Voting is a fundamental right and a civic duty in democratic states. In India, citizens aged 18 and above can vote. Every registered voter will be granted a voter ID card. In this passage, we are going to introduce what it is, Voter ID requirements, how to apply for it, how to verify it, application status tracking, and a variety of concerning issues.
What is Voter ID
A voter ID card is a photo identification issued to individuals eligible to vote by the Election Commission of India (ECI). It is also known as Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), election card, or voter’s card. There is personal information, a photograph, and the issuing authority’s signature. Voters must present this card as proof of identity while casting votes in municipal, state, and federal elections. This card aims to ensure the accuracy of the electoral roll and prevent impersonation or fraud, thus guaranteeing free and fair elections.
Voter ID Structure
The election card, as a recognized government-issued identity document, carries both the cardholder’s and the issuing authority’s information.
On the front of the card, you will see:
- Name of the card
- Hologram of the national symbol of India
- A unique serial number, also known as EPIC Number
- Photograph of the card owner
- The cardholder’s name
- Father’s name of the cardholder
- Sex, marked as M for male and F for female
- Date of birth
- Age
On the back of the card, you will find:
- The cardholder’s address
- Official statement
- Date of issuance
- Signature of the electoral registration officer
Voter ID Requirements
To be eligible for the voter’s card, one must:
- be an Indian citizen.
- be at least 18 years old.
- have a permanent address.
- not be disqualified as an elector.
- live in the polling area where you wish to register as a voter.
After confirming your eligibility, it is necessary to prepare the following supporting documents.
- Proof of identity, such as Aadhar Card, passport, PAN Card, driving license, ration card, etc.
- Proof of address, such as an Aadhaar card, utility bills (for the last 3 months), income tax assessment order, leasing agreement, bank statements, passport, driving license, ration card, etc.
- Proof of date of birth, such as birth certificate, PAN card, driving license, a declaration given by the head of the orphanage/child care home, etc.
- A colored 2×2 photograph with a white background.
- An application form available at the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP) website or state election office.
How to Apply for Voter ID
In India, potential voters can obtain the EPIC online, at the election office, or through online and offline combinations. In this section, we will introduce different ways of election card application step by step.
Voter ID Apply Online
- Visit the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP) portal.
- Click on the “Sign-Up” button on the top right corner to create an account. If you already have an account, click on the “Login” button and skip the registration guide below.
- Enter your phone number and captcha code. Email address is not mandatory but suggested. Click “Continue” to proceed.
- Provide your full name, set a password, and click “Request OTP” button.
- Receive the OTP on your phone/email and click “Verify”.
- Log in to NVSP with mobile number/email ID/EPIC number, password, captcha, and OTP.
- Complete the application form online. Indian citizens should choose “Fill Form 6” of the “New registration for general electors” section while Non-Resident Indian (NRI) select “Fill Form 6A” of “New registration for overseas (NRI) electors” section.
Make sure all required fields are filled, including personal information, contact details, Aadhaar particulars, etc.
- Upload the supporting documents. Make sure the photocopies are clear and recognizable. Click the “Preview and Submit”.
- Check the information you have provided. Press the “Submit” button if everything is correct is complete.
- Collect your EPIC when the authority informs you.
Voter ID Apply Semi-online
- Visit the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP) portal. Register or log in as we stated before.
- Click “Download” next to “Fill Form 6” button (for residents in India) or “Fill Form 6A” button (for Non-Resident Indian).
- Print the application and fill it out. Make sure all details are accurate and complete.
- Visit a nearby election office and submit applications, including the completed form, a photo, and supporting documents.
Voter ID Apply Offline
- Take the required documents to a booth-level office or electoral registration office and request the application form.
- Fill out the form and submit it along with all necessary documents to the officer.
- Wait for the officer to review and application and receive a receipt.
- Collect the voter ID card upon notification. Call 1950 if you have any questions.
How to Track Voter ID Status
After submitting the application, you might wonder when you will receive the voter’s card. The Election Commission of India allows applicants to track the process online. Here is a detailed instruction. Additionally, you can also check voter ID status at the state election office. The officer will ask for your personal information or application details.
- Visit the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP) portal and log in.
- Click on “Track Application Status” under the “Service” Section.
- Enter the Reference ID which is listed on the acknowledgment slip after submitting voter registration application and select the state you are in. Click on ‘Track Status’.
Additionally, you can also visit the State Election Office and enquire about the voter ID status. The officer will ask for your personal information and application details.
How to Verify Voter ID
Voter ID verification helps voters verify the authenticity of their ID, which can be done by checking with voter ID number or by checking whether their names are involved in the electoral roll. All these require a few clicks online.
