How to Correct Father’s Name on a Pakistani Passport
How to Correct Father’s Name on a Pakistani Passport
Correcting a father’s name on a Pakistani passport is an important identity-document process. A spelling mistake, incorrect father’s name, missing part of the name, or a mismatch between the passport and the applicant’s CNIC/NICOP can create problems when travelling, applying for a visa, completing immigration checks, or using the passport for official purposes.
The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) allows Pakistani citizens to modify passport particulars, including the father’s name. However, the passport record normally cannot simply be changed independently of the national identity record. According to DGI&P, an applicant who wants to modify the father’s name must first have the CNIC or NICOP revised/modified and then approach the passport office with the required documents.
This guide explains the complete procedure for correcting a father’s name on a Pakistani passport, including the CNIC/NICOP correction, required documents, passport application process, fees, processing time, common mistakes, and important points for adults, minors, dual nationals, and overseas Pakistanis.
1. What Does Father’s Name Correction on a Passport Mean?
Father’s name correction means changing the father’s name printed in the passport so that it matches the applicant’s corrected official identity record.
For example, the passport may contain:
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A spelling mistake in the father’s name
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An incomplete father’s name
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A wrong father’s name
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A different spelling from the CNIC
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A name that does not match the NADRA record
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A typographical error entered during passport processing
Because passport information is connected with the applicant’s identity information, the correction should be handled carefully.
DGI&P specifically lists “father name” among the passport particulars that can be modified. Its current guidance states that the applicant must first revise or modify the CNIC/NICOP and then visit the passport office with the required documents.
2. Can Father’s Name Be Corrected Directly on the Passport?
Generally, the applicant should not expect the passport office to correct the father’s name while the CNIC/NICOP still contains the old or incorrect information.
The first step is to correct the relevant identity record with NADRA.
Once the revised CNIC/NICOP reflects the correct father’s name, the applicant can apply to DGI&P for passport modification.
This sequence is important because the passport application relies on the applicant’s official identity information.
Passport Rules 2021 also provide that, in cases involving a change of particulars such as name, father’s name, date of birth, or other particulars, the applicant is required to produce a revised CNIC together with documents specified by DGI&P.
3. First Correct the CNIC or NICOP
If the father’s name is incorrect on the CNIC, Smart CNIC, or NICOP, the applicant should first approach NADRA for the relevant modification.
NADRA is responsible for maintaining Pakistan’s national identity records and issuing identity documents such as CNIC and NICOP.
The applicant should explain that the father’s name needs to be corrected and provide the supporting documentation requested by NADRA.
The exact supporting documents can depend on the nature of the correction and the applicant’s record.
It is important to obtain the revised identity document before applying for the passport correction.
4. Why the CNIC/NICOP Must Be Corrected First
The CNIC/NICOP is a fundamental identity document used during passport processing.
If the passport says one father’s name while the CNIC/NICOP says another, the passport office may not process the requested modification until the identity record has been corrected.
DGI&P’s current modification guidance expressly states that the applicant has to get the CNIC/NICOP revised or modified first.
Therefore, applicants should avoid submitting a passport modification request based only on an oral explanation that the father’s name is wrong.
The official identity record should be corrected first.
5. Difference Between a Spelling Correction and a Major Change
Not every case involving a father’s name is identical.
A minor spelling correction may be easier to establish when official identity and civil documents consistently support the corrected spelling.
A more substantial change may require additional verification or documentary evidence.
For example, the following situations may require careful examination:
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“Muhammad” versus “Mohammad”
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“Abdul Rehman” versus “Abdul Rahman”
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A missing middle name
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A completely different father’s name
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A father’s name that differs across multiple official documents
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A correction involving several identity particulars at the same time
Applicants should provide genuine documents supporting the correct information and should not attempt to create or alter documents to obtain a passport.
