identity card issued to Pakistani citizens.
Do I pay anything for my first CNIC at 18?
No, as long as you choose Normal processing. Urgent and Executive tiers are paid even for first-time applicants.
Why does my renewal cost Rs. 400 if my first CNIC was free?
The free waiver applies only to first-time issuance. Renewal, modification, and duplicate requests are separate services and are always paid, starting at Rs. 400 under Normal processing.
Can I get a free Smart CNIC as a first-time applicant?
No. The Smart (chip) CNIC has no free tier under any circumstance — it starts at Rs. 750 for Normal processing, even for first-timers.
Smart Card Fee, Form B & FRC — Frequently Asked Questions
Has the Smart Card fee increased for 2026?
The fee structure shown above reflects the most recently published NADRA schedule. Always confirm the exact amount on the official Pak-Identity portal before paying, since government fees can be revised.
Is the fee different for renewals versus first-time applications?
No — the Normal, Urgent, and Executive fee amounts are the same for new applications, renewals, and duplicates. Only the required documents differ.
Can I pay the Smart Card fee online?
Yes, payment can be made through the Pak-Identity portal using a debit or credit card, or at designated bank branches listed on the portal.
What age children need to be brought in person for Form B?
Children from age 3 up to 18 need to be physically present along with a parent, since a photograph is required on the Form B within this age range. Bringing both the child and a parent in person is necessary for this photo-based verification.
Do children need to be brought in person for an FRC as well?
Yes, if the child's existing Form B is in the old format without a photograph. However, if the child already holds a CNIC, their data is already on record through the family's marriage-based FRC, so they do not need to be brought in for that FRC application.