NADRA Civil Registration | Reality About NADRA CRMS
NADRA Civil Registration: The Reality About NADRA CRMS
NADRA does not issue marriage certificates. This page explains what NADRA actually does, and who really issues your certificate.
What People Search vs. What Legally Exists
People in Pakistan commonly search for a “NADRA Marriage Certificate”, “NADRA Nikah Nama”, or “CRMS NADRA Marriage Certificate” — but legally, NADRA does not issue marriage certificates. NADRA only maintains the central civil registry database, called CRMS.
What CRMS Actually Is
CRMS stands for Civil Registration Management System — NADRA’s national civil database, storing birth, marriage, divorce and death records. NADRA originally designed and controlled this system, and in its early years issued civil certificates directly on NADRA stationery. NADRA has since formally transferred issuance authority to the Local Government Department.
Who Issues Certificates Today
Today, all civil certificates are issued by the Union Council/Union Committee, TMA, Cantonment Board, or (in Islamabad) the Arbitration Council covering the area where the marriage was registered. These offices issue certificates after verifying the underlying CNIC data against NADRA’s CRMS database.
What NADRA Still Does
NADRA’s role today is identity verification, CRMS clearance, and QR code issuance. Every Marriage, Birth, Divorce or Death certificate now carries a NADRA-issued QR code, which authenticates the document at national and embassy level.
Why This Matters to You
- If someone tells you they can get a “NADRA marriage certificate” faster or cheaper by skipping the Union Council, be cautious — the certificate is legally issued by the Union Council, not NADRA
- The QR code on your certificate is what makes it verifiable, not the word “NADRA” on it
- We help you through the correct Union Council process, then confirm your certificate’s QR code is properly issued
For the full registration process, see our Marriage Registration Certificate guide, or verify an existing certificate.
WhatsApp/Call: +92 333 1127830 (Karachi)
Update: 4 September 2026