Applying for a passport can feel hard when you do not know the order. The process is clear once you prepare papers, pay the fee, and check each detail. For most people, the first step is visiting a Regional Passport Office. You will give your photo, fingerprints, and personal data there today.
Global Headlines 24 checked the current Directorate General of Immigration & Passports rules for this guide. This article explains how to apply for a passport in Pakistan, what to carry, how long the service may take, and when an online renewal may suit you. Fees and office rules can change, so check the live page before you pay.
Who can apply for a Pakistani passport?
An ordinary machine-readable passport is issued to Pakistani citizens who complete the required checks. Adults need a valid CNIC or NICOP. First-time applicants visit a Regional Passport Office in Pakistan, or a Pakistan Mission abroad, with the required papers.
Use details that match your identity record. Check your CNIC number, date of birth, parent or spouse name, and address before the form is saved. The office may ask for more proof if a record needs review.
Documents needed for an adult application
Bring the original valid CNIC or NICOP and one copy. If you had a passport before, bring the old passport and one copy. You also need proof that the fee was paid.
A government, semi-government, or self-governing body employee needs a No Objection Certificate from the concerned department. A dual national must bring the foreign passport and a copy. If your passport was lost, bring a police report that states the old passport number.
Keep originals in a safe folder, and carry one extra copy of each key paper. It is a small step, but it can save another trip.
Adult document checklist
| Applicant case | Main papers to carry | Extra point |
| First passport | CNIC or NICOP, copy, paid fee proof | Personal visit needed |
| Renewal | CNIC or NICOP, old passport, copies, paid fee proof | Check old passport details |
| Government employee | Adult papers plus NOC | NOC comes from the department |
| Dual national | Adult papers plus foreign passport | Carry a copy too |
| Lost passport | Adult papers plus police report | Report should show old passport number |
Read the DGIP requirements page before you leave home.
Documents for children
Children use different identity papers. A child aged 10 or above needs an updated Child Registration Certificate with fingerprints and a photo, or a Juvenile Card. A child below age 10 needs a CRC, also called Form B, or a Family Registration Certificate.
A minor must attend with a parent or a court-appointed guardian. The office also asks for the original valid CNICs or passports of both parents, or the guardian’s papers. Parents who are separated or divorced may need custody papers and the other parent’s consent under the stated rules.
If a parent has died, carry the death certificate and a copy. A court-appointed guardian must bring the guardianship certificate. Global Headlines 24’s advice is plain: read the minor rules first.
Pay the passport fee first
Passport Fee Asaan helps you calculate the fee, create a 17-digit PSID, and pay through listed channels. Options include internet banking, ATMs, 1-Link branches, JazzCash, and Easypaisa.
After payment, check the status until it shows paid. DGIP tells applicants not to visit the passport office without online fee confirmation. The fee is not refundable or transferable under the stated policy.
Select the city where you will apply. Enter your original 13-digit CNIC number with care.
Fee payment steps
| Step | What you do | What to save |
| 1 | Open Passport Fee Asaan | Correct CNIC details |
| 2 | Choose pages, validity, and service | Fee amount |
| 3 | Create the PSID | 17-digit payment number |
| 4 | Pay through a listed channel | Bank or wallet proof |
| 5 | Check payment status | Confirmation marked paid |
| 6 | Visit the selected office | Receipt, SMS, or email |
Use the current DGIP fee table before paying.
What happens at the passport office?
The visit has a set flow. Staff first check your papers, take your photo, and issue a QR-code token.
Next, the office captures your fingerprints. At data entry, an official enters your details while you watch the screen. Read the printed form before you sign it. Fix any error at this point.
The office checks its records, including Exit Control List and Black List checks. An Assistant Director then interviews you and may ask for more papers.
The last steps cover QR payment and delivery. Keep the original token. DGIP says the passport is collected by the applicant or a blood relative under its stated process.
Office visit flow
Customer service, photo, token, fingerprints, data entry, record checks, interview, payment, and collection.
https://globalheadlines24.com/Global Headlines 24 advises: check the token twice.
How long does delivery take?
DGIP lists three published processing times for machine-readable passports. Fast Track is two working days, Urgent is five working days, and Normal is 21 working days. These times begin after successful processing.
Courier time is not included. Remote areas and overseas missions may need more time. DGIP sends status updates and lists tracking channels.
These are published times, not a promise. A missing paper or record question can delay the file. Apply before your travel date.
Can you apply online?
Online passport renewal is available for inland and overseas Pakistanis. DGIP says the online renewal route can be used when a passport has expired or has less than one year of validity.
The online system uses an account, supporting files, fee payment, document review, and email updates. Some overseas cases can use it for newborn, damaged, exhausted, and certain lost passports.
Do not assume that every first-time applicant inside Pakistan can finish the full process online. DGIP still directs new, renewal, and modification cases to a Regional Passport Office or Pakistan Mission under its main process page.
If you apply online, scan clear papers and use a working email. Save your tracking details.
Fast Track and e-passport choices
Fast Track is listed in 47 cities, and Lahore appears on the official list. Check the current office list before choosing it. DGIP also lists e-passports with separate fees, and Fast Track is not available for e-passport delivery under its note.
Check your travel needs and the live fee table first. Faster service still needs correct papers.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not use the wrong CNIC number or choose different cities for payment and the visit. Check both before creating the PSID.
Read the data form before signing. DGIP says later changes can cancel the token and repeat the process. Do not wait until flight week.
Frequently asked questions
How to apply for a passport in Pakistan for the first time?
Visit a Regional Passport Office with your original CNIC or NICOP, copy, paid fee proof, and any required extra paper.
Can I apply for a passport online in Pakistan?
Yes, online service mainly covers renewal and certain overseas cases, while many new inland applications need an office visit.
What documents are needed for a Pakistani passport?
Adults need a valid CNIC or NICOP, fee proof, and an old passport if issued, plus case-specific papers.
How long does a normal Pakistani passport take?
DGIP lists 21 working days for Normal service after successful processing, excluding courier time.
Can children apply for a passport?
Yes, children need age-based CRC, Juvenile Card, or FRC papers and must attend with a parent or legal guardian.
How can I check passport payment status?
Use the Passport Fee Asaan payment-status option and confirm that the payment shows paid before your visit.
Is Fast Track available in Lahore?
Yes, Lahore appears in DGIP’s official list of 47 Fast Track cities.
What happens if my passport is lost?
Bring a police report that states the old passport number along with the usual identity papers.
Final thoughts
The answer to how to apply for a passport in Pakistan is simple: check your identity paper, pay through the fee system, and follow the office steps. Read the data form before signing it. That small moment can prevent a long delay.
Global Headlines 24 recommends starting early if you have a flight, a child applicant, or a lost passport case. Use live DGIP pages for fees and office updates.
Check your documents and fee status before visiting the office.Follow Global Headlines 24 for clear Pakistan service updates.
