How to Update Marital Status in NADRA: The Ultimate Guide

Updating marital status in the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) is an essential legal requirement in Pakistan. Whether you recently got married, divorced, or widowed, accurately updating your status ensures the correctness of your CNIC, Family Registration Certificate (FRC), passport, inheritance matters, and other official records. This comprehensive guide explains everything—from how to update marital status in NADRA, required documents to processing times, fees, verification, and expert tips to avoid delays.

Why Updating Marital Status in NADRA Matters

Keeping your NADRA records updated strengthens your legal identity and prevents complications in:

Visa processing
Immigration applications
Passport issuance and renewal
Property and inheritance claims
Bank account and financial verification
CNIC and FRC accuracy
Government schemes and benefits

An incorrect marital status can cause rejection of applications, delays in embassy interviews, or even legal disputes. Updating it promptly ensures your records remain authentic, consistent, and verifiable.

Required Documents to Update Marital Status in NADRA

The documents vary depending on your new status. Below is a detailed list for all scenarios.

1. Updating Marital Status After Marriage

To change status from Single → Married, you need:

Original CNIC / SNIC / CRC
NADRA Marriage Registration Certificate (MRC) (Nikah Nama is not enough alone)
Spouse’s CNIC copy
Presence of both spouses (sometimes only one spouse is required, but certain centers demand both)
NADRA token fee

Additional Notes:

If you married abroad, the foreign marriage certificate must be attested by MOFA and translated into English/Urdu (if in another language).
If the spouse is a foreign national, you must provide passport copy and visa/entry details. Some cases also require NOC or embassy verification.

2. Updating Marital Status After Divorce

For Married → Divorced, the required documents include:

Original CNIC / SNIC
Divorce Deed / Talaq Nama
NADRA Divorce Certificate (if available)
Union Council Divorce Confirmation Letter (mandatory for Muslim marriages)
Spouse’s CNIC copy (optional but helpful)

For Women

If the husband refuses to cooperate, Union Council Talaq confirmation is still sufficient.
Courts also accept NADRA-updated marital status as legal proof.

For Men

Men must ensure the Iddat period completion letter is included if required by the Union Council.

3. Updating Marital Status After Becoming a Widow or Widower

For Married → Widowed:

Original CNIC
Spouse’s Death Certificate (issued by Union Council)
NADRA Death Registration Certificate
Spouse’s CNIC / NIC copy

Additional Tip

If the death occurred abroad, provide the foreign death certificate, attested by:

Relevant foreign authority
Pakistan Embassy
MOFA Pakistan

Where to Update Marital Status in NADRA

You can update your status through one of the following:

1. NADRA Registration Centers (NRCs)

Available in all cities. These centers offer:

Normal service
Executive service
Smart CNIC upgrade
Same-day correction in many cases

2. NADRA Mega Centers

Mega Centers offer 24/7 services in major cities:

Karachi
Lahore
Islamabad

These provide the fastest processing and lowest waiting time.

3. NADRA Mobile Registration Vans (MRVs)

For remote areas, MRVs help update marital status conveniently.

4. Pak-Identity Online Portal

Available for Pakistanis abroad and residents in Pakistan:

Upload documents
Update marital status
Order CNIC/SNIC
Receive card at home

Step-by-Step Procedure to Update Marital Status in NADRA

Below is a complete workflow applicable to all statuses.

Step 1: Visit Any NADRA Center

Walk in with the required documents or schedule an appointment if visiting an Executive Center.

What Happens at the Center?

You take a token
Wait for your turn
Approach the data entry counter

Step 2: Submit Documents for Verification

The NADRA officer will:

Verify your identity
Confirm marriage/divorce/death documents
Check spouse details
Validate FRC changes

If any discrepancy is found, they may ask for:

Union Council verification
MOFA attestation (for foreign certificates)
Additional identity proof

Step 3: Update Details in the System

The officer enters updated marital status into NADRA Central Database:

Married
Divorced
Widowed

You will be shown data on the screen for verification.

Step 4: Biometric Verification

You will be asked to:

Provide fingerprints
Provide digital signatures
Confirm your updated details

Step 5: Photograph Capture

A new photograph is taken, especially if you are also applying for a new CNIC/SNIC.

