How to Easily Apply for a NADRA B-Form in 2024 – Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction to NADRA B-Form (Child Registration Certificate)

The NADRA B-Form, also known as the Child Registration Certificate (CRC), is an essential document for minors under the age of 18 in Pakistan. It serves as proof of a child’s identity and citizenship. Issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the B-Form plays a key role in ensuring that children can access various rights and services, including education, healthcare, and legal identity.

Purpose and Importance

The B-Form is crucial because it is the primary document that minors use to prove their identity. It is required for many legal and official purposes, such as:

• School enrollments: Most schools in Pakistan require a B-Form for admission.
• Healthcare services: It can be used to access medical care and benefits.
• Government services: It is necessary for availing of government benefits or social services.
• Passport applications: If a child needs to apply for a passport or travel document, the B-Form is mandatory.
• National Identity Card (CNIC) issuance: When a child turns 18, the B-Form’s identity number becomes their CNIC number, making it essential for transitioning into adulthood as a citizen.

Distinction Between B-Form and Birth Certificate

While the B-Form and birth certificates serve similar purposes, there are key differences:

• Birth Certificate: This document is issued by the local Union Council and confirms the birth details, including the child’s name, parents, and birth date. It is a basic registration.
• B-Form (CRC): Issued by NADRA, it not only verifies the birth but also assigns a national identity number to the child. This number is later used to generate a CNIC when they turn 18. Additionally, the B-Form is often more widely recognized in official government processes compared to a standard birth certificate​.

Legal Use Cases

The B-Form has multiple legal applications, such as:

1. School admissions: A requirement for many educational institutions.
2. Healthcare access: Used for government-provided healthcare services.
3. Government and social services: Necessary for availing benefits such as welfare or scholarships.
4. Travel documentation: Essential when applying for a passport or travel-related documentation.
5. Voter registration: When the individual turns 18, their identity from the B-Form transitions to the CNIC system.

How to Apply for a NADRA B-Form (Child Registration Certificate)

As of 2023, NADRA has not launched an online application portal for the B-Form or Child Registration Certificate (CRC). This means that you must apply for the B-Form by visiting a NADRA Registration Center (NRC) in person. Below is a step-by-step guide to the application process.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply in Person:

1. Visit the Nearest NADRA Office: Find the closest NRC in your area. You can locate one using NADRA’s website.
2. Obtain a Token: Upon arrival at the NRC, take a token from the counter and wait for your number to be called.
3. Biometric and Photograph Capture: NADRA staff will capture your child’s photograph, fingerprints, and signature.
4. Data Entry and Form Review: The staff will enter the required data from your child’s birth certificate (issued by the Union Council) into NADRA’s system. You will be given a printed version of the application form to review for accuracy.
5. Submission: Submit the reviewed and, if needed, attested form. If either parent’s biometric data is captured at the time of submission, no attestation by a gazetted officer is required.
6. Processing Time: The standard processing time is 5-7 working days. However, if you opt for the expedited service through NADRA’s executive centres, the processing time can be reduced to 3-5 working days.

Required Documents:

• Original CNIC of one parent/guardian.
• Child’s Birth Certificate from the Union Council.
• In some cases, an authorization letter from a gazetted officer or a guardianship certificate may be needed if a parent is not present.

Fee Structure:

• Standard Fee: PKR 50 for regular processing.
• Executive Service Fee: PKR 500 for faster processing.

NADRA’s B-Form is vital for children’s identity documentation in Pakistan and is essential for school admissions, healthcare services, and legal recognition. To ensure a smooth process, make sure all documents are error-free and up-to-date before applying.

For further details, you can visit NADRA’s official website or inquire at your nearest registration centre.

Documents and Requirements for NADRA B-Form

To apply for a NADRA B-Form (Child Registration Certificate), you must provide several key documents. These are essential to ensure the correct registration of the child’s identity. Below is a list of the required documents and specific conditions for guardians applying on behalf of a child.

Required Documents:

1. Original CNIC of One Parent or Guardian:
   • The application process requires either the father’s or mother’s original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC). If the application is made by a guardian, the guardian’s CNIC is necessary.
2. Verified Birth Certificate:
   • You need to present a birth certificate issued and verified by the local Union Council (UC). This certificate verifies the child’s birth details and is a critical document for the B-Form application​.
3. Attestation Requirements for Guardians:
   • If a guardian is applying for the B-Form instead of the parents, an authorization letter attested by a gazetted officer is required. The guardian must also provide a guardianship certificate, which proves their legal status as the child’s guardian.
4. Marriage Certificate (Nikkah Nama):
   • Although not always listed as mandatory, it is recommended to bring a marriage certificate (Nikkah Nama) of the parents to avoid any potential issues, especially if both parents are not present.
5. Biometric Verification:
   • During the application, one of the parents or the guardian must complete biometric verification. This eliminates the need for further attestation. If this isn’t possible, the form must be attested by a gazetted officer.

