Renew NICOP & CNIC Online for Overseas Pakistanis – NADRA Guide 2025.Learn how overseas Pakistanis can renew their NICOP & CNIC online through NADRA’s Pak Identity Portal. Step-by-step process, documents, fees, and embassy options explained.
1. Why NICOP & CNIC Renewal is Important
For every Pakistani citizen, CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) or NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) is the backbone of identity.
- Without a valid CNIC/NICOP, you cannot:
- Open or maintain a bank account
- Apply for visas, travel, or work permits
- Buy or sell property in Pakistan
- Register SIM cards or perform legal transactions
For Overseas Pakistanis, the NICOP is even more crucial because:
- It allows visa-free entry into Pakistan
- It connects them to property ownership, inheritance rights, and official records
- It is required for POC (Pakistan Origin Card) renewals, remittances, and bank dealings
Since CNIC/NICOP has an expiry date (10 years usually), timely renewal is essential. NADRA has simplified this through its Pak Identity Online Portal.
2. Difference Between CNIC and NICOP
| Feature | CNIC | NICOP |
| Issued To | Pakistani citizens living in Pakistan | Pakistani citizens living abroad |
| Validity | 10 years | 10 years |
| Travel Benefits | Required for domestic identity | Visa-free entry to Pakistan |
| Where to Apply | NADRA offices in Pakistan | NADRA offices overseas / Pak Identity Portal |
📌 Tip: If you live abroad, always apply for NICOP instead of CNIC renewal.
3. How Overseas Pakistanis Can Renew NICOP Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
NADRA has launched Pak Identity Portal (id.nadra.gov.pk) to help Pakistanis renew NICOP from anywhere in the world.
Step 1 Create Account
- Go to id.nadra.gov.pk
- Sign up with your email, phone number, and password
Step 2 Choose Renewal Application
- Select NICOP Renewal (or CNIC Renewal if you live in Pakistan)
Step 3 Fill Online Form
- Enter personal details (name, CNIC/NICOP number, family details)
- Update if marital status or family info has changed
Step 4 Upload Documents
- Scanned expired NICOP/CNIC
- Passport (Pakistani or foreign)
- Residence permit/visa (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate / birth certificate (if family status changed)
Step 5 Photograph & Fingerprints
- Upload a digital photo (NADRA guidelines must be followed)
- Take fingerprints on paper using ink, scan and upload
Step 6 Pay Fees
- Pay online using Visa/MasterCard/PayPal
- Fee depends on country & delivery type (Normal/Executive)
Step 7 Track Application
- NADRA provides a tracking ID
- Status can be checked online at Pak Identity
Step 8 Receive NICOP
- Digital NICOP copy can be downloaded for immediate use
- Physical NICOP card delivered via courier to your address abroad
4. Documents Required for NICOP/CNIC Renewal
- Expired NICOP or CNIC
- Passport (Pakistani/Foreign)
- Residence permit or work visa (for overseas residents)
- Marriage certificate (if marital status updated)
- Birth certificate / B-Form (if adding children)
📌 All documents must be clear scanned copies.
5. NADRA NICOP/CNIC Renewal Fees (2025)
| Service | Normal Fee | Urgent Fee | Executive Fee |
| NICOP Renewal – Pakistan | PKR 5,400 | PKR 7,200 | PKR 9,000 |
| NICOP Renewal – Overseas | USD 39 | USD 54 | USD 75 |
| CNIC Renewal – Pakistan | PKR 400 | PKR 1,150 | PKR 2,150 |
📌 Fees vary slightly depending on region/country and delivery option.
6. Processing Time
- Normal Service: 6 to 8 weeks
- Urgent Service: 4 to 6 weeks
- Executive Service: 2 to 3 weeks
Digital confirmation is often available earlier.
7. How to Renew NICOP at NADRA Overseas Centers
For those who prefer in-person applications, NADRA has overseas registration centers in:
- UK (London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford)
- USA (New York, Washington, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles)
- Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary)
- Gulf (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha, Muscat)
- Europe (Oslo, Berlin, Rome, Paris, Barcelona)
Process:
- Book an appointment online at the nearest NADRA center
- Bring original documents & expired NICOP
- Provide fingerprints & photograph
- Pay fee and collect receipt
- NICOP delivered by courier
8. Renewing CNIC in Pakistan
If you are physically in Pakistan, CNIC renewal can be done at:
- Regular NADRA Centers (Normal service)
- Executive Centers (Faster service, premium facilities)
- Mega Centers (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad) – open 24/7
Process is similar to NICOP renewal: token → biometrics → payment → collection.
9. Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
| Application rejected | Incorrect documents uploaded | Re-upload correct files |
| Fingerprints not accepted | Low quality scans | Use proper ink & flat scan |
| Long delays in delivery | Address issue abroad | Contact courier service / NADRA helpdesk |
| Family member missing in records | Not updated in NADRA database | Update CNIC/CRC first |
10. Why Online Renewal is Best for Overseas Pakistanis
- No embassy visits needed
- Track status in real-time
- Digital copy available instantly
- Home delivery worldwide
- Lower risk of errors compared to manual forms
11. NADRA Helplines for Renewal
- Pakistan: 1777 (Mobile) / +92 51 111 786 100
- Overseas:
- UK: +44 20 1234 5678
- USA: +1 202 123 4567
- Email: info@nadra.gov.pk
- Online Support: id.nadra.gov.pk (Live Chat)
12. FAQs NICOP & CNIC Renewal
Q: Can I travel to Pakistan with an expired NICOP?
A: Some airlines may allow, but you must renew NICOP immediately.
Q: Can I convert CNIC into NICOP while abroad?
A: Yes, apply through Pak Identity and select NICOP.
Q: Do I need fingerprints again for renewal?
A: Yes, fresh biometrics are mandatory.
Q: Can minors renew NICOP?
A: Parents/guardians must apply on their behalf.
Q: Is urgent renewal possible abroad?
A: Yes, select Urgent or Executive service on Pak Identity.
13. Final Tips
To ensure smooth travel and avoid complications, always renew your NICOP or CNIC at least six months before the expiry date. If you’re facing urgent deadlines for embassy appointments, visa processing, or travel plans, consider using the Executive service for expedited assistance. Additionally, make sure the spelling of your name and other details match exactly on both your passport and NICOP to prevent any issues. For renewals while abroad, the Pak Identity Portal is the best option—it offers a faster, more secure, and globally accessible process.