Step 6: Pay the Fee

Fee varies by service type:

Normal Service Fee

CNIC Update (Modification): Usually very low
Smart CNIC Update: Slightly higher

Executive Service Fee

Faster processing
Short waiting time
Dedicated counters

Note: Fees may vary across provinces and may change annually. NADRA’s website lists updated fee structures.

Step 7: Receive Receipt and Tracking ID

NADRA provides:

A printed receipt
Tracking ID (SMS or printed)

You can track your card through:

NADRA SMS service
Pak-Identity portal

Step 8: Receive Your Updated CNIC

You can collect it by:

Visiting the center
Home delivery (if selected)

Your new CNIC/SNIC will now display updated marital status.

How to Update Marital Status Through Pak-Identity Online

Pakistanis abroad or those who prefer online service can update their status through NADRA’s Pak-Identity Portal.

Step 1: Create an Account

Visit: https://id.nadra.gov.pk
Register with:

CNIC number
Email
Mobile number
Password

Step 2: Start a New Application

Select:

“Modification of CNIC/SNIC”
“Marital Status Update”

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Depending on your case, upload:

Marriage Certificate
Divorce Certificate
Death Certificate
Spouse’s CNIC
Passport (for foreign spouse)
Attested translations

Make sure files are:

Clear
Legible
Properly scanned

Step 4: Pay the Fee

Payment methods include:

Debit/Credit card
PayPak card
Visa/Mastercard
International cards (for overseas)

Step 5: Verify Biometrics (For Domestic Users)

Biometric verification is done in person at designated centers.

Overseas Pakistanis may use digital fingerprint devices supported by the portal.

Step 6: Wait for Review and Approval

The NADRA team will verify documents. If accepted, the status will be updated.

If rejected, NADRA sends:

Reason for rejection
Instructions to resubmit

Step 7: Receive Updated CNIC

Your smart card will arrive via courier at your home.

Processing Time for Updating Marital Status

Typical timelines:

Normal Service: 7–15 working days
Executive Service: 2–7 working days
Urgent/Mega Centers: Often same-day or within 48 hours
Pak-Identity Online: 7–20 working days depending on verification

How to Check If Your Marital Status is Updated in NADRA

Use any of the following:

1. SMS Verification

Send:
Your CNIC number to 8400
or
Your CNIC number to 7000

2. Pak-Identity Portal

3. FRC Verification

Order a Family Registration Certificate.
If your spouse shows under your family tree, the update is successful.

Common Reasons NADRA May Reject Your Application

1. Unverified Marriage Certificate

Must be issued by the official Union Council, not by Nikah Khawan alone.

2. Missing Spouse Information

Spouse’s CNIC is required in most cases.

3. Foreign Certificates Not Attested

MOFA and embassy attestation are mandatory.

4. Incomplete Divorce Documents

Union Council Talaq confirmation is required for Muslims.

5. Biometric Mismatch

In rare cases, NADRA may require re-verification.

Special Cases and Their Solutions

1. Spouse Living Abroad

Provide:

Passport copy
Visa page
Foreign residence proof

2. Married Outside Pakistan Without MRC

Get the marriage registered at the local Union Council after attestation.

3. Spouse is a Foreigner

In addition to marriage certificate:

Provide passport
Provide NOC if required
Also provide translated certificate

4. Husband Refuses to Register Marriage

The wife may still get marriage status updated through:

Verified Nikah Nama
Union Council Marriage Registration

5. Husband Not Cooperating in Divorce Recording

Union Council confirmation is enough.

Tips to Avoid Delays in Updating NADRA Marital Status

Always bring original documents.
Ensure spellings match across all documents.
For foreign marriages, translate through approved translators.
Use Executive Centers for fastest service.
Keep photocopies of all certificates.
Check FRC after update for accuracy.
Double-check names, dates, and locations before finalizing.

Final Words

Updating marital status in NADRA is a straightforward but essential process that protects your identity, family rights, and legal matters. Whether you are newly married, divorced, or widowed, maintaining accurate records ensures smooth processing in immigration, banking, government services, passport issuance, and more.

Following the steps in this guide ensures you complete the update efficiently, without delays or rejections.

Disclaimer:
This guide is prepared to provide general information about updating marital status in NADRA. Procedures, requirements, and fees may change over time. For the most accurate and updated details, please visit the official NADRA website or contact your nearest NADRA Registration Center.

Also read: NADRA Overhauls CNIC Rules After 23 Years: New Updates

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