6. Documents Required for Passport Modification
For an adult applicant, DGI&P currently lists the general passport requirements as including:
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Original valid CNIC/NICOP and a photocopy
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Previous passport in original and a photocopy, if one was issued
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NOC from the relevant department for applicable government, semi-government, or autonomous-body employees
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Foreign passport and photocopy for dual nationals
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Police report mentioning the previous passport number if the passport has been lost
For a father’s-name correction, the most important additional document is the revised CNIC/NICOP showing the corrected father’s name.
DGI&P may also request additional documentary evidence where necessary.
7. Supporting Documents for Verification
Depending on the circumstances, applicants may be asked for documents that establish the correct family or identity information.
Possible supporting evidence may include relevant official civil or educational records, depending on the case.
DGI&P states that, where there is doubt about an applicant’s age, documentary evidence such as a birth certificate or matriculation certificate may be requested.
For a father’s-name correction, applicants should therefore keep relevant original documents available if the passport office asks for additional verification.
The documents should be genuine, consistent, and issued by the appropriate authority.
8. What If the Father’s Name Is Correct on the CNIC but Wrong on the Passport?
If the CNIC/NICOP already shows the correct father’s name but the passport contains an incorrect name, the applicant should take the original CNIC/NICOP and the passport to DGI&P for modification.
The passport office can examine the discrepancy against the official identity record and process the appropriate passport application.
Do not assume that the passport will automatically be corrected without a new passport application.
A passport modification generally results in issuance of a new passport reflecting the approved particulars.
9. What If Both the Applicant’s Name and Father’s Name Are Wrong?
If more than one major identity particular needs to be changed, the applicant should first correct the relevant NADRA record.
DGI&P specifically notes that cases involving changes to the name, father’s name, and date of birth together are forwarded by the Regional Passport Office or Foreign Mission to DGI&P headquarters in Islamabad for approval.
Therefore, a case involving several simultaneous changes may take additional verification or approval compared with a straightforward correction.
Applicants should disclose all required changes rather than trying to process them separately through inconsistent records.
10. Father’s Name Correction for Minors
Passport requirements for applicants under 18 are different from adult requirements.
DGI&P currently requires minors to provide age-appropriate identity documentation such as an updated CRC or Juvenile Card, depending on age, together with the required documents of parents or legal guardian.
If the father’s name is incorrect in the child’s passport, the underlying NADRA record should be corrected first where applicable.
For a minor, applicants should also ensure that the child's CRC, Juvenile Card, FRC, and parents’ identity documents contain consistent information.
Where parents are separated or divorced, additional custody or consent documentation may apply.
11. Father’s Name Correction for Overseas Pakistanis
Pakistani citizens living abroad can also encounter father’s-name discrepancies in their passports.
DGI&P states that Pakistani passport services, including modification, may be obtained through Pakistan Missions abroad.
The applicant should first ensure that the relevant CNIC/NICOP record has been corrected.
The applicant can then approach the relevant Pakistani Mission or follow the applicable DGI&P procedure.
Because requirements for overseas applications can vary according to the Mission and application category, applicants should verify the current instructions of the concerned Mission before submitting documents.
12. Father’s Name Correction for Dual Nationals
Dual nationals should take particular care when correcting passport particulars.
DGI&P requires dual-national applicants to provide their foreign passport with a photocopy and declare their dual nationality in the passport declaration where applicable.
If the father’s name differs between Pakistani identity records and a foreign passport or other foreign documents, additional verification may be required.
Applicants should not conceal differences in identity information.
Instead, they should disclose the discrepancy and provide the relevant official documents.
13. Visit a Passport Office After CNIC/NICOP Correction
Once the revised CNIC/NICOP has been issued, the applicant can proceed to the passport office.
DGI&P states that Pakistani citizens may apply for passport services from any passport office irrespective of the address recorded on the CNIC/NICOP/CRC, subject to the applicable rules and services available.
The applicant should carry original documents and photocopies.
Before leaving home, check the latest DGI&P requirements because document requirements and service arrangements can change.
14. Passport Office Application Process
The passport application process generally involves several stages.
