NADRA Juvenile Card application guide featured image with smart ID card graphic for children

NADRA Juvenile Card: Eligibility, Documents, Fee & How to Apply

Last updated: August 2026

The NADRA Juvenile Card is the official chip-based smart identity card that NADRA (National Database & Registration Authority) issues to Pakistani children under the age of 18. It has steadily replaced the old paper B-Form / Child Registration Certificate (CRC) as the preferred way to register a child's identity, and it's increasingly required for school admissions, passport applications, travel, and medical records. This guide covers who needs one, what documents to bring, the current fee structure, and how the application process actually works.

What Is the NADRA Juvenile Card?

The Juvenile Card (JV) is issued under Rule 18 of the NADRA (NIC) Rules, 2002, alongside the Child Registration Certificate (CRC). Both documents serve as a child's initial registration in NADRA's national database and establish proof of the child's identity and their relationship to their parents or legal guardian. Under Rule 18(1), every Pakistani citizen who has not yet turned 18 is required to be registered with NADRA and is eligible for a CRC or Juvenile Card.

Unlike the old B-Form, which was a simple paper document listing all the children in a family, the Juvenile Card is a wallet-sized card with a secure microchip — similar in format to an adult CNIC. It stores the child's photograph and demographic data and links directly to the parents' identity records.

Once your child eventually turns 18, this card becomes the basis for their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) application, so keeping the underlying records accurate now saves time later.

Juvenile Card vs. B-Form (CRC): What's the Difference?

Feature	B-Form (CRC)	Juvenile Card (JV)
Format	Paper document	Smart chip card (like a CNIC)
Data storage	Basic demographic details	Biometric & chip-based data
Covers	All children in a family on one form	Individual card per child
Use case	Basic identity proof	Preferred for school, travel, banking-linked needs

Who Is Eligible for a Juvenile Card?

The child is a Pakistani citizen under 18 years of age.
At least one parent or legal guardian holds a valid CNIC or NICOP.
The child has not already been issued a Juvenile Card or reached the age to apply for a CNIC.

If your child was born abroad, you may need to register them first under our guide on NICOP for overseas Pakistanis, since their route into NADRA's system can differ slightly from children born in Pakistan.

Documents Required for Juvenile Card

Requirements can vary slightly depending on whether the child already has a CRC/B-Form. In general, you'll need:

The child must be physically present for the application.
Original CNIC (or NICOP) of the parent(s) or a blood relative/guardian.
Computerized birth certificate issued by the Union Council, Municipal Committee, or Cantonment Board (for children born in Pakistan).
Detailed birth certificate or S-1 Form (for children born abroad).
Existing B-Form / CRC, if the child already has one.
School certificate, if a computerized birth certificate isn't available.
Recent passport-sized photograph of the child, meeting NADRA's photo specifications.

How to Apply for a NADRA Juvenile Card

Full online self-service for Juvenile Cards is limited — biometric capture for the child is typically required, which means a physical visit is usually necessary. That said, NADRA has expanded digital options through its Pak ID mobile app for scheduling and, in some cases, initiating the application if the child already holds a B-Form/CRC. Here's the general process:

Check if your child already has a CRC/B-Form. If yes, you may be able to start the Juvenile Card application through the Pak ID app; if not, a direct visit to a NADRA Registration Centre (NRC) is usually required.
Gather the required documents listed above, including the parent's or guardian's original CNIC/NICOP.
Visit an NRC or e-Khidmat Markaz with the child present, since biometric and photograph capture generally cannot be done remotely.
Submit the application form along with the required documents at the counter.
Biometric capture — the child's photograph and, where applicable, fingerprints are recorded.
Pay the applicable fee based on your chosen processing speed (normal, urgent, or fast-track).
Collect your receipt with tracking details and use it to track the application status online or via the Pak ID app.
Collect the card from the same NRC once it's ready, within the specified deadline.

Because policies around online initiation continue to evolve, always confirm the latest process on NADRA's official website or the Pak ID app before visiting a centre.

Juvenile Card Fee and Processing Time

NADRA typically offers tiered processing speeds for the Juvenile Card, with faster service costing more. Fee amounts and processing windows are revised periodically, so treat any numbers you see — including on this page — as indicative only, and confirm the current fee schedule directly on NADRA's official website or at the NRC before you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Juvenile Card

Is the Juvenile Card mandatory for all children?

Under Rule 18(1) of the NADRA (NIC) Rules, 2002, every Pakistani citizen under 18 is required to be registered with NADRA, making the CRC or Juvenile Card effectively mandatory for identity purposes.

Can I apply for a Juvenile Card fully online?

Not entirely. Biometric verification generally requires a visit to a NADRA Registration Centre, though the Pak ID app can assist with scheduling and, in some cases, initiating the application if a B-Form/CRC already exists.

What happens to the Juvenile Card when the child turns 18?

The Juvenile Card serves as the foundation for the child's future CNIC application once they reach 18 years of age.

Do both parents need to be present for the application?

At minimum, one parent or legal guardian with a valid CNIC/NICOP typically needs to accompany the child, though requirements can vary by case — confirm with your local NRC.

For video guide, view this video

Disclaimer: Application procedures, required documents, and fees for the NADRA Juvenile Card 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 visiting a Registration Centre.

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