Documents Required for Pakistan Passport

Pakistani passport documentation requirements are different from CNIC documentation in specific ways — passport application takes the CNIC as the foundational identity document and builds from there to establish travel-document specific requirements. The documents needed depend on whether you're a first-time applicant, renewing, applying for a child, or in specific other categories. Understanding which documents are required for your specific situation, what each one establishes, and what to do when standard documents aren't available helps applicants prepare completely the first time. This guide focuses specifically on passport documentation rather than general identity documents.

Documents for first-time passport applicants

The complete set for new applicants:

• Valid CNIC (original and copies) — the foundational identity document. Must be currently valid (not expired). If your CNIC is expired, renew it at NADRA before applying for passport.
• Recent passport-size photograph — meeting DGIP specifications (covered in detail below). Specific format, background, expression requirements.
• Application form — DGIP application form, available at passport offices and through the online portal. Completed with all personal details accurately.
• Application fee receipt — payment evidence for the chosen passport type (36 vs 72 pages), validity (5 vs 10 year), and processing speed (normal/urgent/fast track).
• Original B-form in some cases — may be requested as supplementary identity documentation, particularly for younger first-time applicants.
• Educational certificate in some cases — for confirming name spelling and other identity elements consistent with CNIC.
• Marriage certificate if married — establishes marital status that appears in passport.

Documents for passport renewal

Lighter requirements due to existing record:

• Existing passport — current or recently-expired passport being renewed. The physical document with all its pages including visas, stamps, etc.
• Valid CNIC — current valid CNIC.
• Recent photograph — compliant with current DGIP specifications.
• Fee payment receipt — for renewal with chosen parameters.
• Any documents for changes — if name, address, or other details have changed since the original passport, supporting documentation for the changes (marriage certificate for name change, etc.).
• Police report if previous passport was lost rather than expired — different from standard renewal scenario.

DGIP photograph specifications

The most rejection-prone element:

• Size — typically 35mm x 45mm or 2x2 inch depending on current specifications. Exact dimensions from DGIP's current guidance.
• Recent — taken within last 6 months. Old photographs not matching current appearance get rejected.
• Background — white or off-white plain background. No patterns, no other elements visible.
• Head and shoulders — face takes 70-80% of frame. Looking directly at camera, head centred and upright.
• Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smile, eyes open and clearly visible.
• No accessories obscuring face — no sunglasses, no hats (except religious head covering, which is allowed if face remains clearly visible), no large jewelry that obscures features.
• Lighting — even lighting on face, no harsh shadows, no glare or reflections.
• Quality — sharp focus, no blur, high resolution suitable for printing on passport page.
• Format — JPEG typically for online submission, with specific file size limits. Physical photos: glossy photo paper printed.
• No editing — no filters, no beauty enhancements, no modifications. Raw photo with only basic exposure correction.

For best results, get photographs done at a professional studio that specifies passport photos as a service. They understand DGIP specifications and produce compliant photos. Cost: Rs. 200-500 per session typically yielding 4-8 prints plus digital files.

Documents for child passport applications

Specific to under-18 applicants:

• Child's B-form (Child Registration Certificate) — the child's NADRA registration document. Replaces CNIC for minors.
• Both parents' CNICs — establishes parentage and authority to apply on child's behalf. Original and copies.
• Marriage certificate of parents (Nikahnama) — supports family relationship documentation.
• Child's birth certificate — from union council where born. Establishes birth date and place.
• Recent compliant photograph of child — following DGIP specifications (some allowance for child-specific factors).
• Application fee receipt — child passport fee category.
• Single parent documentation if applicable — court orders, death certificates, or other documentation establishing the single-parent authority to apply.
• NOC from school in some cases — particularly for children of school age whose passport might be used during school term.

The child's biometric appointment requires parent accompaniment. Children under specific age may have modified biometric procedures (fingerprint capture starts at certain age threshold).

Documents for special situations

Beyond standard cases:

• Lost passport replacement — police FIR documenting the loss, supplementary identification (driving licence, other official ID), affidavit explaining circumstances of loss.
• Damaged passport replacement — the damaged passport itself (even if illegible), explanation of damage, normal renewal documentation.
• Name change after marriage — marriage certificate, updated CNIC reflecting new name (NADRA name change must precede passport name change).
• Religious title additions — Hafiz, Maulana, Pir, etc. — supporting religious institution documentation.
• Address change with passport renewal — updated CNIC with new address, supporting address proof.
• Disability or medical indications — for passports with specific medical notations, supporting medical certification.
• Diplomatic or official passports — extensive additional documentation through specific government channels. Not standard passport application path.
• Hajj-specific passports — some Hajj applications may have specific requirements through Ministry of Religious Affairs in addition to standard passport.

Passport documents — common questions

Closing note on assembling your passport documentation set

Comprehensive document preparation before passport application visit or online submission produces the fastest, smoothest experience. Under-preparation creates back-and-forth that extends the timeline substantially. Most rejection or delay reasons trace to specific document issues — photograph non-compliance, expired CNIC, missing supporting documents — that proactive preparation prevents.

For first-time applicants, consulting the specific passport office's current checklist before the visit (some offices have their own specific preferences within DGIP framework) ensures alignment. For renewals, current renewals are typically smoother than first-time applications because the underlying record already exists in DGIP's database.

Document requirements, photograph specifications and alternatives described above reflect DGIP's operational practice as of early 2026. Specific requirements evolve — verify current details at the passport office or DGIP portal before relying on guide specifics for actual preparation.