Is It Necessary to Cancel Card for NADRA Succession Certificate?

When a loved one passes away, dealing with legal matters can be overwhelming. One of the important processes in Pakistan is obtaining the NADRA Succession Certificate, which allows the legal heirs to claim the deceased’s assets. A common question people ask is: Is it necessary to cancel the ID card of the deceased for the NADRA succession certificate? The answer is yes.

In this blog, we will cover why it is necessary, the procedure to cancel an ID card, the time required, and common issues applicants may face. If you’re in this situation, this guide will help you understand the process in simple terms.

Why is It Necessary to Cancel the ID Card for a NADRA Succession Certificate?

NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) maintains a family tree record of every Pakistani citizen. When someone passes away, their ID card must be canceled because:

1. NADRA cannot access the family tree until the ID is canceled – The Succession Facilitation Unit cannot proceed with the application unless the deceased’s ID card is marked as canceled in the system.
2. Prevention of fraud and misuse – If the deceased’s ID remains active, there is a risk of fraudulent activities, such as unauthorized financial transactions.
3. Legal requirement – The law mandates that an individual’s ID must be canceled after their death for proper inheritance processing.
4. Smooth succession certificate process – Without ID cancellation, NADRA cannot verify heirs properly, which can delay or reject the application.

Now that we understand the importance of ID cancellation, let’s look at the step-by-step procedure.

How to Cancel the ID Card of a Deceased Person?

Canceling a deceased person’s ID card is a straightforward process, but only blood relatives (such as parents, siblings, spouse, or children) can apply. Here’s how:

Step 1: Visit NADRA Office

Go to the nearest NADRA Registration Center with the required documents.

Step 2: Provide Necessary Documents

You will need the following documents:

• Original death certificate issued by the Union Council or concerned authority.
• Copy of the deceased’s ID card (if available).
• Your own original ID card to prove relation.
• Family Registration Certificate (FRC) (if available, for faster processing).

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

The NADRA officer will provide a form where you will enter the deceased’s details and your relationship.

Step 4: Verification & Processing

NADRA will verify the documents and mark the deceased’s ID card as canceled in the family tree.

Step 5: Receive the Cancellation Certificate

The cancellation certificate is issued within 24 to 48 hours. In some cases, it may take longer due to verification issues.

Is There Any Fee for ID Cancellation?

No, the cancellation of the ID card is completely free of cost. NADRA does not charge any fee for this process.

Who Can Apply for ID Cancellation?

Only blood relatives of the deceased can apply. This includes:

• Parents
• Siblings (Brothers & Sisters)
• Spouse (Husband or Wife)
• Children

Who Cannot Apply?

• Cousins
• Uncles/Aunts
• Friends
• Distant relatives

If someone other than a blood relative applies, NADRA will reject the request.

Time Required for ID Cancellation

The process usually takes 24 hours. However, in some cases, it can take up to 48 hours if additional verification is needed.

What Happens After the ID Card is Canceled?

Once NADRA cancels the ID card, it does not remove the ID from the system. Instead, a CD (Check Mark of Death) is added to the family tree. This means:

• The deceased’s record remains in the NADRA database but is marked as deceased.
• The ID cannot be used for any fraudulent purpose.
• The heirs can now apply for the succession certificate.

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Linkage Issues in Family Tree

If your relationship with the deceased is not correctly linked in the NADRA system, the request may be rejected. In this case:

• Visit NADRA and request an update in the family tree.
• Provide proof of relationship (FRC, birth certificates, etc.).

2. Death Certificate Not Available

If the death certificate is missing, you must first get it from the Union Council before applying for ID cancellation.

3. Long Processing Time

If the application takes more than 48 hours, visit the NADRA office and request an update on the status.

How to Apply for NADRA Succession Certificate After ID Cancellation?

Once the ID is canceled, you can apply for the succession certificate by following these steps:

1. Visit the NADRA Succession Facilitation Unit.
2. Provide all necessary documents (death certificate, CNIC copies, heir details).
3. Biometric verification of all heirs.
4. NADRA will publish a public notice for objections.
5. If no objections are raised, the certificate is issued.

Conclusion

Yes, it is absolutely necessary to cancel the ID card of the deceased before applying for a NADRA succession certificate. Without this step, the family tree remains incomplete, and the application cannot proceed. The process is simple, free of cost, and takes only 24 to 48 hours.

If you are facing any issues with ID cancellation or succession certificate processing, make sure to check the following resource: [Add link here].