A Voter ID (EPIC - Electoral Photo Identity Card) is an essential document issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI). It serves as both identity proof and a voting eligibility card for Indian citizens. Having a valid Voter ID allows individuals to participate in elections and exercise their democratic rights.Applying for a Voter ID is a simple process that can be done online or offline. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on eligibility, required documents, and the application process.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Voter ID in India, you must fulfill the following requirements:
Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
Age: Must be 18 years or older as of January 1st of the application year.
Residency: Should be a resident of the constituency where the application is made.
Unique Registration: A person can be registered as a voter only once in a single constituency.
Required Documents
You need to submit any one document from each category:
Identity Proof (with Photo)
Aadhaar Card
Passport
Driving License
PAN Card
Ration Card with Photo
Address Proof (Any one)
Aadhaar Card
Bank/Post Office Passbook
Electricity, Water, Gas, or Telephone Bill (Latest)
Rental Agreement
Ration Card
Passport
Age Proof (Required only for applicants aged 18-21 years)
Birth Certificate
Class 10/12 Marksheet (if DOB is mentioned)
Aadhaar Card
Passport
Passport-sized Photograph
Required for first-time applicants.
Application Procedure
You can apply for a new Voter ID, correction, change of address, or other updates using online or offline methods.
Online Application (via NVSP)
Visit the Official Website:
Go to National Voter Service Portal (NVSP)
Register/Login:
Enter mobile number & email for OTP verification.
Select Form 6 (For new voter registration).
Fill in details:
Name, DOB, Address, Constituency, etc.
Upload Documents:
Attach required ID, address, and age proof.
Review & Submit:
Check details and submit the form.
Verification:
A Booth Level Officer (BLO) will visit your home to verify details.
Receive Voter ID:
After approval, Voter ID will be sent to your address.
Offline Application
Collect Form 6 from the nearest Election Office or download it from eci.gov.in.
Fill the form with the required details.
Attach necessary documents (Photo, Address Proof, Age Proof).
Submit to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of your Assembly Constituency.
Verification Process:
A BLO will verify your details by visiting your residence.
Receive Voter ID:
After verification, you will receive your Voter ID by post.
Tracking Application Status
Visit NVSP and check the "Track Application Status" section.
Enter reference number received after application submission.
Special Cases
If You Move to a Different Constituency
Apply using Form 6 to transfer your voter registration.
If You Change Address (Within the Same Constituency)
Use Form 8A to update your new address.
Updating or Correcting Details in Voter ID
Use Form 8 for corrections (Name, DOB, Address, etc.).
Lost or Damaged Voter ID?
Apply for a Duplicate Voter ID using Form EPIC-002.
Provide an FIR copy (if lost/stolen).
For NRIs (Non-Resident Indians)
NRIs can apply using Form 6A.
Must submit passport and visa details.
For Armed Forces/ Government Employees
Service personnel can apply using Form 2, Form 2A, or Form 3.
They can vote using postal ballots.
Linking Aadhaar with Voter ID (Optional)
Purpose: Prevent duplicate voter entries.
Process:
Link Aadhaar via Form 6B on NVSP.
Aadhaar is not mandatory for voting.
Important Election Day Guidelines
You can vote even if you don’t have a physical Voter ID, as long as your name is in the electoral roll.
Alternative ID proofs accepted:
Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License, PAN Card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get a Voter ID?
2-3 weeks, but it can take 1-2 months in some cases.
Q2: Is there a fee for applying?
No, applying for a new Voter ID is free.
A small fee is applicable for duplicate Voter IDs.
Q3: Can I apply without an Aadhaar card?
Yes, you can use other identity proofs like Passport, PAN Card, etc.
Q4: Can students in hostels apply for Voter ID?
Yes, they can provide their university/college-issued address proof.
Q5: What happens if I don’t vote?
Voting is not mandatory, but it is your right and responsibility.
Official Links for Voter ID Application
Election Commission of India (ECI): https://eci.gov.in/
National Voter Service Portal (NVSP): https://voterportal.eci.gov.in/
Applying for a Voter ID is a simple yet essential step in participating in India's democratic process. Whether you're a first-time voter, need corrections, or require a duplicate Voter ID, following the steps outlined in this guide will ensure a smooth application process.
