NADRA Introduces Major Reforms in Identity Documentation for Families and Children

ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced significant reforms to its identity and registration document policies, aiming to strengthen the legal standing and security of family-related records across Pakistan.

The newly announced updates, which focus primarily on children’s documentation and family registration, mark a pivotal shift in how Pakistani families interact with official systems of identification.

In a landmark decision, NADRA has officially discontinued the use of the B-Form (Bay Form) for children’s passport applications. Instead, parents will now need to obtain a Child Registration Certificate (CRC) to initiate the passport issuance process for minors.

NADRA officials explain that this change enhances data accuracy and ensures that every child in the national database is documented with a distinct and verified identity. The shift also aligns with global best practices, offering improved safeguards against identity fraud and misrepresentation.

In a separate but equally significant move, NADRA has granted legal status to the Family Registration Certificate (FRC). Previously used primarily for informational purposes, the FRC can now serve as legally admissible documentation in courts and other legal settings.

This upgrade means the FRC can be used in inheritance cases, custody battles, property claims, and other family-related legal matters—enhancing its relevance and utility across public and private institutions.

The updated FRC format now caters to diverse family structures, reflecting the evolving social landscape in Pakistan. According to NADRA:

• Families with parents and children can register collectively.
• Spouses and their children are also included under a single FRC.
• In cases involving multiple marriages, the system records each marriage and its associated family details separately and accurately.