KARACHI: Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced new rules for issuing Child Registration Certificates (commonly known as B-Forms).
Under the updated rules, parents can now apply for their children’s B-Forms from home using the “Pak ID” mobile application, reducing the need for in-person visits to NADRA registration centres.
NADRA said the change aims to simplify the process for guardians and ensure greater accessibility, especially for families in remote areas. The move is part of a broader digitalisation push by the authority to streamline civil registration services and cut down processing times.
Parents or legal guardians can submit B-Form applications via the Pak ID app after creating or linking their profiles. Required documents include parents’ CNICs, the child’s birth information, and proof of relationship where applicable; scanned copies or photos of original documents must be uploaded through the app.
NADRA may request biometric verification or additional documentation in specific cases, and applicants should follow prompts within the app for any supplementary steps. Once the application is approved, parents can choose to receive a digital copy through the app and opt for a printed certificate delivered by post or collected from a designated NADRA centre if necessary.
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The update is particularly relevant for parents whose children are approaching their 10th birthday, as certain updates and records are often reviewed or required at that age. NADRA advises applying well before key administrative deadlines or school admission dates to avoid delays.
NADRA has maintained nominal processing fees for B-Form issuance; the exact fee depends on the chosen delivery method (digital only, standard post, or expedited service). Processing times may vary depending on verification requirements, and using the Pak ID app is expected to speed up standard applications.
NADRA highlighted benefits including reduced need for travel and in-person queuing at registration centres, faster turnaround for straightforward applications, and improved record accuracy through digital uploads and electronic verification. The authority cautioned parents to ensure the accuracy of submitted information and warned against using third-party agents who may charge extra — applications should be made directly through the official Pak ID app or at authorised NADRA facilities to avoid fraud.
For parents unfamiliar with the app, NADRA’s website and its registration centres continue to offer guidance and in-person support for B-Form applications and corrections.
Note: For detailed step-by-step guidance or the latest updates to fees and processing times, consult NADRA’s official website or local business center.
