A Juvenile Card is an official identity document issued by NADRA to Pakistani citizens under 18 years of age under NADRA (NIC) Rules 2002. It serves as a child’s primary legal identification, containing verified demographic data, and can be applied through NADRA Registration Centers or the Pak-ID mobile app.
What Is a Juvenile Card?
A Juvenile Card is a government-issued identity document for Pakistani children below the age of 18. It is issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) under Sub-Rule (2) of Rule 18 of the NADRA (NIC) Rules, 2002.
The card functions as the child’s primary legal identification, linking the minor’s demographic information to NADRA’s national database. It confirms identity for official, administrative, and record-keeping purposes where a child’s verified identity is required.
Unlike temporary or supporting documents, the Juvenile Card is a formal identity credential issued after biometric and parental verification. It can be obtained either by visiting a NADRA Registration Center or through the Pak-ID mobile application, making the process accessible for both domestic and overseas families.
This document remains valid until the child becomes eligible for an adult national identity card.
Who Is Eligible for a Juvenile Card?
A Juvenile Card can only be issued to children who meet NADRA’s legally defined eligibility conditions. These requirements ensure that the child’s identity is correctly linked to the national identity system and verified through a parent or legal guardian.
Age Requirement (Under 18 Years)
The Juvenile Card is strictly issued to Pakistani citizens below 18 years of age. Once a child reaches the age of 18, they become eligible for an adult national identity card instead, and the Juvenile Card is no longer applicable.
Parent CNIC / NICOP Condition
At least one parent must hold a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) or National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). The parent’s identity is used to verify the child’s details and complete biometric authentication during the application process.
Pakistani Citizenship Requirement
The Juvenile Card is issued only to Pakistani citizens. The child’s citizenship status is established through official birth records and parental identification registered with NADRA. Children who do not meet the citizenship criteria are not eligible for this card.
These conditions are mandatory and are verified before any Juvenile Card application can be processed.
Documents Required for Juvenile Card
Submitting complete and accurate documents at the start helps avoid delays or rejection. Requirements vary slightly depending on the child’s existing records and place of birth.
If the Child Already Has a CRC
If the child already holds a Child Registration Certificate (CRC or B-Form) issued by National Database and Registration Authority, no additional birth document is required. The CRC record is used to retrieve and verify the child’s details in NADRA’s system.
Inland Birth Documents (Born in Pakistan)
For children born within Pakistan, one of the following is required as proof of birth:
- Computerized Birth Registration Certificate issued by the Union Council, Municipal Committee, or Cantonment Board.
Abroad Birth Documents (Born Outside Pakistan)
For children born abroad, applicants must provide:
- Detailed Birth Certificate issued by the relevant foreign authority, or
- S-1 Form, where applicable, as recognized by NADRA.
Parent Identity Requirements
- At least one parent must hold a valid CNIC or NICOP.
- Presence and biometric verification of one parent are mandatory during processing.
- The child’s physical presence is also required for photograph and biometric capture (where applicable).
Guardian Scenario (Parents Not Available or Deceased)
If parents are unavailable or deceased, the Juvenile Card can be processed by a legal guardian. In such cases, the guardian must provide:
- A court-issued guardianship certificate, and
- Their own valid CNIC or NICOP for verification.
All documents are verified before the application proceeds to ensure the child’s identity is correctly linked and legally authenticated.
How to Apply for a Juvenile Card?
A Juvenile Card can be applied through two official channels. Both follow NADRA’s verification standards and lead to the same card issuance.
Apply through the NADRA Registration Center (NRC)
This is the in-person method handled at designated centers of the National Database and Registration Authority.
Step-by-step at NRC:
- Token issuance
Obtain a token upon arrival at the NRC. - Biometrics
Biometric verification of one parent (or an eligible sibling, where applicable). - Photograph & fingerprints
The child’s photograph and fingerprints are captured (fingerprints where required by age). - Data entry & attestation
Child’s data is entered, reviewed, and attested by one parent. - OIC interview
A brief interview of the parent is conducted by the Officer-in-Charge. - Fee submission
Pay the applicable fee according to the selected category (Executive, Urgent, or Normal), excluding delivery charges. - Card issuance
After completion of the processing period, the Juvenile Card is printed and handed over or delivered as per the chosen service.
Apply through the Pak-ID Mobile App
This is the online method available to parents in Pakistan and abroad.
App path:
Pak-ID Mobile App → ID Documents → ID Card → My Blood Relatives
Step-by-step workflow:
- Log in or create a Pak-ID account.
- Select My Blood Relatives and choose New Smart ID.
- Enter the child’s details (CRC/B-Form number if available).
- Parent biometrics are captured and verified digitally.
- Upload required documents and review all prefilled information.
- Capture the child’s photograph and fingerprints (where required).
- Submit the application for review.
Fee submission after approval:
The fee is paid after the application is approved by NADRA, according to the selected category.
Dispatch process:
Once processing is complete, the Juvenile Card is printed and dispatched to the provided address.
Both methods are official, secure, and lead to the same outcome. The choice depends on whether applicants prefer in-person assistance or online convenience.
Juvenile Card Fees (NADRA Official Rates)
The fee for a Juvenile Card depends on the service category selected at the time of application. All charges are officially set and collected by the National Database and Registration Authority.
| Category | Fee (PKR) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Executive | Rs. 2,500 | 9 days |
| Urgent | Rs. 1,500 | 23 days |
| Normal | Rs. 750 | 31 days |
Important note:
Processing time starts only after fee submission. Delivery charges, if applicable, are not included in the above fees.
