How to Update Mobile Number in NADRA Record – Complete Guide

A mobile number is an important part of the contact information associated with a NADRA identity record. If your registered mobile number is old, inactive, incorrect, or no longer in your use, you may need to update it in your NADRA record.

NADRA classifies the mobile number as a demographic field that can be updated. Its Services Charter states that there is no limit on the number of times a mobile number can be changed. NADRA also identifies mobile number and phone number information as a non-printable field, meaning that updating it does not require a new identity card to be printed simply because the phone number changed.

This guide explains how to update your mobile number in the NADRA record, the role of PakID, possible verification requirements, fees, processing considerations, and what to do if you cannot update the number online.

What Is a NADRA Registered Mobile Number?

A registered mobile number is contact information associated with your NADRA identity record.

It can be relevant when using NADRA's digital services, receiving verification messages, or managing applications through PakID.

It is important to keep the number updated because an old or inaccessible number can create problems when you need to receive an OTP or complete an online identity-service process.

Can You Change Your Mobile Number in NADRA?

Yes. NADRA's Services Charter specifically lists Mobile Number among the demographic information that can be updated. It states that there is no limit on the number of times the mobile number can be changed.

This means that if your phone number changes, you do not have to keep using the old number simply because it was previously associated with your NADRA record.

Is Mobile Number a Printable Field?

No.

NADRA classifies phone number information as a non-printable field.

A non-printable field means the data is updated in the record without requiring a new identity card to be printed merely because that field was changed. NADRA's Services Charter gives phone number as an example of a non-printable field.

This is different from printable information such as name, father/husband name, date of birth, address, and gender, where a change can result in issuance of a new identity card.

Can I Update My Mobile Number Online?

NADRA provides online identity services through the official PakID mobile application.

NADRA's PakID FAQ states that the application supports CNIC modification and Update of Non-Printable Field services.

Since mobile number is classified by NADRA as a non-printable field, an eligible mobile-number update may be handled through the applicable PakID service.

The exact options shown in the application can depend on your identity document and the current service configuration.

What Is PakID?

PakID is NADRA's official mobile application for online identity-related services.

According to NADRA, PakID can be used for various CNIC, NICOP, POC, CRC, FRC, and cancellation-certificate services. For CNIC, NADRA lists renewal, modification, reprint/lost, and update of non-printable fields among the available services.

The official app supports identity verification, document upload, online payments, and application tracking.

What Do You Need to Update the Mobile Number?

For a basic mobile-number update, keep the following information available:

• Your CNIC or Smart CNIC

• Your NADRA identity information

• Your new active mobile number

• Access to the official PakID application if using the online method

• Any verification information requested by NADRA

The exact supporting requirements can vary according to the application and the verification method.

Do not assume that an unofficial list of documents applies to every case.

Why Should You Keep Your Mobile Number Updated?

An active mobile number can make it easier to use digital identity services.

It may be important when:

• Receiving OTPs

• Accessing PakID

• Completing identity verification

• Receiving application-related communications

• Managing future NADRA applications

An old number that is no longer accessible can make some digital processes more difficult.

How to Update Mobile Number Through PakID

If the mobile-number update option is available for your account, the general process is:

1. Install or open the official NADRA PakID application.

2. Sign in to your PakID account.

3. Complete the required identity verification.

4. Open the relevant CNIC service.

5. Look for the option relating to modification or non-printable fields.

6. Select the mobile-number update option if available.

7. Enter your new mobile number carefully.

8. Review the number before continuing.

9. Complete any OTP or verification step requested by the application.

10. Upload documents if the application asks for them.

11. Complete any additional verification requested by NADRA.

12. Submit the request.

13. Save the Tracking ID if one is generated.

14. Monitor the application through the PakID inbox where applicable.

NADRA confirms that PakID provides application tracking through the user's application inbox and supports the relevant CNIC non-printable-field update functionality.