DGI&P currently describes the passport-office workflow as:
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Arrival at the customer service counter
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Photograph and token issuance
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Biometric verification
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Data entry
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Verification against office records
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Interview and decision by the Assistant Director
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Fee payment through the prescribed process
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Passport delivery
For a correction case, applicants should clearly tell the relevant official that they are applying for modification of the father’s name.
15. Carefully Check the Data Entry Form
One of the most important parts of the application is checking the information entered by the passport office operator.
DGI&P states that the data-entry form is printed for the applicant to recheck and verify.
The applicant should carefully check:
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Applicant’s name
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Father’s name
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Date of birth
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Place of birth
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CNIC number
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Passport information
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Other personal particulars
DGI&P specifically warns that changes should be pointed out at this stage. Once the information is saved, modification requires cancellation of the token and repeating the process; after the Assistant Director allows the application to proceed, changes may no longer be possible.
This makes the verification stage extremely important.
16. Passport Fee
Passport fees depend on the type of passport, number of pages, validity period, and processing priority.
DGI&P publishes separate fee information for ordinary machine-readable passports and e-passports.
For example, DGI&P's current e-passport fee schedule lists different fees for 36-page and 72-page passports and for five-year and ten-year validity. Fast Track is not available for e-passport delivery under the published schedule.
Because fees can change, applicants should check the latest official DGI&P fee schedule before paying.
Additional service charges may apply at certain Executive Passport Offices or Passport Processing Counters.
17. Processing Time
Processing time depends on the selected passport service and the nature of the case.
DGI&P currently states that:
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Urgent passport processing is 5 working days.
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Fast Track passport processing is 2 working days.
DGI&P's general passport information also provides service-specific delivery information, and applicants should confirm the current applicable timeline when submitting a modification case.
A case requiring additional verification or approval may take longer than a straightforward application.
18. Can You Correct Father’s Name Online?
Applicants should distinguish between online passport services and passport modification categories.
DGI&P's online passport information lists specific online categories, including renewal and certain partial modifications such as marital status and profession.
A father’s-name correction is not the same as those listed partial-modification categories.
For this reason, applicants should not assume that every father’s-name correction can be completed completely online.
The current DGI&P guidance for changing the father’s name directs the applicant to first revise the CNIC/NICOP and then visit the passport office with the required documents.
19. Do You Need the Previous Passport?
If a previous passport was issued, DGI&P's general adult requirements include the previous passport in original with a photocopy.
Therefore, applicants should take the previous passport with them when applying for modification.
If the passport has been lost, the applicant should follow the lost-passport procedure and provide the required police report mentioning the previous passport number where applicable.
20. What If the Passport Has Already Expired?
An expired passport does not automatically mean that the underlying identity information should remain unchanged.
If the applicant needs to correct the father’s name, the important point is to ensure that the CNIC/NICOP contains the correct information before passport processing.
The applicant should then follow the current DGI&P procedure applicable to the passport application.
21. What If the Passport Is About to Expire?
If the passport is close to expiry and the father’s name also needs correction, applicants should not simply renew the passport with the old information if the identity record has already been corrected.
The applicant should disclose that a modification of particulars is required.
DGI&P's rules provide a mechanism for changing passport particulars, including father’s name.
22. What If There Is a Difference Between CNIC, Passport and Birth Certificate?
Such a case requires careful documentation.
For example:
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CNIC: Abdul Rehman
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Passport: Abdul Rahman
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Birth certificate: Abdul Rehman
The applicant should use the official identity record and supporting documents to establish the correct information.
If the CNIC itself is incorrect, correct it through NADRA first.
If the CNIC is already correct but the passport is wrong, take the supporting records to DGI&P.
The passport office may request additional documents if the case requires verification.
23. What If Father’s Name Is Different on Educational Certificates?
Differences in educational documents can sometimes create additional questions during identity verification.
Applicants should not alter educational certificates themselves.
Instead, they should retain original documents and provide them if requested by the relevant authority.
Where DGI&P requires additional evidence, official documents such as birth or educational records may help establish the correct particulars depending on the circumstances.
24. What If Father’s Name Was Entered Incorrectly by Mistake?
If the error occurred during passport application data entry, the applicant should still follow the official correction procedure.
