Can You Apply for a Pakistani Passport Outside Your Home District?

Yes. Pakistani citizens can apply for passport services outside their home district.

According to the current guidance of the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P), every Pakistani citizen may apply for passport services from any passport office, regardless of the address recorded on their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), or Child Registration Certificate (CRC).

This means that if your CNIC shows an address in one district but you are currently living, working, studying or staying in another city or district, you generally do not have to travel back to your home district just to apply for a Pakistani passport.

For example, if your CNIC address is in Jhang but you are currently working in Multan, you can use a passport office in Multan. Similarly, someone whose CNIC address is in Bahawalpur can apply from Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi or another passport office, subject to the service available at the selected office.

This change is particularly useful for people who live away from their permanent address for employment, education, business, family reasons or other personal circumstances.

What Does “Outside Your Home District” Mean?

Your home district generally refers to the district associated with the address on your identity document or the area where you normally consider your permanent residence.

In the past, many applicants assumed that they had to obtain a passport only from the passport office serving the district shown on their CNIC. The current DGI&P jurisdiction rule removes that general restriction.

The official rule states that passport services can be obtained from any passport office irrespective of the address recorded on the CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

Therefore, your CNIC address and the location of the passport office do not have to be in the same district.

Example

Suppose:

• Your CNIC address is in District Jhang.

• You are currently working in Multan.

• You do not want to travel to Jhang.

• You need a new passport or want to renew your existing passport.

Under the current DGI&P jurisdiction policy, you can approach an appropriate passport office in Multan rather than returning to Jhang solely because your CNIC contains a Jhang address.

Can You Apply From Any City in Pakistan?

The DGI&P rule is broader than simply allowing applications from a neighboring district.

It states that every Pakistani citizen may apply for passport services from any passport office, irrespective of the address recorded in the CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

This means the important issue is not whether the city is inside your home district. Instead, you should identify an appropriate DGI&P passport office and check whether it provides the particular service you need.

You should also check the office's current address, public-dealing hours and available facilities before travelling.

Do You Need to Change Your CNIC Address?

No, you do not need to change your CNIC address merely because you want to apply for a passport in another city.

The DGI&P jurisdiction rule specifically allows passport services from any passport office regardless of the address recorded on the CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

For example, if your permanent address remains in Jhang but you are temporarily living in Multan, you do not need to modify your CNIC address simply to submit your passport application in Multan.

However, changing your CNIC address and applying for a passport are two different matters.

If your personal information itself has changed, such as your name, father's name or date of birth, you may need to update your CNIC/NICOP before applying for the corresponding passport modification. DGI&P specifically states that the CNIC/NICOP should first be revised or modified for such changes.

Can You Apply for a New Passport Outside Your Home District?

Yes.

For a first Pakistani passport, DGI&P states that the applicant can visit the relevant passport office with the required documents. The current jurisdiction rule means that the applicant does not have to be restricted to the district shown on the CNIC.

For an adult applicant, the basic documents include:

• Original valid CNIC or NICOP

• Photocopy of the CNIC or NICOP

• Previous passport and photocopy, if one was issued

• NOC where applicable for government, semi-government or autonomous-body employees

• Foreign passport and photocopy for dual nationals

• Police report containing the previous passport number in a lost-passport case

Additional documentation can apply depending on the applicant's circumstances.

Can You Renew Your Passport From Another District?

Yes.

Passport renewal is one of the services handled through passport offices. The DGI&P website also states that online passport renewal is available for both inland and overseas Pakistanis.

If you prefer to visit a passport office physically, you can use a passport office outside your home district under the current jurisdiction policy.

There is also no general requirement to wait until your existing passport completely expires before applying for renewal. DGI&P states that a passport with full five- or ten-year validity can be issued even if the existing passport has not yet expired, although a reason for obtaining a new passport before expiry may be requested.

What Documents Should an Adult Take?

For applicants aged 18 or above, DGI&P lists the following documents for normal or urgent passport applications:

Valid CNIC or NICOP

Take the original valid CNIC or NICOP and a photocopy.

Your CNIC address does not have to match the city where you are applying because of the current jurisdiction rule.

Previous Passport

If you already have a passport, take the original previous passport and its photocopy.

This is especially important for renewal applications.