What If I Cannot Access My Old Mobile Number?

Losing access to your old number does not necessarily mean that your NADRA record can never be updated.

However, the verification method can depend on your situation.

If you cannot receive an OTP or cannot complete the online process because the old number is inaccessible, follow the instructions provided by PakID or contact NADRA through its official support channels.

If NADRA requires physical verification, visit a NADRA Registration Centre with your identity documents.

Do not use another person's information or attempt to bypass NADRA's identity-verification process.

Can I Register a New Mobile Number Instead of the Old One?

If your mobile number has changed, the purpose of the update is to replace the old contact information with the new number through the applicable NADRA service.

NADRA's Services Charter confirms that mobile number can be changed and does not specify a limit on the number of such changes.

Always enter a number that you currently control and can access.

Can I Change the Mobile Number More Than Once?

Yes.

NADRA's Services Charter states that Mobile Number: No limit under the demographic information that can be updated.

Therefore, changing your mobile number is not described as a one-time or limited demographic update.

However, each update remains subject to NADRA's applicable verification and service requirements.

Does Changing the Mobile Number Change the CNIC?

Normally, changing a mobile number does not require a new physical CNIC merely because the number changed.

NADRA classifies mobile number as a non-printable field. Its Services Charter explains that non-printable fields are updated in the data without printing a new identity card.

Do I Need a New Photo After Updating My Mobile Number?

A mobile-number update is a non-printable demographic change.

Therefore, the mobile-number update itself does not mean that a new photograph must be printed on a new CNIC.

If another service is being requested at the same time, additional requirements may apply.

Is There a Fee for Updating a Mobile Number?

NADRA's official Services Charter identifies mobile number as a non-printable field, but the publicly available fee information does not establish a separate universal "mobile number update fee" in the material reviewed for this guide.

Applicants should therefore check the fee displayed by the official PakID application or NADRA service channel for the exact transaction before making payment.

Do not assume that the standard CNIC modification fee automatically applies to every mobile-number-only update.

Can I Pay NADRA Fees Online?

Where a fee is applicable to a PakID application, NADRA provides several payment options.

Its official payment guidance lists:

• Credit card

• Debit card

• Raast

• e-Sahulat for eligible Smart NIC and FRC applications

• Easypaisa for eligible Smart NIC and FRC applications

• JazzCash for eligible Smart NIC and FRC applications

The payment options available can depend on the service.

For Raast payments, NADRA states that the payment QR code generated through PakID is valid for 30 minutes.

Do I Need to Visit a NADRA Centre?

Not necessarily.

NADRA provides online services through PakID, including CNIC non-printable-field updates.

However, an applicant may be directed to a NADRA Registration Centre if the online process cannot complete the required verification or if NADRA requires additional checks.

If the application specifically instructs you to visit a centre, follow that instruction.

What If PakID Does Not Show the Mobile Number Update Option?

If the required option does not appear in your PakID account, do not assume that the service is unavailable permanently.

First make sure:

• You are using the official PakID application.

• Your application is updated to the current version.

• You are logged into the correct account.

• Your identity information is correct.

• You have completed the required verification.

• You have selected the appropriate CNIC service.

If the option still does not appear, contact NADRA through its official support channels or visit a Registration Centre.

What If My Mobile Number Is Incorrect in NADRA?

If the number recorded in the NADRA system is incorrect, request an update through the applicable non-printable-field service.

Before submitting the request, carefully check the new number.

A single incorrect digit can result in verification messages being sent to the wrong number.

What If My SIM Is in Someone Else's Name?

The NADRA mobile-number update process and the ownership record of a SIM are separate matters.

If your mobile number is registered under another person's name with the mobile network operator, resolve the SIM ownership issue through the relevant telecom operator where necessary.

Do not assume that updating a mobile number in NADRA automatically changes the SIM's ownership record.

What If I Have Lost My SIM?

