Application & Renewal
How to Apply for a New Pakistani Passport
Written by M. Tayyab · Updated 9 October 2026
passportstatus.pk is an independent, privately run informational resource — not affiliated with the Government of Pakistan or DGIP. Always confirm current forms, fees, and requirements at dgip.gov.pk.
Before You Start
First-time applicants need a valid CNIC (or B-Form for minors) as the foundation of the application — DGIP links your passport record directly to this identity document. Having your documents organized before you begin significantly reduces the chance of delays at the office.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Arrive at the customer service counter of a Regional Passport Office with your original CNIC (or the child's CRC/B-Form) and documents. See our documents checklist.
- Photograph and token. Your photo is taken and a QR-code token is issued; check the application type, priority (normal or urgent) and CNIC printed on it.
- Fingerprints are captured when your token number is called.
- Data entry. Check the printed form carefully and give a valid mobile number for 9988 status alerts.
- ECL / Black List check at the verification desk.
- Interview and decision by the Assistant Director, who allows "go ahead" or asks for more documents.
- Pay the fee by scanning the token's QR code with a digital payment app such as EasyPaisa, JazzCash or online banking. See our fee list.
- Collect your passport on the given date with the original token. Updates come by SMS from 9988; see our status guide.
Typical Timeline by Service Tier
| Service Tier | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|
| Normal | Issued after 21 working days |
| Urgent | Issued in 5 working days |
| Fast Track | Issued in 2 working days, in 47 cities |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common causes are incomplete documents, a mismatch between the CNIC details and the application form, or a photo that doesn't meet specification. Double-check your documents against our checklist and photo requirements before your appointment to avoid a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. DGIP's online portal covers renewals (and, for overseas Pakistanis, newborns up to 2 years, reprints and minor modifications). A first passport needs a visit to a passport office or mission.
DGIP's FAQ gives 21 working days for Normal, 5 for Urgent and 2 for Fast Track, plus shipping time to your office.
Errors are best corrected before submission — review all details carefully against your CNIC. Corrections after submission typically require visiting the Regional Passport Office directly.
Related
Renewing an existing passport instead? See passport renewal. Need the full document list? See our documents checklist.
Sources
- DGIP: Passport Application Process
- DGIP: FAQs
- DGIP: Ordinary Passport (fees and timings)
- DGIP: Apply Online Passport
- The Nation: Pakistan to stop issuing machine-readable passports from October 15 (29 Sep 2026)
Official sources checked 9 October 2026.