A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Name with NADRA (2025)

As of late, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has issued legal guidelines for people who need to change their names in the database. A NADRA spokesman stated that applicants must fulfill certain conditions to qualify for the name-change process. Here are the guidelines:

• If the applicant’s qualification is Secondary School Certificate (Matric) or above, the name as appearing on the Matriculation Certificate will be written. 
• If the head of the family (father/husband) changes his name, all family members will be required to modify their CNICs/NICOPs/CRCs. 
• For NICOP and POC holders applying from abroad, a name change deed duly verified by the concerned consulate general is required. 

Tentative Procedure for Changing Your Legal Name with NADRA 

1. Provide a Valid Reason: 

• To change your name through a deed poll, you must provide a valid and specific reason for changing your name. Vague excuses will not be accepted. 

2. Create and Attest an Affidavit: 

• Contact a lawyer, a notary officer, or visit a district court to apply for an affidavit attested by a first-class magistrate. 
• The affidavit should mention the reason for the name change, your current name, and the new name you want to adopt officially. 

3. Submit Required Documents: 

• Present the following documents along with your affidavit: 
• Certificate of Criminal Record (if applicable) 
• Application addressed to a first-class magistrate 
• Original and photocopy of your CNIC 
• Birth certificate 

4. Publish Your Name Change: 

• Once the affidavit is issued and attested, you must publish your name change in a Gazette Notification and a local newspaper. 
• Keep the original copies of the Gazette Notification, as they are important for updating other records such as your voter ID and bank details. 

5. Union Council Processing: 

• Visit your district’s Union Council Office with the necessary documents. The Union Council Secretary will load your application into the system and update your name in the database. 

Eligibility for Name Change 

For Children Under 18 Years: 

• To change a child’s name before they turn 18, submit an affidavit and obtain a new birth certificate. You can download the affidavit form from NADRA’s website (Affidavit for Name Change – Urdu Form) and follow the instructions provided. 

For Adults (18 Years and Above): 

• Changing your name after the age of 18 requires a strong and valid reason. Loose impressions or vague justifications will be discarded by NADRA. 

Processing Time and Important Considerations 

• The name-change process usually takes 3 to 7 business days. 
• Double-check all information to avoid errors, as NADRA’s database updates are highly sensitive and require accuracy. 

Contact NADRA 

• National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) State Bank of Pakistan Building, Shahrah-i-Jamhuriat, G-5, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan 
• For further assistance, you can contact NADRA at the following address and phone numbers: 
  • Telephone: 7000 (for Mobilink, Ufone, Telenor, and Zong users) or +92 51 111 786 100 (for landlines and overseas applicants) 
  • Email at [email protected] 

By following this detailed process, you can change your legal name with NADRA and ensure that your official records are updated correctly. Good luck!