Smart CNIC (SNIC)
The Smart National Identity Card (SNIC) is NADRA's chip-based ID with enhanced security and digital features. It stores biometric data securely and supports e-services. All new cards and renewals are issued as Smart NICs.
اہم معلومات (آسان اردو میں)
- Smart NIC NADRA کا چپ والا شناختی کارڈ — بہتر سیکیورٹی اور ڈیجیٹل فیچرز۔
- بائیومیٹرک ڈیٹا محفوظ رکھتا ہے اور ای-سروسز سپورٹ کرتا ہے۔
- تمام نئے کارڈ اور تجدید Smart NIC کے طور پر جاری ہوتے ہیں۔
- 18 سال یا زائد پاکستانی شہری جو CNIC کا اہل ہو۔
- موجودہ CNIC ہولڈر جو Smart NIC میں اپ گریڈ/تجدید کر رہا ہو۔
- ب-فارم (پہلی بار) یا موجودہ/پرانا CNIC (اپ گریڈ/تجدید)
- والدین/خاندان کے CNIC یا FRC (حسبِ ضرورت)
- پتے کا ثبوت اور کسی تبدیلی کے معاون کاغذات
- NRC پر یا Pak-ID پورٹل (id.nadra.gov.pk) سے درخواست دیں۔
- ٹوکن لیں اور Smart NIC درخواست/اپ گریڈ فارم بھریں۔
- دستاویزات جمع کریں اور بائیومیٹرک تصدیق مکمل کریں۔
- فیس ادا کریں۔
- 8400 پر SMS یا www.nadra.gov.pk سے ٹریک کریں اور Smart NIC حاصل کریں۔
Service Overview
What Makes It Smart
The Smart National Identity Card (SNIC) is NADRA’s modern, chip-based identity card. The embedded microchip stores your biometric and personal data securely and supports digital services, offering far stronger protection against forgery and identity theft than older cards.
Key Features
- A secure microchip storing encrypted biometric data
- Enhanced security against tampering and fraud
- Support for digital identity and e-government services
- Machine-readable for faster verification
Good to Know
- All new cards and renewals are now issued as Smart NICs.
- An adult Smart NIC is valid for around 10 years.
- You can upgrade an old CNIC to a Smart NIC at an NRC or via Pak-ID.
What this means for you
The Smart NIC (SNIC) is simply the chip-based version of the CNIC — and it is what NADRA now issues by default for every new card and every renewal. The chip stores your biometric data securely and works with digital and e-services. If you still hold an older CNIC, upgrading gives you the chip and current security features.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating it as a separate document. The Smart NIC is not a different card from the CNIC — it is the current form of it.
- Letting your card lapse. Renew before expiry so banking, SIM and other CNIC-linked services are not interrupted.
- Forgetting data changes. To change address or family details, bring the supporting documents — a plain renewal will not update those on its own.
How to make sure you are on the official channel
Apply or upgrade only through NADRA — the PakID app, id.nadra.gov.pk, or a NADRA Registration Centre. Ignore any website or agent claiming to “issue” a Smart NIC outside NADRA.
Last verified: August 11, 2026. Confirm current fees and timelines on the official portal or at an NRC before applying.
سمارٹ شناختی کارڈ (SNIC) وہی CNIC ہے مگر چپ کے ساتھ؛ اب ہر نیا اور تجدید شدہ کارڈ سمارٹ NIC ہی بنتا ہے۔ میعاد ختم ہونے سے پہلے تجدید کروائیں۔
Eligibility Criteria
Required Documents
How to Apply — Step by Step
Apply at an NRC or via the Pak-ID portal (id.nadra.gov.pk).
Obtain a token and fill in the Smart NIC application / upgrade form.
Submit your documents and complete biometric verification.
Pay the fee for your chosen service type.
Track via SMS to 8400 or www.nadra.gov.pk and collect your Smart NIC.