The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has officially announced a major reduction in the processing and delivery time for normal category National Identity Cards (CNICs). Now, citizens can expect their ID cards within 15 days instead of the previous 30-day period.

This update was shared via NADRA’s official Facebook page as part of a broader initiative to encourage unregistered citizens to register. In addition, the authority has upgraded non-chip identity cards by adding features such as names and parentage written in both Urdu and English, along with a QR code for improved digital verification—without increasing the card fee.

The card remains free for those applying for the first time. For urgent applications, CNICs will now be issued in 12 days at a fee of Rs1,150, while the executive category allows delivery within 6 days at a fee of Rs2,150.

NADRA has also granted legal status to the Family Registration Certificate (FRC) and made significant changes to the National Identity Card Rules, 2002, based on the directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. These reforms aim to modernize the identity system, enhance security, and reduce fraudulent activities.

The updated NIC rules, originally created in 2002 after NADRA’s formation in 2000, have now been revised and approved by the Federal Cabinet to meet current needs.