Required Documents

Following these steps and preparing the required documents ensures a smoother application process for the B-Form, which is a critical identity document for minors under the age of 18 in Pakistan. For more details, it’s advisable to visit your nearest NADRA Registration Center (NRC).

NADRA B-Form Fees

The NADRA B-Form (Child Registration Certificate) is an essential document for minors under the age of 18. To obtain this certificate, there are two fee categories based on the type of service you choose:

1. Regular Service Fee

• Cost: PKR 50
• Processing Time: Approximately 5-7 working days.
• Details: This fee applies to standard applications made at any NADRA Registration Center (NRC). It is the most affordable option but may take longer to process.

2. Executive Center Service Fee

• Cost: PKR 500
• Processing Time: Around 3-5 working days for faster processing.
• Details: This option is ideal for those who need the B-Form urgently. Applications through NADRA Executive Centers are processed more quickly but at a higher fee.

Payment Methods

Applicants can pay the required fee at NADRA Registration Centers. However, details regarding online payment options are not currently available. It’s recommended to confirm payment methods at the NRC when visiting for an application​.

Applying for the B-Form at a NADRA Executive Center is quicker but comes with additional costs, ideal for urgent situations.

Tracking and Status Checking for NADRA B-Form

Once you apply for a NADRA B-Form (Child Registration Certificate), you can track its status using NADRA’s convenient SMS service or their online Pak Identity Portal. Here’s a simple guide on how to check the progress of your application:

1. Tracking via SMS

• Open your messaging app on your phone.
• Type the 12-digit token number you received when submitting your B-Form application.
• Send this token number to 8400.
• You will receive an SMS response with the current status of your application. This service typically costs PKR 2 + tax per message.

2. Tracking via the Pak Identity Portal

• Visit the Pak Identity Portal at id.nadra.gov.pk.
• Log in with your credentials. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.
• After logging in, go to “Existing Applications” and select “Tracking ID.”
• Enter the tracking ID you received during your application process to view the status​.

These tools allow you to monitor your application’s progress without visiting a NADRA office, ensuring you stay updated on the status from the comfort of your home.

Challenges and Common Issues with NADRA B-Form

Applying for a NADRA B-Form (Child Registration Certificate) can sometimes present challenges, especially regarding document accuracy. Below are some common issues and the steps to resolve them.

1. Common Errors in the Application Process

• Spelling Errors in Birth Certificates: Mistakes like incorrect spellings in the birth certificate are common. This can delay your application since NADRA uses the details from the birth certificate to issue the B-Form. To avoid problems, ensure that the birth certificate issued by the Union Council has no mistakes before applying for the B-Form.
• Incomplete Documentation: Missing documents such as the CNIC of one parent or a guardianship certificate can also delay the application process. Always double-check the required documents before visiting the NADRA Registration Center.

2. How to Correct Information

• Correcting Errors in Birth Certificates: If there’s a mistake in the birth certificate, visit your local Union Council to request a correction. This may involve providing an affidavit explaining the error. Once the correction is made, you can update the B-Form with NADRA by submitting the revised birth certificate.
• Correcting Errors in B-Forms: If there is a mistake on the B-Form, such as a wrong name or birthdate, it must be corrected at a NADRA office. Sometimes, legal steps like filing a suit for correction under Section 42 of the Specific Relief Act may be necessary for more complex cases​.

3. Delays in Processing

• Processing Delays: The standard processing time for a B-Form is 5-7 working days, but errors or missing documents can cause delays. To resolve this, ensure that all documents are accurate, and reach out to NADRA via their helpline if delays persist. Expedited services are available through NADRA’s executive centers​.

By addressing these common challenges, you can help ensure a smoother application process for the B-Form and avoid unnecessary delays.

Conclusion

The NADRA B-Form (Child Registration Certificate) is a crucial document for minors in Pakistan. It not only provides proof of a child’s identity but also serves as the foundation for accessing essential services such as school admissions, healthcare, and eventually obtaining a CNIC. Without a B-Form, children might face difficulties in their future endeavours, making it an essential legal requirement.

Despite the growing demand for digital services, the B-Form application process is still manual, requiring parents or guardians to visit a NADRA Registration Center (NRC).

Online applications for the B-Form are not yet available, meaning a physical visit is mandatory. However, NADRA continues to improve the process by offering tracking services via SMS and online portals for status updates​.

Looking ahead, there are expectations that NADRA might expand its online services to include the B-Form application, making the process more convenient and accessible. Until then, applicants must be mindful of the correct documentation and follow the in-person process to ensure the timely issuance of this essential document.

Securing the B-Form remains a critical step in safeguarding a child’s rights and future opportunities in Pakistan.