Need a succession certificate? NADRA chatbot provides document checklist

The chatbot tells users which documents they need and how to apply for a succession certificate.

NADRA chatbot provides step-by-step guidance

The chatbot, named “ID”, is available in both Urdu and English through NADRA’s updated succession website. People can use it on their mobile phones or computers without visiting a NADRA office first.

Users have to answer a few simple questions about the deceased person, legal heirs and inherited property or other assets. Based on these answers, the chatbot prepares a step-by-step guide and a list of documents required for their particular case.

NADRA spokesperson Syed Shabahat Ali said the chatbot works completely online through questions and answers. It does not ask users to provide their CNIC numbers or other personal information.

The chatbot also guides family members living abroad on completing biometric verification through NADRA’s Pak ID facility. It further tells applicants which NADRA office can handle their case.

Chatbot identifies cases that may require court involvement

The new system also helps families understand whether their inheritance matter can be handled by NADRA or requires a court decision. For example, cases involving underage heirs or disagreements among family members may have to be taken to court.

The chatbot clearly advises users to treat its guidance as a reference and “always confirm final requirements” with their nearest NADRA registration centre. This is important because inheritance rules and document requirements can differ depending on the case and province.

NADRA has been issuing succession certificates and letters of administration in uncontested inheritance cases since 2021. The new chatbot aims to help families understand the requirements before visiting an office and submitting a formal application.

Who can apply for a NADRA succession certificate?

NADRA can issue a succession certificate or letter of administration only when all legal heirs agree and there is no dispute over the inheritance. The case must also have no underage or mentally disabled heir, and it must not be pending before a court or already decided by one.

The deceased person must be registered in NADRA’s records, while the legal heirs must be listed in the Family Registration Certificate (FRC). The applicant must also have a valid CNIC, NADRA card or Pakistan Origin Card (POC), as the old manual National Identity Card is no longer accepted.

At least one legal heir must normally visit a NADRA registration centre in person to complete the application process. However, in Sindh and Balochistan, a lawyer can appear on behalf of an heir.

If the family does not meet the required conditions, NADRA cannot issue the certificate and the matter must be taken to court. This makes it important for applicants to check their eligibility before starting the process.

Documents and fees required for succession certificates

Families must provide the death certificate issued by the relevant union council, municipal authority or cantonment board. They also need the receipt showing cancellation of the deceased person’s CNIC, the FRC and copies of CNICs belonging to all legal heirs.

Applicants must also submit a Schedule-I letter of authorisation attested by an oath commissioner. Original property documents are required as well, because photocopies are not accepted.

Some cases require additional paperwork depending on the location and type of assets. For example, applicants dealing with immovable property in Sindh need a search certificate, while applications filed through lawyers in Sindh and Balochistan also require a wakalatnama (power of attorney).

If the deceased person was employed by a government or private organisation, a letter from the relevant department confirming pension or service dues may also be needed. These additional requirements can vary according to the circumstances of each case.

The fee for a succession certificate or letter of administration is Rs10,000 if the total assets are worth less than Rs100,000. The fee increases to Rs20,000 for assets worth Rs100,000 or more, while applicants in Sindh have to pay Rs22,000.

A duplicate succession certificate costs Rs5,000. Applicants can use the new chatbot to understand their requirements before visiting a NADRA office.

The new chatbot could save families time, travel expenses and repeated visits to NADRA offices. However, applicants should still confirm the final document list and applicable fees with their nearest registration centre before submitting an application.

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