Most importantly, applicants should carefully review the data-entry form before signing it.
DGI&P explicitly instructs applicants to point out any changes at the data-entry stage before the information is saved.
If an incorrect father’s name has already been saved and the passport has been issued, the applicant should approach DGI&P for modification.
25. What If Father’s Name Was Changed Legally?
A legally changed father’s name is different from a simple typing or spelling error.
The applicant should first ensure that the relevant NADRA identity record reflects the legally recognized information.
Supporting legal or official documentation may be required depending on the circumstances.
The passport should then be processed using the revised identity information.
26. Do Not Use Different Names on Different Applications
Applicants should maintain consistency among official documents.
Using different versions of a father’s name on CNIC, passport, visa applications, airline records, immigration documents, or other official forms can cause avoidable verification issues.
When completing the passport application, use the information shown on the revised official identity document unless the relevant authority instructs otherwise.
27. Check the Passport After Delivery
When the corrected passport is received, check all particulars immediately.
Do not check only the father’s name.
Verify:
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Applicant's full name
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Father’s name
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Date of birth
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Place of birth
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Passport number
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Nationality
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Sex
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Date of issue
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Date of expiry
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Other printed particulars
If you find another error, contact DGI&P promptly rather than using the passport without clarification.
28. Passport Modification Is an Official Identity Process
A passport is not simply a travel booklet. It is an official identity and travel document.
For that reason, passport modifications are subject to identity and nationality verification.
Passport Rules 2021 state that applications involving changed particulars are examined carefully for verification of nationality and identity.
Applicants should therefore provide truthful information and authentic documents.
29. Important Advice Before Applying
Before going to the passport office, applicants should:
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Correct the CNIC/NICOP first.
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Make sure the revised document shows the correct father’s name.
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Take the original revised CNIC/NICOP.
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Take photocopies.
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Take the previous passport if available.
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Take supporting documents if relevant.
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Take the foreign passport if a dual national.
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Obtain an NOC if applicable.
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Check the current passport fee.
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Confirm the latest passport-office requirements.
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Carefully check the data-entry form.
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Keep the receipt/token safely.
These preparations can reduce delays and help avoid another correction later.
30. Final Summary
Correcting a father’s name on a Pakistani passport generally starts with the NADRA identity record, not the passport itself.
The basic sequence is:
Correct CNIC/NICOP → Receive revised identity document → Apply for passport modification → Provide previous passport and supporting documents → Complete biometric/data-entry/verification process → Check the data-entry form carefully → Receive the corrected passport.
DGI&P's current official guidance specifically confirms that applicants seeking modification of the father’s name should first revise or modify the CNIC/NICOP.
Applicants should always check the latest DGI&P and NADRA instructions before applying because fees, service arrangements, documentation requirements, and processing procedures can change.
For official passport-policy questions, DGI&P provides the Passport Policy contact at passport.policy@dgip.gov.pk, while its national helpline is 051-111-344-777.
Guide Information
Eligibility
Pakistani citizens whose father’s name is incorrect, misspelled, incomplete, or inconsistent on their passport may apply for modification after correcting the relevant CNIC/NICOP record. Adults, minors, overseas Pakistanis, and dual nationals may have different supporting-document requirements. The applicant must provide genuine identity information and follow the applicable DGI&P and NADRA procedures.
Required Documents
* Original revised valid CNIC/NICOP showing the corrected father’s name.
* Photocopy of the revised CNIC/NICOP.
* Previous Pakistani passport in original and photocopy, if previously issued.
* NOC from the relevant department where applicable for government, semi-government, or autonomous-body employees.
* Foreign passport in original and photocopy for dual nationals.
* Police report mentioning the previous passport number if the passport was lost.
* Relevant supporting documents if requested for verification.
* For minors, applicable CRC/Juvenile Card and parents’ or legal guardian’s identity documents.
* Additional documents may be required depending on the nature of the correction.
