The Voter ID Card — officially called the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) — is both proof of identity and the key to exercising your right to vote. In India, you can now apply for a new Voter ID, update your details, and download your e-EPIC (digital voter card) entirely online through the Election Commission’s Voter Service Portal. This guide covers the full process.
Who Can Apply for a Voter ID Card?
- Indian citizens who are 18 years of age or older as of January 1 of the qualifying year
- Ordinarily resident at the address in the constituency
- Not disqualified under the Representation of the People Act, 1950
- NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) can also register at their Indian address under section 20A
Documents Required
| Document Type | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Age Proof | Birth certificate, Class 10 marksheet, Aadhaar card, Passport, Driving licence |
| Address Proof | Aadhaar card, Ration card, Utility bill (electricity/water/telephone), Bank passbook, Passport |
| Photo | Recent passport-size photograph (JPG, max 2 MB) |
| Identity (for NRI) | Indian Passport |
How to Apply for Voter ID Card Online (New Registration)
Step 1: Visit the Voter Service Portal
Go to voters.eci.gov.in — the official Election Commission of India’s Voter Service Portal. Click on “Login / Register” and create a new account with your mobile number.
Step 2: Fill Form 6 (New Voter Registration)
- Log in to the portal and click “New Registration (Form 6)”
- Enter your personal details: name, date of birth, gender, mobile, email
- Enter your complete residential address and constituency
- Upload passport-size photograph (JPG, under 2 MB)
- Upload age proof and address proof documents
- Verify with Aadhaar (optional but recommended for faster processing)
- Review and submit the form
- Note the reference/application ID shown after submission
Step 3: Verification Visit
After online submission, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) may visit your address for physical verification. Be available or ask a family member to confirm your residence.
Step 4: Card Dispatch
Once approved (typically within 30–45 days), your physical Voter ID is dispatched to your address. You can also download the digital e-EPIC immediately after approval.
How to Apply Offline
- Visit your nearest Electoral Registration Office or Tahsildar office
- Collect Form 6 (available free of charge)
- Fill the form and attach copies of age proof, address proof, and passport photo
- Submit to the ERO/AERO — get an acknowledgement receipt
- Track status using the reference number
How to Download e-EPIC (Digital Voter ID)
You can download your Voter ID as a PDF (e-EPIC) without waiting for the physical card:
- Visit voters.eci.gov.in and log in
- Click “Download e-EPIC”
- Enter your EPIC number (Voter ID number) or reference number
- Verify with OTP sent to your registered mobile
- Download your Voter ID PDF — valid for all official purposes
Note: First-time applicants can download e-EPIC only after their mobile number is verified and linked to the Electoral Roll.
How to Check Your Name in the Voter List
- Visit electoralsearch.eci.gov.in
- Search by EPIC number, or by name + state + district + assembly constituency
- If your name appears, your voter registration is active
- If not, register fresh using Form 6
Other Voter ID Services Available Online
Correction of Entries (Form 8)
Use Form 8 on voters.eci.gov.in to correct your name spelling, photo, date of birth, or address in the voter roll.
Change of Address (Form 8A)
If you have moved to a new locality within the same constituency, use Form 8A. For shifting to a different constituency, delete entry at old address (Form 7) and register fresh at new address (Form 6).
Transposition (Form 8B)
If you’ve moved within the same assembly segment, use Form 8B to update your polling booth without changing your EPIC number.
Track Your Application Status
- Log in to voters.eci.gov.in → “Track Application Status”
- Enter your reference number from the application receipt
- Status will show: Submitted / Under Verification / Approved / Rejected
Voter ID Helpline
- Election Commission Helpline: 1950 (toll-free)
- National Voter’s Service Portal: voters.eci.gov.in
- Email: complaints@eci.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I vote with only the e-EPIC (digital card)?
Yes. The digital e-EPIC downloaded as PDF is accepted as valid ID at polling booths. You can show it on your phone or as a printout.
Q: I am 17 years old — can I register now?
Yes. You can register in advance if you will turn 18 by January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1 of that year (four qualifying dates). Your name will be added to the voter list when you reach 18.
Q: My Voter ID has a wrong name / photo — how do I fix it?
File Form 8 online at voters.eci.gov.in with correct details and supporting documents. A new corrected Voter ID will be issued after verification.
Q: Can I use Voter ID as address proof for other documents?
Yes. The Voter ID / EPIC is accepted as valid address proof for applying for Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, and most other government documents.
Q: Is there a fee to get a Voter ID?
No. A Voter ID card is completely free of charge. If anyone demands money, report to the Election Commission helpline 1950.
Last updated: July 2025 | Source: Election Commission of India — eci.gov.in