How to Change Personal Details on a Pakistani Passport

A Pakistani passport is an important identity and travel document, so the personal information printed on it should match the applicant’s official NADRA record. If your name, father’s name, date of birth, or another important personal detail is incorrect, you may need to have the passport modified rather than continuing to use incorrect information.

The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) provides a specific procedure for changing passport particulars. Its current guidance covers modifications such as the applicant’s name, father’s name and date of birth. In these cases, the applicant must first revise or modify the CNIC or NICOP and then apply for passport modification with the required documents.

This guide explains how Pakistani citizens can change personal details on a passport, which details can be modified, what to do before visiting the passport office, required documents, the application procedure, fees, processing times, and common mistakes to avoid.

1. What Does Changing Personal Details on a Pakistani Passport Mean?

Changing personal details means modifying information printed in an existing Pakistani passport because the information is incorrect, has legally changed, or no longer matches the applicant’s official identity record.

Examples can include:

• Correction of your own name

• Correction of father’s name

• Correction of date of birth

• Correction of other eligible personal particulars

• Correction of information that does not match the revised CNIC or NICOP

DGI&P officially identifies passport modification as a service for changes such as name, father’s name and date of birth.

A passport modification is different from simply renewing a passport because the purpose is to correct or change information in the passport record.

2. Which Personal Details Can Be Changed?

The exact modification depends on the nature of the case and the supporting identity record.

DGI&P specifically mentions modification of:

• Name

• Father’s name

• Date of birth

Other passport particulars may have their own rules or procedures. For example, DGI&P separately provides guidance regarding photograph changes and certain online minor modifications.

Applicants should therefore identify the exact information that needs to be changed before starting the application.

3. Correct the CNIC or NICOP First

The most important rule for major personal-detail changes is that the applicant should first correct the relevant NADRA identity document.

DGI&P states that for passport modification involving name, father’s name, date of birth and similar particulars, the applicant has to get the CNIC/NICOP revised or modified first. After receiving the revised document, the applicant can visit the passport office with the required documents.

This means that you generally should not go directly to the passport office expecting the officer to change a major personal detail when your CNIC/NICOP still contains the old information.

4. Why CNIC/NICOP Correction Is Important

NADRA maintains Pakistan’s national identity records and issues identity documents such as CNIC and NICOP. The CNIC is official proof of a citizen’s identity, nationality and legal status in Pakistan.

Because passport processing relies on official identity information, inconsistencies between the CNIC/NICOP and passport can lead to additional verification.

For example, if your passport contains:

Muhammad Aslam

but your revised CNIC contains:

Muhammad Aslam Khan

you should address the identity record and passport information through the official modification process rather than using different versions of your name.

5. How to Correct Your CNIC or NICOP

If the incorrect information is also present on your CNIC, Smart CNIC or NICOP, first apply to NADRA for modification.

NADRA provides identity-document modification services and also offers the PakID mobile application for eligible identity-document services.

Depending on the type of modification, you may need to:

1. Identify the incorrect information.

2. Obtain supporting documents.

3. Apply for modification.

4. Complete the required biometric or verification process.

5. Receive the revised identity document.

6. Check the revised information carefully.

The exact supporting documents can vary according to the type of correction.

6. Name Correction on a Pakistani Passport

If your own name is incorrect on the passport, DGI&P's FAQ states that you need to submit the revised original CNIC reflecting the updated name.

For example, if the CNIC has been legally corrected from one spelling to another, the passport application should be based on the revised CNIC.

Applicants should ensure that the new spelling is correct before submitting the passport modification request.

7. Father’s Name Correction

Father’s name is another important passport particular that may be modified.

The process generally starts by correcting the relevant CNIC/NICOP record. Once the revised identity document contains the correct father’s name, the applicant can approach DGI&P for passport modification.

Applicants should keep supporting family or identity documents available if additional verification is requested.

8. Date of Birth Correction

Date-of-birth changes require particular care because age is a significant identity detail.