Fees
Passport fees depend on the passport type, page count, validity period, and processing priority. DGI&P publishes separate fee schedules for ordinary passports and e-passports. Additional service charges may apply at certain Executive Passport Offices or Passport Processing Counters. Applicants should verify the current official fee before payment because government fees can change.
Processing Time
DGI&P currently states that an Urgent passport is issued in 5 working days and a Fast Track passport in 2 working days. Actual processing of a father’s-name modification may take longer where additional verification or approval is required. Applicants should confirm the applicable timeline when submitting the case.WHEN TO APPLY:Apply as soon as a discrepancy in the father’s name is identified, especially before applying for a visa, travelling internationally, or using the passport for official purposes. First correct the CNIC/NICOP record through NADRA and then apply for passport modification.
Application Method
For a father’s-name correction, the applicant shou
Validity Period
The corrected passport is issued according to the selected passport type and validity category. Pass
Step-by-Step Process
- Check the father’s name printed on your current Pakistani passport.
- Compare the passport information with your CNIC, Smart CNIC, or NICOP.
- Identify whether the problem is a spelling error, missing name, incomplete name, or completely different father’s name.
- Check whether the father’s name is also incorrect in the NADRA record.
- Collect your original CNIC/NICOP and other relevant identity documents.
- Identify the official documents that support the correct father’s name.
- Keep your birth record or other relevant civil documentation available if it may be required for verification.
- If you are a minor, check the child’s CRC or Juvenile Card and the parents’ identity documents.
- If you are a dual national, keep your foreign passport available.
- If you are a government employee, check whether an NOC is required.
- Apply to NADRA for correction or modification of the CNIC/NICOP where the father’s name is incorrect.
- Provide NADRA with genuine supporting documents requested for the identity correction.
- Complete the required NADRA biometric and verification process.
- Receive the revised CNIC/NICOP showing the corrected father’s name.
- Check the revised CNIC/NICOP carefully for spelling and other errors.
- Make photocopies of the revised CNIC/NICOP.
- Locate your previous Pakistani passport if one was issued.
- Make a photocopy of the previous passport.
- If the passport is lost, obtain the required police report according to DGI&P instructions.
- If you are a dual national, prepare the original foreign passport and photocopy.
- Collect any NOC required because of your employment status.
- Collect any additional supporting documents relevant to the father’s-name correction.
- Check the latest DGI&P passport modification requirements before visiting the office.
- Check the current passport fee for the selected passport category.
- Visit a DGI&P passport office or the applicable Pakistan Mission if applying from abroad.
- Tell the passport official that you need modification of the father’s name.
- Present the revised CNIC/NICOP and other required documents.
- Complete photograph and token issuance requirements.
- Complete biometric verification and passport data-entry requirements.
- Review the printed data-entry form extremely carefully.
- Confirm that the father’s name exactly matches the corrected official identity record.
- Check your own name, date of birth, place of birth, CNIC number, and other particulars.
- Immediately point out any error found on the data-entry form.
- Complete the required verification and interview/decision stage.
- Pay the applicable passport fee through the prescribed payment method.
- Keep the payment evidence, token, receipt, or other acknowledgement safely.
- Provide a valid mobile number or email where the available status-intimation service applies.
- Track or check the passport status through the official DGI&P system where available.
- Collect the passport according to the applicable delivery procedure.
- Check the corrected father’s name again after receiving the passport.
- Check all other passport particulars before using the document.
- If another error is found, contact DGI&P promptly for guidance.
- Keep the revised CNIC/NICOP and corrected passport safely.
- Use the same corrected identity information on future official applications.
- Verify the latest DGI&P and NADRA instructions before any future modification.
Official Information
Official Website: https://www.dgip.gov.pk
Contact: Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P)Headquarters: Mauve Area, G-8/1, Islamabad, PakistanNational Helpline: 051-111-344-777International Helpline: 0092-51-111-344-777General Email: [info@dgip.gov.pk](mailto:info@dgip.gov.pk)Passport Policy Email: [passport.policy@dgip.gov.pk](mailto:passport.policy@dgip.gov.pk)
Frequently Asked Questions
DGI&P states that the applicant should first revise or modify the CNIC/NICOP and then apply for passport modification.
