NADRA Family Registration Certificate (FRC) application guide featured image with family tree document graphic

NADRA Family Registration Certificate (FRC): Eligibility, Documents & How to Apply Online

Last updated: August 2026

The NADRA Family Registration Certificate (FRC) is an official record that verifies your family composition as it appears in NADRA's national database. It's one of the most commonly requested documents for visa applications, immigration processes, power of attorney, property transfer to legal heirs, and various embassy and educational requirements. This guide explains what an FRC actually shows, who's eligible, which documents you'll need, and how to apply — online or in person.

What Is a Family Registration Certificate (FRC)?

The FRC is issued under Rule 19 of the NADRA (NIC) Rules, 2002. It lists the applicant's family members exactly as recorded in NADRA's civil registration database — parents, siblings, spouse, or children, depending on the category you apply under. It's important to understand one key distinction: an FRC is a facilitation document, not a legal one. It cannot be used to establish or prove any legal right; it simply reflects what NADRA's records show on the date of issuance.

If you're applying for an FRC that includes a minor, it helps to first make sure that child already has a Juvenile Card or B-Form on record, since NADRA needs a valid 13-digit ID for every family member you want listed.

Types of FRC: By Birth, Marriage, and Adoption

NADRA issues the FRC under three main categories, depending on what relationship you need documented:

By Birth — lists your parents and siblings, useful when you need to prove family relations by blood.
By Marriage — lists your spouse and children, commonly required for spouse visas and family immigration cases.
By Adoption — lists your legal guardian and the relationship established through adoption.
By All — a combined certificate that includes details of both the applicant's birth-side and marriage-side (or "alpha and beta") family members.

Who Is Eligible for an FRC?

To be eligible for an FRC, every living family member you want included must already be registered with NADRA and hold a valid 13-digit identification number (CNIC, NICOP, POC, or CRC/Juvenile Card). A few additional notes:

Unregistered deceased individuals can still be included, but their particulars must be provided in full, and in some cases their CNIC must first be marked cancelled/deceased using a death certificate.
If a family member was never registered with NADRA and has no 13-digit ID number, their data will not appear on the FRC.
Children under 18 whose CRC was issued without a photograph may need to be physically present at an NRC even if the rest of the application is done online.

If any family member listed doesn't yet have a NADRA identity number, start with our guide on applying for a CNIC before attempting the FRC, since the certificate can only reflect registered individuals.

Documents Required for FRC Application

The exact list depends on which FRC category you're applying under, but generally includes:

Your valid original CNIC or NICOP.
13-digit ID numbers (CNIC/NICOP/POC/CRC) of all family members to be included.
Correct name spellings for each family member, matching NADRA's existing records.
Birth certificate, if applying for an FRC by Birth.
Marriage certificate, if applying for an FRC by Marriage — along with the CNIC/NICOP/POC of your spouse and children.
Legal adoption papers, if applying for an FRC by Adoption.
Photographs of family members under 18 whose existing record does not already include one.
Death certificate for any deceased family member whose CNIC needs to be marked cancelled before inclusion.

How to Apply for FRC Online

NADRA allows FRC applications to be submitted either online through the Pak Identity portal and Pak ID mobile app, or in person at a NADRA Registration Centre (NRC). Here's the general process for applying online:

Create an account or log in to NADRA's Pak Identity web portal or the Pak ID mobile app.
Select "Family Registration Certificate" from the list of available services.
Choose your category — By Birth, By Marriage, By Adoption, or By All — based on which relationships you need documented.
Enter the 13-digit ID numbers of the family members you want included, making sure names match NADRA's existing records exactly.
Upload supporting documents, such as birth or marriage certificates and CNIC/NICOP/POC copies as required by your category.
Pay the applicable fee using a debit/credit card, or via NADRA's e-Sahulat service if you're applying from within Pakistan.
Submit and track your application using the tracking ID provided.
Receive your certificate — NADRA typically emails a digital copy or makes it available for download through the portal once approved; in-person applications are usually issued immediately at the NRC counter.

If you're applying by marriage and any of your children are under 18, note that they may need to be physically present at the time of application, even if you started the process online.

FRC Fee and Processing Time

Fees for the FRC vary depending on the category and processing speed selected, and whether you're applying from inside or outside Pakistan. In-person applications at an NRC are often issued the same day, while online applications typically take a short processing window before the certificate is emailed or made available for download. Since fee amounts and processing times are updated periodically, always confirm the current figures on NADRA's official website before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About FRC

Can an FRC be used for legal purposes?

No. The FRC is a facilitation document that reflects NADRA's records — it cannot be used to establish or prove any legal right or claim.

What's the difference between a B-Form and an FRC?

A B-Form (or Juvenile Card/CRC) registers a single child with NADRA. An FRC compiles multiple already-registered family members into one combined family document.

Can I include a deceased family member on my FRC?

Yes, but their complete particulars must be provided, and in many cases their CNIC needs to be marked cancelled/deceased using a death certificate before they can be included.

Do I need to visit a NADRA centre if I apply online?

Not always. Adults generally don't need to appear in person for an online FRC application, but children under 18 whose record lacks a photograph may still need a physical visit.

For video guide, view this video

Disclaimer: Application procedures, required documents, categories, and fees for the NADRA Family Registration Certificate can change over time. This guide summarises publicly available information for general educational purposes — always verify the latest requirements on NADRA's official website before submitting your application.

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