- Visit the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP) portal.
- Click “Search in Electoral Roll” under “Service” section.
- Choose among “Search by Details”, “Search by EPIC” or “Search by Mobile”.
- Enter the required information (with an asterisk) and click “Search“.
- Review your details.
- Click “Action > View Details” to check if there is anything wrong with your information.
- Report to the chief electoral officer if you find any problem.
What to Do If Your Voter ID Is Not Received?
It usually takes about 30 days to receive a voter ID card. However, there are times when it does not arrive within the estimated time. In this case, you are supposed to check your voter ID status to find out which stage it is stuck on.
- Verification in Progress
It is the most commonly seen status, which means the authority is still reviewing your application. Supposing that it remains the same after months of waiting, don’t hesitate to head to the local Election Registration Office for further confirmation.
- Negative
It happens in rare cases. It means your application is rejected. You can visit an election office or file a Right to Information (RTI) to find out the reason.
- Cancelled
It is another disappointing result. When you see it, turn to your local Election Registration Office or apply for the voter’s card again.
- Under Process or Distribution in Progress
Here is a piece of good news. It means your application has been approved and your card is ready. Please wait patiently to pick it up.
How to Change Old Voter ID Card to New One?
As proof of identity, the information on the voter ID must be accurate and updated. Therefore, it is necessary to correct any mistakes or update invalid details, such as name and address. Here is a step-by-step instruction on how to change the voter ID card to a new one.
- Visit the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP) portal.
- Click on the “Form 8” button under “Correction of Entries in Electoral Roll” section and fill out the form online.
- Choose “Self” and submit applications.
- Choose “Correction of Entries in Existing Electoral Roll” and click on “OK”.
- The system will automatically recognize your State, District and Assembly/Parliamentary Constituency. If there is nothing wrong, click on “Next”.
- Enter required details, such as Aadhaar number, email, and phone number.
- Click on “Next” to choose the information that you want to change and enter the correct one.
- Upload documents to support the change.
- Complete the declaration, verify the captcha code, and click on “Submit”.
- Wait for the ECI’s approval of your change.
FAQ
Q: How To Correct Details in The Voter ID Card?
A: You can visit the NVSP portal or the nearest election office and submit Form 8 along with relevant supporting documents. For example, to change your name, you should present proof of name change or an identity document with the correct name. To change your address, you should show proof of residency.
🔎Read Also: How to Change the Photo on Your Voter ID Card?
Q: How to Vote without Voter ID Card?
A: First of all, make sure your name is on the electoral roll, which can be checked by visiting the ECI website or by contacting the local Electoral Registration Office.
Next, arrive at the polling booth with an alternative identification document that indicates your identity, address, and date of birth, such as a driver’s license, passport, Aadhaar card, or PAN card.
Finally, cast your vote after the polling officer verifies your identity and receive a voter’s slip.
Q: How to Download Voter ID using EPIC Number?
A: e-EPIC, a digital version of Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), was launched in January 2021. It can be downloaded in the PDF version online.
(1) Visit the Visit the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP) portal and log in.
(2) Click on the “E-EPIC Download” button under “Service” section.
(3) Select the “EPIC No” and enter the EPIC number.
(4) Select the state you are in and click “Search”.
(5) Click the “Send OTP” button to verify your identity.
(6) Click on the “Download e-EPIC” button beneath the statement “OTP Verification done successfully”.
Q: Can I track voter ID status through SMS?
A: Yes. The SMS number and format vary from state to state which is listed in the chart. Make sure you have obtained the reference ID number before checking.
| Andhra Pradesh | 9246280027 | VOTE< space >voter ID number |
| Bihar | 56677 | ELE< space >voter ID number |
| Chandigarh | 9216164606 | BTH< space >voter ID number |
| Karnataka | 9243355223 | KAEPIC< space >voter ID number |
| Kerala | 54242 | ELE< space >voter ID number |
| Odisha | 9238300131 | CEOODI< space >voter ID number |
| Tamil Nadu | 9211728082 | EPIC< space >Voter ID number |
| Uttar Pradesh | 9212357123 | UPEPIC< space >voter ID number |
| West Bengal | 51969 | WBEC< space >voter ID number |
Summary
Voter ID is a unique identity document for eligible voters in India. It can be obtained online or at the electoral registration office. Proof of identity, address, date of birth, and a photograph are required. The processing time usually takes about one month. If you don’t receive the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) as scheduled, please check the status of your application online, at the electoral registration office, by phone, or by SMS.