Voter ID – How to apply voter ID online, Eligibility, Documents required

What is a Voter ID?

Voter ID card, also known as EPIC (Election Photo Identity Card), is issued by the ECI (Election Commission of India). This card enables all eligible Indian citizens to vote. Voter ID serves as proof of identity for voters, ensures efficiency, and prevents impersonation and fraud during democratic elections. Commonly referred to as an election card, voter’s card, or Voter ID card, it is essential for every Indian citizen. It not only acts as an identity card but also enables citizens to vote during elections. If you don’t have a Voter ID and plan to apply for one, this article will guide you through the process.

Who is eligible to have it?

In order to get a Voter ID card applicant must hold Indian citizenship and should be 18 years old or above.

Those applicants belonging to a special category, i.e., financially bankrupt other specified category, are not allowed to vote even after attaining the age of 18 years.

Applicant must have a permanent residential address.

Documents required to get the Voter ID

How can you apply for Voter ID?

A person who is eligible to caste vote can apply for the voter ID card in the following two ways-

Apply for Voter ID card Online

Here are the steps that you need to follow to apply for a voter ID online -

• Step 1. Visit the National Voters' Services Portal (NVSP).
• Step 2. Click on the ‘Sign-Up’ button in the top right corner of the homepage.
  
  
• Step 3. Enter your mobile number, email ID, and captcha code, then click ‘Continue’.
  
  
• Step 4. Fill in your first name, last name, and password, then confirm the password, and click ‘Request OTP’.
  
  
• Step 5. Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number and email ID, then click ‘Verify’.
  
  
• Step 6. Log in using your mobile number, password, and captcha code. Click ‘Request OTP’, enter the OTP, and click ‘Verify & Login’.
  
  
• Step 7. Click ‘Fill Form 6’ under the ‘New registration for general electors’ tab.
• Step 8. Enter all required details in Form 6, including personal information, relative’s details, contact information, Aadhaar details, date of birth, address, and declaration. Upload the necessary documents.
  
  
• Step 9. Review all the details and ensure everything is correct.
• Step 10. Click ‘Submit’ to complete the process.

How to Apply for Voter ID Card Semi-Online?

You can also fill out Form 6 semi-online by downloading it online and filling and submitting it manually. Here are the steps -

• Step 1. Visit the National Voters' Service Portal (NVSP).
• Step 2. Click on the ‘Download’ option under the ‘New registration for general electors’ tab.
• Step 3. Download and print Form 6.
• Step 4. Fill out Form 6 with the required details.
• Step 5. Submit the completed Form 6 along with your photo and supporting documents at the nearest Election Office.

Apply for Voter ID card Offline

Here are the steps to apply for a voter ID card offline -

• Step 1. Visit the nearest State Election Office and collect Form 6.
• Step 2. Fill out Form 6 with the required details.
• Step 3. Submit the completed form along with your photo and supporting documents at the Election Office.

How can you verify Voter ID?

If an applicant of Voter ID card wants to check whether his or her name is present in the Electoral roll or not, they can do it in the following two manners-

Steps to verify Voter ID Online

1. Visit the National Voter Services Portal(NVSP)
2. Enter the details in the “Search in the electoral roll”
   
   
3. Select one of the options: ‘Search by Details’, ‘Search by EPIC’, or ‘Search by Mobile’.
4. Enter the required information and click ‘Search’.
   
   
5. Your details will appear on the screen. To verify their accuracy, click ‘View Details’ under the ‘Action’ column.

Voter ID Card correction in Electoral Roll

If you have entered any of the details wrongly in the form or you want to change and update any details in Voter Id application form then you can rectify it by highlighting the corrections and by uploading the relevant documents on the National Voter Services Portal(NVSP) by following the given steps-

Or you can do it by visiting the nearest election office in person or sending it to Chief Election Officer. Once you submit the form ERO will take the necessary steps to update the corrections and your updated Voter ID card will be sent to you.

How can you Check your Voter ID Application Status

1. Step 1. Visit the National Voters' Services Portal.
2. Step 2. Click on the ‘Login’ button. Enter your mobile number, password, captcha code, and OTP to log in.
3. Step 3. After logging in, click on the ‘Track Application Status’ tab.
   
   
4. Step 4. Enter the reference number, select your state, and click the ‘Submit’ button.
   
   
5. Step 5. Your voter registration status will appear on the screen.

The reference ID is a unique number provided in the acknowledgment slip received when submitting your voter registration application.

Alternatively, you can visit the State Election Office and provide your name, date of birth, and address. The officials will verify and provide your voter registration status.

How to Download Voter ID from the Voter Helpline App

1. Download the Voter Helpline App from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
2. Select the ‘Personal Vault’ option.
3. Click ‘Login’ and enter your mobile number, password, and OTP.
4. Once logged in, your e-EPIC card details will appear.
5. Click ‘Download’ to save the e-EPIC card on your mobile phone.

How to Download Voter ID in Digilocker

To store your Voter ID in Digilocker:

1. Download the e-EPIC card through the Voter Services Portal or the Voter Helpline App.
2. Upload the downloaded e-EPIC card PDF to Digilocker for safekeeping.

Uses of Voter ID

• Serves as proof of identity and address.
• Confirms that the cardholder is a registered voter.
• Can be used to access certain government schemes.

Steps to Take When You Don't Receive Voter ID

1. Log in to the NVSP portal.
2. Click ‘Track Application Status’.
3. Enter your reference number, select your state, and click ‘Submit’.
4. View your application status.

It may take approximately 30 days from the date of application for your Voter ID to reach you. If there are issues, visit the state election office to resolve them.

NRI Voter ID

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) can apply for a Voter ID online or offline if they do not hold citizenship in another country. NRIs must be present in their constituency to vote, as remote voting is not yet allowed.