ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has explained the procedure for changing a name on a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
According to details, interested applicants must submit a computerised birth certificate issued by a Union Council, Municipal Committee or Cantonment Board. The certificate must contain the updated name and a verified Civil Registration Management System (CRMS) number.
Applicants seeking a name change due to a change of religion must also provide a certificate issued by a Dar-ul-Ifta.
NADRA clarified that a person can generally change their name on a CNIC only once in their lifetime, except for women seeking to change their names after marriage.
Applicants are not required to submit photocopies of documents. Instead, they must provide the relevant document numbers issued by NADRA or the concerned Union Council. Application procedure: Applicants must first obtain a token at a NADRA registration centre and complete the required biometric verification.
The next step involves entering the corrected information, providing fingerprints and having a photograph taken. The application is then reviewed for approval. NADRA said applicants seeking modifications to their CNICs do not need to have their application forms attested.
After approval, applicants receive a confirmation message on the mobile number they provided. They can then pay the applicable fee at a NADRA office or online, depending on the selected service category. The updated CNIC can be collected from the same NADRA office after the relevant processing period. NADRA has advised applicants to provide accurate document details and follow the prescribed procedure to avoid delays in processing their requests.
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