NOC for Certain Employees

Government, semi-government and autonomous-body employees are required to provide an NOC from their concerned department where applicable.

Foreign Passport for Dual Nationals

Dual nationals should take their foreign passport and photocopy and declare the dual nationality as required.

Police Report for Lost Passport

If your previous passport has been lost, DGI&P requires a police report mentioning the previous passport number. Additional requirements and fees can apply depending on whether it is the first, second or subsequent loss.

What About Children?

Children can also obtain passports, but minors have additional documentation requirements.

DGI&P states that minors aged 10 and above must provide either an original updated CRC containing fingerprints and photograph or a Juvenile Card, together with a photocopy.

For children below 10 years, the required document can include the original CRC/Form B or FRC, together with a photocopy.

A minor must also be accompanied by a parent or legally appointed guardian according to the applicable requirements.

Parents should carry their original valid CNICs or passports and photocopies.

Special documentation may be required where parents are separated or divorced, where custody arrangements exist, or where one parent is deceased.

The fact that the child's CRC address is from another district does not, by itself, prevent the family from using another passport office under the current jurisdiction policy.

Can Government Employees Apply From Another City?

Yes, the general jurisdiction rule allows citizens to use a passport office outside the district shown on their identity document.

However, government, semi-government and autonomous-body employees have an additional requirement: DGI&P states that they must submit the required departmental NOC for passport issuance.

For example, if you work for a government department in Multan but your CNIC address is in Jhang, you can use the relevant passport office in Multan, but you should make sure that your departmental NOC is available if required.

The NOC requirement is separate from the question of which city you are allowed to use.

Can Students Apply Outside Their Home District?

Yes.

A student whose permanent or family address is in one district can use a passport office in another city under the current DGI&P jurisdiction policy.

For example, a student from Bahawalpur studying in Lahore does not generally have to return to Bahawalpur simply to apply for passport services.

The student should still carry the identity and supporting documents required for the particular passport application.

Can You Apply for an e-Passport Outside Your Home District?

Yes.

DGI&P states that the e-Passport issuance facility is available from field offices across Pakistan.

Therefore, the same general jurisdiction principle is important when choosing where to apply.

However, e-Passport fees and service conditions differ from ordinary Machine Readable Passport (MRP) fees.

Applicants should check the current DGI&P fee schedule before making payment.

Pakistani Passport Fees

The passport fee is not determined simply by the city or district where you apply.

DGI&P currently lists different fees according to passport type, number of pages, validity period and processing category.

For ordinary MRP, the current listed fees include:

• 36 pages, 5 years: Rs. 4,500 normal and Rs. 7,500 urgent

• 36 pages, 10 years: Rs. 6,700 normal and Rs. 11,200 urgent

• 72 pages, 5 years: Rs. 8,200 normal and Rs. 13,500 urgent

• 72 pages, 10 years: Rs. 12,400 normal and Rs. 20,200 urgent

• 100 pages, 5 years: Rs. 9,000 normal and Rs. 18,000 urgent

• 100 pages, 10 years: Rs. 13,500 normal and Rs. 27,000 urgent

These are the current fees published by DGI&P, but applicants should verify the applicable amount before payment because government fees can change.

For e-Passports, the fee schedule is different.

DGI&P currently lists, for example, a 36-page e-Passport at Rs. 9,000 normal for five years and Rs. 15,000 urgent for five years.

Additional NADRA service charges can apply at Executive Passport Offices (EPOs) and Passport Processing Counters (PPCs).

Does Applying Outside Your District Cost More?

The fact that you are applying outside your home district does not itself create a separate passport fee.

The applicable passport fee depends on the passport category and service you select.

However, if you choose an Executive Passport Office or Passport Processing Counter, additional NADRA service charges may apply.

Therefore, compare the official fee information and the type of office before making payment.

How the Passport Application Process Works

The physical passport application process remains essentially the same regardless of whether the selected passport office is in your home district or another city.

DGI&P describes the process as follows:

1. Customer Service Counter

The applicant first approaches the customer service counter.

The staff guide the applicant about the application process and required documentation.

2. Photograph and Token

The applicant's photograph and application information are captured, and a token with a QR code is issued.