DGI&P states that an applicant requesting a date-of-birth change must submit the revised original CNIC reflecting the updated date of birth. For further verification, DGI&P's FAQ says a birth certificate or matriculation degree may also be provided as supporting evidence.

Applicants should therefore correct the underlying NADRA record before seeking a passport modification.

9. Cases Involving Several Changes

Sometimes an applicant needs to change more than one major personal detail.

For example, the applicant may need to change:

• Name

• Father’s name

• Date of birth

DGI&P specifically states that cases involving changes to name, father’s name and date of birth together are forwarded by the Regional Passport Office or Foreign Mission to DGI&P Islamabad for approval.

Such cases may therefore involve additional scrutiny and should not be treated as a simple spelling correction.

10. Required Documents for Adults

For applicants aged 18 or above, DGI&P currently lists the following general documents for passport services:

• Original valid CNIC/NICOP and photocopy

• Previous passport in original and photocopy, if issued

• NOC from the concerned department where applicable for government, semi-government or autonomous-body employees

• Foreign passport and photocopy for dual nationals

• Police report mentioning the previous passport number in case of a lost passport

For a modification case, the revised CNIC/NICOP showing the corrected information is particularly important.

Additional documents may be requested when the authority needs to verify age, identity, nationality or other particulars.

11. Documents for Minors

Passport requirements are different for applicants under 18.

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

For minors below 10, the requirements include an original CRC/Form-B or FRC, along with the applicable parental identity documents.

Additional requirements can apply where:

• Parents are separated

• Parents are divorced

• A legal guardian is involved

• One parent is deceased

• The minor is a dual national

• Custody arrangements exist

Applicants should check the current DGI&P requirements for the child's specific circumstances.

12. What If Your Passport Is Already Issued?

If the passport has already been issued and you later discover that a personal detail is incorrect, you should follow the passport modification procedure.

Do not simply continue using conflicting identity information.

For major changes such as name, father’s name or date of birth, the underlying CNIC/NICOP should first be corrected where necessary.

After that, the applicant can approach DGI&P for passport modification.

13. What If the Error Was Made During Passport Application?

Applicants should carefully check the information entered by the passport office before final approval.

DGI&P's current application process says that after data entry, the Data Entry Form is printed and presented to the applicant for rechecking and verification. Any required change should be pointed out at this stage.

This is an important opportunity to identify errors before the application proceeds.

14. Carefully Check the Data Entry Form

When the data-entry form is presented, check every important field.

Pay particular attention to:

• Full name

• Father’s name

• Date of birth

• Place of birth

• CNIC/NICOP number

• Passport information

• Other personal particulars

DGI&P warns that once the information is saved, a modification requires cancellation of the token and repeating the process. After the Assistant Director gives the “go ahead,” changes in the data will no longer be possible.

Therefore, do not sign the form without checking it carefully.

15. Passport Office Application Process

DGI&P describes the passport-office process as a series of stages.

The process includes:

1. Arrival at the customer service counter

2. Photograph and token issuance

3. Biometric/fingerprint capture

4. Data entry

5. Verification against office records

6. Interview and decision by the Assistant Director

7. Fee payment

8. Passport delivery

Applicants requesting modification should clearly inform the relevant official about the personal details that need to be changed.

16. Can You Apply at Any Passport Office?

DGI&P's general passport guidance allows Pakistani citizens to apply for passport services through passport offices according to the applicable arrangements.

Applicants should check the current service availability and requirements before visiting a particular office.

The relevant office may ask for the original documents and photocopies required for the modification.

17. Can Personal Details Be Changed Online?

Not every passport modification is available through the same online process.

DGI&P currently distinguishes between online passport services and applications submitted at Regional Passport Offices or Pakistan Missions abroad. Its current process page states that applicants can apply online for certain services, while new, renewal and modification cases can be handled at Regional Passport Offices or Pakistan Missions.

For major changes such as name, father’s name or date of birth, DGI&P's published guidance specifically requires the applicant to first revise the CNIC/NICOP and then visit the passport office with the required documents.