Check whether the father’s name is also incorrect on the CNIC/NICOP. If it is, correct the NADRA record first.
NADRA is the authority responsible for Pakistan’s national identity records and CNIC/NICOP services.
DGI&P’s published guidance says the CNIC/NICOP should first be revised or modified before passport modification.
If a previous passport was issued, DGI&P’s general adult requirements include the original previous passport and a photocopy.
DGI&P requires a lost-passport police report mentioning the previous passport number where applicable.
DGI&P’s general passport requirements require the original valid CNIC/NICOP together with a photocopy.
Yes, a spelling correction falls within passport modification of particulars, but the underlying CNIC/NICOP information should first be corrected where necessary.
Such a discrepancy may require additional documentary verification. Correct the NADRA record first and provide genuine supporting documents.
Applicants should not assume that father’s-name modification is available as a completely online service. DGI&P’s current modification guidance directs applicants to revise CNIC/NICOP first and then visit the passport office.
Yes, Pakistani citizens abroad can use applicable passport services through Pakistan Missions, subject to the current requirements.
Yes, but dual nationals should provide the required foreign passport documentation and disclose their dual nationality as required.
Take the original CNIC/NICOP and previous passport to DGI&P and apply for the relevant passport modification.
Correct the CNIC/NICOP through NADRA first and then apply for passport modification.
Additional documents may be requested depending on the case. Applicants should keep relevant official civil records available for verification.
Requirements can vary according to the case. If relevant to establishing the correct family information, keep the father’s identity documentation available, but follow the documents specifically requested by NADRA or DGI&P.
No. They are different passport particulars, although both are covered under passport modification procedures.
Correct the relevant NADRA record and disclose all required changes to DGI&P. Cases involving multiple major changes may require additional approval.
DGI&P states that cases involving changes to name, father’s name, and date of birth together are forwarded to DGI&P Islamabad for approval.
DGI&P currently states that an Urgent passport is issued in 5 working days.
DGI&P currently states that Fast Track passport processing takes 2 working days.
Not necessarily. Additional verification or approval can affect the processing time.
The applicable passport fee depends on the passport type, page count, validity, and processing priority. Check the latest DGI&P fee schedule before payment.
DGI&P states that additional NADRA service charges may apply at Executive Passport Offices and Passport Processing Counters.
DGI&P states that Pakistani citizens may apply for passport services from any passport office irrespective of the address recorded on the CNIC/NICOP/CRC, subject to applicable arrangements.
Check the father’s name, your own name, date of birth, place of birth, CNIC number, and every other printed particular.
DGI&P instructs applicants to identify any data changes at this stage because later modifications may require cancellation and repetition of the process, and after approval further changes may not be possible.
If an error remains or a new correction is required, you should contact DGI&P and follow the applicable modification procedure.
Yes, but minors follow different identity and passport-document requirements. The child’s NADRA record should be corrected where applicable before passport modification.
Requirements depend on age and circumstances and can include CRC or Juvenile Card, parents’ CNICs/passports, and applicable custody or guardianship documents.
DGI&P may require custody documents and, depending on the circumstances, consent or permission from the other parent.
Additional documentation such as a death certificate may be required in relevant minor passport cases.
Yes, but DGI&P states that government, semi-government, autonomous-body and certain other employees may need an NOC from the relevant department.
A corrected passport can help maintain consistency in identity information, but visa decisions are made by the relevant foreign authorities.
Keep the original educational records and provide them if requested for verification. Do not alter official certificates yourself.
Correct the relevant official record through the appropriate authority and keep supporting documents available. Do not submit inconsistent information without explanation.
Provide the genuine documents requested and follow the instructions of the concerned passport authority.
DGI&P provides Passport Policy assistance through [passport.policy@dgip.gov.pk](mailto:passport.policy@dgip.gov.pk) and its national helpline at 051-111-344-777.
Yes. Once the official records have been corrected, use the same accurate information consistently on future official applications.