First CNIC without parents: NADRA says a sibling on the same B-Form can verify

A young adult whose parents have died or are not around can still get a first CNIC: a brother or sister can give the biometric verification instead of a parent, NADRA has clarified. The applicant must be 18 or older, and both siblings must appear on the same B-Form (Child Registration Certificate).

A NADRA spokesperson set this out in a podcast, ARY News reported on 29 September 2026.

The rule in short

• A parent should ideally come with a first-time applicant and verify with fingerprints.
• If both parents have died or are not available, a sibling registered in NADRA's family tree can verify instead.
• The sibling must be on the same B-Form as the applicant. A cousin, uncle or step-sibling on a different family record does not qualify under this route.
• If you already have a B-Form, you can start the first CNIC application online through the Pak ID app.

Before you apply

Most first-CNIC rejections come from the family record, not the applicant. Check these first:

1. Your B-Form exists and lists you and the sibling who will verify.
2. Your parents' CNICs are linked to the family tree, and a deceased parent's death is recorded with NADRA (a death certificate registered at the union council, then updated at NADRA).
3. Names and dates of birth match your school certificates, since you will use this CNIC for everything from bank accounts to the passport.

If the family tree is incomplete, fix it at a NADRA Registration Centre before starting on Pak ID; otherwise the application will stall at verification.

Fees

NADRA charges differ for the normal, urgent and executive categories. Check the current charge for your category on the NADRA fee calculator before you go.

Why this matters

Orphans and young people whose parents live abroad or have separated often stall at the parent-verification step, and without a CNIC they cannot sit many exams, open a bank account, get a SIM in their own name or apply for jobs. The clarification means an older brother or sister already holding a CNIC can take them through it.