3. Biometrics

Fingerprints and other required biometric information are captured.

4. Data Entry

The applicant's information is entered into the passport system.

5. Verification

The application information is checked against relevant records.

6. Interview and Decision

The applicant proceeds to the interview and decision stage with the Assistant Director.

7. Fee Payment

The applicable passport fee is processed through the prescribed payment system.

8. Passport Delivery

After processing, the passport is delivered according to the applicable collection or delivery procedure.

What Should You Check Before Visiting Another City?

Although you are allowed to apply outside your home district, it is still important to prepare before travelling.

Check the Office

Find the appropriate DGI&P passport office in the city where you want to apply.

Check the Service

Confirm that the selected facility provides the passport service you need.

Check Office Hours

DGI&P states that regular passport offices generally operate Monday to Thursday and Friday during its published public-dealing hours, while selected offices and NADRA Mega Centers have extended or round-the-clock passport processing arrangements.

For example, DGI&P currently lists RPO Multan among locations with morning and evening passport processing shifts.

Check the Fee

Confirm the latest fee before paying.

Check Your Documents

Make sure your CNIC/NICOP and other applicable documents are valid and available.

Can You Apply From Another City Even If You Are Only Temporarily Staying There?

The current DGI&P jurisdiction rule is based on the passport-office location rather than requiring the applicant to use the office corresponding to the address on the CNIC/NICOP/CRC.

Therefore, the fact that your permanent address is in another district does not prevent you from using another passport office.

You should still ensure that you have the required identity and supporting documents and that the selected office offers the service you require.

What If Your CNIC Address Is From Another Province?

The wording of the DGI&P rule is nationwide: every Pakistani citizen may apply for passport services from any passport office regardless of the address recorded on the CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

Therefore, the rule is not limited to people moving between districts within the same province.

For example, the address on your CNIC could be in Punjab while you are applying from a passport office in another province.

As always, check the selected office's current service availability before travelling.

Can You Apply From a Different City for Passport Modification?

Yes, passport modification is among the services handled through passport offices.

However, if the requested modification involves identity particulars such as name, father's name or date of birth, DGI&P states that the CNIC/NICOP should first be revised or modified.

This means that applying from another city does not remove the underlying requirement to correct the identity record first.

Some cases involving multiple simultaneous changes can require additional approval from DGI&P headquarters.

What If Your Passport Is Lost?

A lost passport is handled differently from an ordinary renewal.

DGI&P requires a police report mentioning the previous lost passport number. The applicable fee also depends on the number of times the passport has been lost.

If you are in another city when your passport is lost, you should follow the applicable lost-passport procedure and bring the required police report and identity documents.

Do not assume that a lost passport can simply be treated as a normal renewal.

What If Your Passport Has No Pages Left?

Frequent travellers may eventually use all available passport pages.

DGI&P states that a fresh passport can be obtained where existing pages have been exhausted, subject to the prescribed fee and required documents. Applicants can choose among available page-count options according to their requirements.

The application can be made through the applicable passport office, including one outside the applicant's home district under the current jurisdiction rule.

Can You Apply Online Instead?

DGI&P currently provides an online passport renewal service for inland and overseas Pakistanis.

However, online renewal should not be confused with every type of passport application.

For physical applications in Pakistan, DGI&P's published process involves visiting a Regional Passport Office or other applicable passport facility for services such as new passport, renewal and modification.

Applicants should therefore identify their exact service category before deciding whether an online or physical application is appropriate.

How Long Does Passport Processing Take?

DGI&P's website contains processing-time information for its passport services, but applicants should check the current information at the time of application because processing arrangements can change.

The current DGI&P page includes published service timelines for normal and urgent applications and also lists selected locations offering extended or round-the-clock processing.

The applicant should also remember that passport processing time and physical delivery time are not necessarily the same thing.

If you need the passport for a visa application, overseas employment, university admission or travel, allow additional time rather than planning around the minimum processing period.

Important Tips When Applying Outside Your Home District

Take Original Documents

Do not travel with only photocopies. Carry the original CNIC/NICOP and previous passport where applicable.

Carry Required Copies

Prepare the required photocopies before visiting the office.

Check Your CNIC

Make sure your CNIC is valid and your identity information is correct.