If your old SIM has been lost, contact your mobile network operator regarding SIM replacement or recovery.

Once you have access to an active number, use the applicable NADRA process to update the mobile number if necessary.

If you cannot complete PakID verification because of the lost number, contact NADRA for the appropriate procedure.

How Long Does a Mobile Number Update Take?

NADRA's Services Charter provides general processing priorities for identity-card applications, with Normal, Urgent, and Executive categories listed as 30, 12, and 7 days respectively in that charter.

However, these general delivery timelines should not automatically be interpreted as the processing time for every mobile-number-only update.

Because mobile number is a non-printable field, applicants should rely on the processing information shown for the specific service or application.

How Can I Check My Application Status?

If you submit a relevant application through PakID, NADRA states that the application inbox provides access to application information and tracking.

Keep your Tracking ID available if the service generates one.

The Tracking ID can also be useful when contacting NADRA about an application.

What If the Update Fails?

If the mobile-number update does not complete, first check the reason provided by PakID or NADRA.

Possible problems can include:

• Verification failure

• Incorrect information

• OTP problem

• Application issue

• Technical problem

• Requirement for additional verification

• Requirement to visit a NADRA centre

Follow the specific instructions rather than repeatedly submitting the same request.

NADRA Support for Mobile Number Problems

If you cannot update your mobile number through the available online service, contact NADRA through its official support channels.

NADRA's official contact information includes:

• Helpline: 1777 for mobile users

• Phone: +92 51 111 786 100

• Complaint email: csd@nadra.gov.pk

• Online complaint facility

• PakID quick chat

NADRA lists its contact services as available 24/7.

Important Tips

Use only the official NADRA PakID application for online identity services.

Make sure your new mobile number is active and accessible.

Check every digit before submitting the request.

Never share an OTP with an unofficial agent.

Do not provide your CNIC information to unknown websites claiming to update NADRA records.

If PakID asks you to complete additional verification, follow the official instructions.

Keep your Tracking ID and application information until the update is completed.

Final Thoughts

Updating a mobile number in the NADRA record is different from changing information printed on a CNIC.

NADRA classifies the mobile number as a non-printable demographic field and states that there is no limit on the number of times it can be changed.

The official PakID application supports CNIC non-printable-field updates, making it an important channel to check when you need to update your contact information.

If the online process does not work or additional verification is required, use NADRA's official support channels or visit a Registration Centre.

Always verify the current service options, requirements, and any applicable fee directly through NADRA before submitting an application.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Identify whether your NADRA mobile number needs to be changed.

2. Make sure you have access to the new mobile number.

3. Check that the new number is active.

4. Keep your CNIC or Smart CNIC details available.

5. Install the official NADRA PakID application if necessary.

6. Open the PakID application.

7. Sign in to your account.

8. Complete the required identity verification.

9. Open the CNIC services section.

10. Look for the modification or non-printable-field option.

11. Select the mobile-number update option if available.

12. Enter your new mobile number.

13. Check every digit carefully.

14. Confirm that the number belongs to the person who will use it.

15. Complete any OTP verification requested by PakID.

16. Provide additional information if requested.

17. Upload any required document.

18. Complete additional biometric or identity verification if requested.

19. Review the application before submission.

20. Check the mobile number one final time.

21. Submit the request.

22. Pay any applicable fee shown by the official system.

23. Save the Tracking ID if generated.

24. Open the PakID inbox to monitor the application.

25. Check for any NADRA message or additional requirement.

26. Respond to any request for additional information.

27. Visit a NADRA Registration Centre if instructed.

28. Take your original identity documents when physical verification is required.

29. Complete the required verification at the centre.

30. Wait for the application to be processed.

31. Check the application status through the official channel.

32. Confirm that the mobile-number update has been completed.

33. Test access to future NADRA digital services where appropriate.

34. Keep your application details for future reference.

35. Contact NADRA support if the mobile number remains incorrect.