Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a dilapidating problem that causes great global burden since the current therapeutic options are mostly ineffective. Early diagnosis and efficient treatment are essential to prevent the progression of CKD. Nanoparticles as technological drivers of innovation have emerged in biomedical studies for different theranostic applications. Several nanoparticles have been developed, which can be labeled with targeting moieties for both drug delivery and/or imaging systems and are investigated to detect different pathological conditions. The focus of this review is to demonstrate the current research and clinical applications for nanoparticles in the diagnosis of CKD and other renal diseases that will probably result in CKD.