In Pakistan, the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) is an essential document for every citizen over 18. It’s required for everything from opening a bank account and voting to getting a driver’s license. Given its importance, being able to verify the authenticity of a CNIC is a critical security measure.
Whether you’re a business owner verifying a new employee’s identity or an individual checking a CNIC for a personal transaction, the process needs to be quick and reliable. Fortunately, Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has made this verification process straightforward.
This guide will walk you through the two official methods for NADRA CNIC verification, helping you confirm a cardholder’s details with confidence.
What is NADRA?
Before we get into the verification methods, it’s helpful to understand what NADRA is. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is the government agency responsible for managing Pakistan’s national database. It issues the CNIC and maintains a secure record of every citizen’s identity information. This centralized system is what makes secure CNIC verification possible.
Method 1: CNIC Verification via SMS
One of the simplest ways to verify a CNIC is through a text message. This method is quick, accessible, and doesn’t require an internet connection, making it ideal for on-the-spot checks.
How to Verify by SMS
- Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
- Create a new message.
- Type the 13-digit CNIC number you wish to verify. Do not include any dashes or spaces.
- Send the message to the number 7000.
What to Expect
Shortly after sending the text, you will receive a reply from NADRA. This message will contain the name and father’s name of the CNIC holder, written in Urdu.
It’s important to note that this service is not free. Each verification message costs Rs. 10 plus applicable taxes, which will be deducted from your mobile phone balance. This method provides basic verification by matching the CNIC number to the registered name and father’s name in NADRA’s database.
Method 2: CNIC Verification via the Pak-ID App
For a more comprehensive and secure verification process, NADRA offers the Pak-ID mobile application. This app provides a digital identity wallet and allows for biometric verification, offering a higher level of assurance. This method is particularly useful for official business transactions where greater security is needed.
How to Use the Pak-ID App
- Download the App: The Pak-ID app is available for both Android and iOS devices. You can find it on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Register an Account: Once installed, open the app and register for a new account. You will need to provide some basic personal information.
- Biometric Verification: The app will guide you through a verification process to confirm your own identity. This involves using your phone’s camera to take a photo and capture your fingerprints. The app compares this biometric data against NADRA’s official records to ensure you are who you say you are.
- Access Your Digital ID: After your identity is successfully verified, your digital ID will be securely stored within the app.
- Verify Another CNIC: Within the app’s features, you can access services to verify other CNIC numbers, often with more detailed results than the SMS method.
The Pak-ID app provides a robust digital solution for identity management. It not only allows you to verify others but also to carry your own digital identity securely on your phone.
Your Next Steps for Secure Verification
Verifying a NADRA CNIC is a simple yet crucial step for ensuring security and trust in your personal and professional dealings. By using either the quick SMS service or the more secure Pak-ID app, you can easily confirm the identity of a CNIC holder.
For everyday, quick checks, the SMS method is highly effective. For situations requiring stronger identity assurance, downloading and using the Pak-ID app is the recommended approach. Choose the method that best fits your needs to protect yourself from fraud and conduct your affairs with confidence.
