NADRA ID Card Update: How to Add or Change Your Picture Online in 2025. If your National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) identification card shows a photo that hardly looks like you anymore, you’re not alone and you don’t have to queue up at an office. Good news: You can update or change your photo online. In this guide you’ll discover exactly how to update your NADRA ID card picture online in 2025, what documents you’ll need, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
Why Update Your NADRA ID Card Picture?
Keeping the photo on your NADRA ID card up to date matters for several reasons:
- Appearance has changed: If the image is outdated, you might face identity verification hiccups.
- Poor photo quality: Blurry, low-resolution or shadowed images can invite delays.
- Professional-use: You might need a more formal, up-to-date image for banking, travel or job applications.
- Lost or damaged card: Re-issuing gives you opportunity to upload a fresh photo.
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Which Cards & Online Portal Are Covered?
You can update the photo for various NADRA-issued identity documents, such as:
- CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card)
- NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis)
- Smart-NIC / Smart-NICOP
The official portal is the Pak Identity mobile app or the online portal: (Pak-Identity online service).
This online service is designed to let you modify, renew or re-print your card, including photo updates.
Step-by-Step: How to Add or Change Your Picture Online
Here’s how you can update your NADRA ID card photo in 2025—following each phase carefully.
Step 1 – Visit the NADRA Online Portal
- Open your browser (on your computer or smartphone) and go to or use the Pak Identity app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
- If you are using the portal, click “Create Account” or “Login”.
Step 2 – Log In or Create an Account
- If you already have an account, log in with your credentials.
- If you are new: provide your email address, mobile number, your CNIC/NICOP, set a password, verify via email or SMS.
- Complete any biometric verification if required (face/fingerprint) via app version.
Step 3 – Start a New Application
- Once logged in, select Apply Now or Modify ID Card / Renew Card.
- Choose the reason as “Update Photo” (or equivalent) and proceed.
- This gives you the opportunity to replace your existing photo with a new one.
Step 4 – Upload Your New Photo
- Upload a recent passport-style photograph that meets NADRA’s guidelines.
- Photo Guidelines table:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Background | Plain white or light blue background |
| Face | Fully visible, no major shadows, neutral expression |
| Headwear | Only for religious reasons; face must still be visible |
| File size | Up to 5 MB, JPEG format |
| Clarity | Sharp focus, no blur, no filters |
Make sure the image is properly cropped and you appear facing the camera (not profile). Following guidelines reduces risk of photo rejection.
Step 5 – Review & Submit
- Check all entries (name, address, CNIC number, etc) carefully.
- Confirm the new photo is correctly uploaded and visible.
- Select delivery method (home-delivery or pick-up, if available).
- Submit the application.
Step 6 – Payment of Fee Online
- After submission, you will be directed to pay the applicable fee.
- Payment methods accepted: credit/debit card, mobile-wallets such as Easypaisa or JazzCash (in many cases).
- Once payment is processed, the application goes into processing stage.
Step 7 – Wait for Processing & Delivery
- After payment, the system will notify you (via SMS or email) when your updated card is ready for printing and dispatch/tracking.
- You can monitor status in your portal or the app as well.
Fees & Processing Time (2025)
Here’s a table summarising typical fee categories and expected processing times for photo modifications or renewals. Note: Always verify the current fee on the NADRA portal as fees may change.
| Card Type | Service Category | Estimated Fee* | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNIC / Smart-NIC | Normal | approx. PKR 750 (est.) | ~10-15 working days |
| CNIC / Smart-NIC | Urgent | higher fee | ~5-7 working days |
| Smart-NICOP (Overseas) | Normal | USD equivalent fees | ~3-4 weeks |
| Smart-NICOP (Overseas) | Executive | highest fee | ~10-14 days |
*These are approximate illustrative figures. Always check the latest fee schedule on NADRA’s website.
Processing time may vary depending on workload, your region, and whether biometric verification was needed.
Common Problems & Tips for Smooth Upload
Here are some frequent issues with photo updates and how to avoid them:
- Photo rejected → Ensure you meet background, size, format, clarity conditions. Re-upload if needed.
- Payment failed → Try a different card or wallet; ensure your bank allows online/foreign transactions if overseas.
- Account not verified → Complete email or SMS verification before applying.
- Delayed processing → Track your application online; if overdue, contact NADRA helpline or use the chat support.
FAQs
Q1: Can I only change my photo and keep all other details the same?
Yes – through the Pak Identity online portal or app you can select “Modify ID Card” and choose “Update Photo” while keeping your other existing details unchanged.
Q2: Will I get a new CNIC number when I update the picture online?
No – your CNIC number remains the same. Only the photograph on your existing card is updated (or the card is re-issued with your existing identity number).
Q3: Do I have to visit a NADRA office in person for photo update?
Not necessarily. Most photo updates can be done fully online via the Pak Identity portal/app. However, if biometric verification or physical card collection is required, you may need to visit a centre. This depends on your application type and region.
Conclusion
Updating your NADRA ID card picture online in 2025 is now a smoother, more convenient process than ever—saving you time, queues and discomfort. Just follow the steps above, ensure your photo meets the guidelines, pay the fee, and track your application. Your updated ID card will reflect you, your identity will be current, and you’ll be ready for whatever verification comes your way.