Applicants should therefore not assume that every personal-detail correction can be completed entirely online.

18. Passport Fees

Passport fees depend on factors such as:

• Passport type

• Number of pages

• Validity period

• Processing priority

• Service category

DGI&P publishes separate fee schedules for ordinary machine-readable passports and e-passports.

For example, the current DGI&P page lists e-passport fees by page count, validity period and normal/urgent service. It also states that Fast Track service is not available for e-passport delivery.

Applicants should check the current official fee schedule before payment because fees can change.

Additional service charges can also apply at Executive Passport Offices and Passport Processing Counters.

19. NADRA Modification Fees

Correcting the CNIC/NICOP before passport modification may involve a separate NADRA fee.

NADRA's current published fee structure lists CNIC modification at:

• Normal: PKR 400

• Urgent: PKR 1,150

• Executive: PKR 2,150

For Smart NIC modification, the listed fees are:

• Normal: PKR 750

• Urgent: PKR 1,500

• Executive: PKR 2,500

NADRA also publishes corresponding processing timelines for these services.

NICOP modification fees vary by region and service priority, so overseas applicants should consult the current NADRA fee schedule.

20. Processing Time for Passport Services

DGI&P currently states that:

• Urgent passport processing: 5 working days

• Fast Track passport processing: 2 working days

A modification case requiring additional verification or approval may take longer.

Applicants should therefore distinguish between the published standard service timeline and the actual time required for a case involving additional verification.

21. Processing Time for CNIC Modification

NADRA's current fee structure lists the following timelines for CNIC modification:

• Normal: 15 days

• Urgent: 12 days

• Executive: 6 days

For Smart NIC modification, the listed timelines are:

• Normal: 31 days

• Urgent: 23 days

• Executive: 9 days.

These are separate from the subsequent passport processing period.

Therefore, the complete process can take longer than the passport processing time alone because the identity-document correction generally comes first.

22. Dual Nationals

Dual nationals have additional documentation requirements.

DGI&P currently requires dual-national applicants to provide their foreign passport with a photocopy.

If personal information differs between Pakistani and foreign documents, applicants should disclose the discrepancy and provide genuine supporting documentation.

They should not attempt to use different versions of their identity information without clarification.

23. Overseas Pakistanis

Overseas Pakistani citizens can use the passport services provided through Pakistan Missions abroad, subject to the applicable requirements.

DGI&P's passport process covers Regional Passport Offices in Pakistan as well as Pakistan Missions abroad.

Overseas applicants should also ensure that their CNIC/NICOP has the correct information before requesting a major passport modification.

24. What If Supporting Documents Have Different Information?

Sometimes applicants discover differences among:

• CNIC

• NICOP

• Passport

• Birth certificate

• Educational certificates

• Family records

• Foreign identity documents

Such cases should be handled carefully.

The applicant should not alter official documents independently.

Instead, identify which official record is incorrect and follow the correction procedure of the authority responsible for that record.

Once the underlying identity record is corrected, the passport can be addressed through DGI&P.

25. What If the Date of Birth Is Significantly Different?

A significant date-of-birth change may require additional verification.

DGI&P states that documentary evidence such as a birth certificate or matriculation certificate may be requested where there is doubt regarding age.

NADRA also has a published fee structure for age modification in identity cards, with fees varying according to the amount of change and whether it is a first or subsequent age change.

Applicants should therefore expect additional documentation or scrutiny in significant age-correction cases.

26. Do Not Change Information Without Supporting Records

Personal-detail corrections should be based on genuine official records.

Applicants should never:

• Submit false documents

• Alter certificates

• Provide misleading information

• Use inconsistent identity details intentionally

• Ask another person to provide false verification

Passport and identity records are official documents and may be subject to verification.

27. What Happens After Application?

After the application is processed, the passport is prepared according to the approved information.

DGI&P's process includes verification, an interview/decision stage and passport delivery.

Applicants should retain the token, receipt or other acknowledgement provided during the application process.

28. Check the Corrected Passport After Delivery

When you receive the passport, check all personal details carefully.