Processing Time & Delivery
The processing and delivery of a Juvenile Card follow clearly defined timelines set by National Database and Registration Authority. Understanding when timelines begin and how delivery works helps avoid confusion.
Category-Wise Timelines
Processing time varies by the selected service category:
- Executive: 9 days
- Urgent: 23 days
- Normal: 31 days
These timelines apply to both in-person and Pak-ID applications.
When Processing Officially Starts
Processing does not begin at the time of application submission. Official timelines start only after:
- All required documents are submitted.
- Parent biometric verification is completed, and
- The applicable fee is paid.
Any delay in completing these steps will delay processing.
Printing vs Dispatch (Delivery) Clarification
Once processing is complete:
- The Juvenile Card is printed by NADRA, and
- The card is either handed over at the NRC or dispatched to the provided address, depending on the selected service and delivery option.
Delivery time is separate from processing time and may vary based on location and courier service.
Presence & Biometric Requirements
NADRA applies strict presence and biometric rules to ensure accurate identity verification for every Juvenile Card application.
Mandatory Child Presence
The child’s physical presence is mandatory during processing. This allows NADRA to capture:
- The child’s photograph, and
- Fingerprints, where applicable, based on age.
Applications cannot proceed without the child being present.
Parent Biometric Requirement
At least one parent must be present and complete biometric verification using a valid CNIC or NICOP. The parent’s biometrics are used to authenticate the child’s identity and approve the application within the National Database and Registration Authority system.
Sibling Biometric Allowance (Where Applicable)
In certain cases, biometric verification of a sibling may be accepted to support the application. This allowance is subject to NADRA’s internal verification checks and does not replace the requirement for a parent’s biometric verification where it is mandatory.
Failure to meet presence or biometric requirements will result in delays or the application being put on hold until verification is completed.
Juvenile Card When Parents Are Not Available
In situations where a child’s parents are unavailable or deceased, NADRA allows the Juvenile Card to be processed through a legally appointed guardian, subject to strict verification.
Guardian Eligibility
A legal guardian may apply for a Juvenile Card on behalf of the child if:
- Both parents are deceased, missing, or legally unavailable, and
- The guardian has been formally appointed under Pakistani law.
Informal guardianship or family relationship alone is not sufficient for processing.
Guardian Court Certificate Requirement
The guardian must provide a court-issued guardianship certificate issued by a competent Guardian Court. This document legally authorizes the guardian to represent the child for identity registration and verification purposes.
Without this certificate, NADRA will not process the application.
NADRA Processing Conditions
When applying through a guardian:
- The guardian’s valid CNIC or NICOP is required,
- Guardian biometric verification is mandatory, and
- The child’s physical presence remains compulsory for photograph and biometric capture (where applicable).
All applications in guardian cases are processed under enhanced scrutiny by National Database and Registration Authority to ensure legal compliance and protect the child’s identity rights.
Important Notices & Disclaimers
This section highlights key conditions to avoid confusion during the Juvenile Card application process.
Fee Timing Rule
Processing timelines begin only after the applicable fee is paid. Submitting an application without completing fee payment will delay processing, regardless of whether documents and biometrics are complete.
Delivery Fee Exclusion
The stated Juvenile Card fees do not include delivery charges. If home delivery is selected, courier fees are charged separately and may vary by location.
Official NADRA Source Reliance
All procedures, fees, timelines, and requirements are governed by National Database and Registration Authority. Applicants should rely only on official NADRA channels and updates for the most accurate and current information.
FAQs
What is the difference between CRC and a Juvenile Card?
A CRC (Child Registration Certificate) records a child’s birth, while a Juvenile Card is a formal identity document issued to Pakistani citizens under 18. The Juvenile Card serves as the child’s primary legal identification for official use beyond birth registration.
Can overseas parents apply for a Juvenile Card?
Yes. Overseas Pakistani parents holding a valid NICOP can apply for a Juvenile Card for their child through the Pak-ID mobile application, following the same verification and documentation requirements as local applications.
Is Pak-ID mandatory for applying for a Juvenile Card?
No. Pak-ID is not mandatory. Parents may apply either in person at a NADRA Registration Center (NRC) or online through the Pak-ID mobile app. Both methods lead to the same Juvenile Card issuance.
How much does a Juvenile Card cost?
The Juvenile Card fee depends on the selected service category: Executive Rs. 2,500, Urgent Rs. 1,500, and Normal Rs. 750. Processing begins only after fee payment. Delivery charges, if applicable, are separate.
What is the age limit for a Juvenile Card?
A Juvenile Card is issued only to Pakistani citizens under 18 years of age. Once a child turns 18, they become eligible for an adult national identity card and cannot apply for a Juvenile Card.
Can a Juvenile Card be applied for without a CRC?
Yes. A Juvenile Card can be applied for without a CRC by submitting valid documentary proof of birth, such as a computerized birth registration certificate for inland births or a detailed birth certificate or S-1 Form for abroad births.
Is the child’s presence mandatory for a Juvenile Card application?
Yes. The child’s physical presence is mandatory for a Juvenile Card application. NADRA requires the child to be present for photograph capture and, where applicable, biometric verification. Applications cannot proceed without the child’s presence.
Can a Juvenile Card be applied for if one parent is deceased?
Yes. A Juvenile Card can be applied for if one parent is deceased, provided the surviving parent holds a valid CNIC or NICOP and completes biometric verification. If both parents are deceased, a court-appointed guardian must apply.