Take Your Previous Passport

For renewal, bring the previous passport in original and photocopy where applicable.

Check Special Requirements

Minors, dual nationals, government employees and lost-passport applicants may have additional requirements.

Keep Payment Evidence

Keep your passport-fee payment information or receipt.

Verify the Office

Check the official DGI&P office directory and current office arrangements before travelling.

Avoid Unnecessary Agents

Passport applicants should follow the official process and requirements rather than relying on unofficial claims about district restrictions.

Check Current Information

Government procedures and fees can change. Re-check the official DGI&P website before submitting your application.

Common Misunderstanding: “Passport Must Be Made From the Home District”

This is one of the most important points to understand.

The current DGI&P website explicitly states:

“Every Citizen of Pakistan may apply for Passport Services from any Passport Office irrespective of their address recorded” in the CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

Therefore, the address on your identity document does not generally force you to use the passport office in that same district.

If someone tells you that you must return to your home district solely because your CNIC address is different, check the current DGI&P jurisdiction policy before making the journey.

Final Takeaway

Yes, you can apply for a Pakistani passport outside your home district.

The current DGI&P policy allows Pakistani citizens to obtain passport services from any passport office regardless of the address recorded on their CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

You therefore do not generally need to change your CNIC address or return to your permanent district simply to apply for a passport in another city.

Before visiting, identify the correct passport service, check the selected office's current arrangements, prepare the required original documents and photocopies, verify the latest fee, and follow the official application process.

Because passport fees, office arrangements and procedures can be updated, always verify the latest information directly through the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports before travelling or making payment.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm that you are a Pakistani citizen.

2. Identify the passport service you need.

3. Check whether you need a new passport, renewal, modification or replacement.

4. Check the current DGI&P jurisdiction rule.

5. Confirm that your home-district address does not restrict you from using another passport office.

6. Choose a convenient passport office in another city.

7. Check the official DGI&P office directory.

8. Confirm the selected office's current address.

9. Check the office's public-dealing hours.

10. Confirm that the office provides the service you need.

11. Check whether the office provides the required passport type.

12. Decide whether you need an MRP or e-Passport.

13. Check your CNIC or NICOP validity.

14. Make sure your identity information is accurate.

15. Correct CNIC/NICOP information first if a modification is required.

16. Collect your original CNIC/NICOP.

17. Prepare the required photocopies.

18. Collect your previous passport if applicable.

19. Obtain the required departmental NOC if you are an applicable government employee.

20. Take your foreign passport if you are a dual national.

21. Obtain the required police report if your previous passport was lost.

22. For a minor, prepare the required CRC, Juvenile Card or other applicable documents.

23. Prepare the required parent or guardian documents for a minor.

24. Check the latest official passport fee.

25. Select the passport page count.

26. Select the desired validity period.

27. Select normal or urgent processing where available.

28. Check whether Fast Track service is available if you require it.

29. Check whether additional EPO/PPC service charges apply.

30. Complete the applicable passport-fee payment process.

31. Keep the payment receipt or transaction information.

32. Visit the selected passport office.

33. Carry all original documents and required photocopies.

34. Approach the customer service counter.

35. Follow the staff instructions.

36. Submit the required identity document for processing.

37. Complete photograph capture.

38. Receive the token and QR code where applicable.

39. Complete biometric/fingerprint capture.

40. Complete the data-entry stage.

41. Carefully check the information entered into the application.

42. Report any apparent data error before proceeding.

43. Complete record verification.

44. Attend the interview and decision stage when called.

45. Complete the applicable fee-payment stage.

46. Keep the token, receipt or tracking information.

47. Provide an active mobile number and email where required for status notifications.

48. Monitor the application status using the available DGI&P system.

49. Wait for the applicable processing period.

50. Allow additional time for delivery where applicable.

51. Follow the passport collection or delivery instructions.

52. Receive the passport from the authorized delivery or collection channel.

53. Check your name and personal details immediately.

54. Check the photograph and other printed information.

55. Contact DGI&P if you find an error or issue.

56. Keep the new passport secure.

57. Re-check passport validity before international travel.

58. Keep copies of important passport information separately.

59. For future renewal, check the latest DGI&P requirements again.

60. Always verify current fees and procedures before making a future application.