Verify:

• Name

• Father’s name

• Date of birth

• Place of birth

• Passport number

• Nationality

• Date of issue

• Date of expiry

• Other relevant particulars

Do not assume that the passport is correct simply because the requested modification was approved.

29. Why Correct Information Matters

Incorrect personal information can cause inconsistencies between identity and travel documents.

This may become particularly important when:

• Applying for a visa

• Booking international travel

• Completing immigration documentation

• Applying for foreign residence

• Submitting documents to a foreign embassy

• Using identity documents for official purposes

Keeping official identity records consistent can reduce avoidable documentation problems.

30. Final Summary

Changing personal details on a Pakistani passport generally involves two connected stages.

First: correct or modify the relevant CNIC/NICOP record through NADRA.

Second: use the revised identity document to apply for passport modification through DGI&P or the applicable Pakistan Mission abroad.

DGI&P specifically confirms this procedure for important changes such as name, father’s name and date of birth.

The basic process is:

Identify the incorrect detail → Correct CNIC/NICOP → Receive revised identity document → Prepare passport documents → Visit DGI&P/passport office → Complete biometrics and data entry → Check the data-entry form → Complete verification → Pay the applicable fee → Receive the modified passport → Check all details again.

Because government fees, services and procedures can change, applicants should verify the latest information directly from DGI&P and NADRA before submitting an application.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Check your current Pakistani passport carefully.

2. Identify the exact personal detail that needs to be changed.

3. Determine whether the issue concerns your name, father’s name, date of birth or another passport particular.

4. Compare the passport with your current CNIC, Smart CNIC or NICOP.

5. Check whether the same incorrect information appears in your NADRA record.

6. Collect your original identity document.

7. Identify the official documents supporting the correct information.

8. Collect your birth certificate if relevant to the correction.

9. Collect your educational record if it is relevant to date-of-birth verification.

10. If you are a dual national, prepare your foreign passport.

11. If you are a government employee, determine whether an NOC is required.

12. If your passport is lost, follow the applicable lost-passport procedure and obtain the required police report.

13. Apply to NADRA for CNIC/NICOP modification when the identity record is incorrect.

14. Provide the supporting documents requested by NADRA.

15. Complete the required NADRA verification or biometric procedure.

16. Pay the applicable NADRA modification fee.

17. Track the NADRA application where the applicable tracking facility is available.

18. Receive the revised CNIC/NICOP.

19. Check the revised identity document carefully for spelling and other errors.

20. Make photocopies of the revised identity document.

21. Locate your previous passport if it was previously issued.

22. Make a photocopy of the previous passport.

23. Prepare any additional documents requested for passport modification.

24. Check the latest DGI&P passport fee schedule.

25. Check the current passport office requirements before visiting.

26. Visit the relevant Regional Passport Office or Pakistan Mission abroad.

27. Go to the customer service counter.

28. Inform the official that you are applying for modification of personal particulars.

29. Provide the revised CNIC/NICOP and required supporting documents.

30. Complete photograph capture and receive the token where applicable.

31. Complete biometric/fingerprint capture.

32. Provide the required information during data entry.

33. Carefully review the printed Data Entry Form.

34. Confirm your name, father’s name and date of birth.

35. Check your CNIC/NICOP number and other personal information.

36. Point out any error before the information is finally saved.

37. Sign or verify the data-entry form as required.

38. Complete verification against the relevant office records.

39. Complete the interview and decision stage with the Assistant Director where applicable.

40. Pay the prescribed passport fee through the official payment process.

41. Keep the token, receipt or acknowledgement safely.

42. Track the passport application using the applicable official facility.

43. Collect or receive the passport according to the applicable delivery procedure.

44. Check every personal detail printed in the new passport.

45. If an error remains, contact DGI&P promptly for guidance.

46. Keep the revised CNIC/NICOP and passport safely together.

47. Use the corrected information consistently on future official applications.

48. Verify the latest DGI&P and NADRA instructions before making another modification.