A Voter ID Card, officially known as the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), is one of the most important identity documents for every Indian citizen. It serves not only as proof of identity during elections but also as valid photo ID proof for various purposes like applying for passports, PAN cards, and government services.
Thanks to the Election Commission of India (ECI), applying for a voter ID card has become a completely online process. In this article, you’ll find a detailed step-by-step guide on how to apply for a new voter ID card online, check its status, and important things to keep in mind.
🇮🇳 What is a Voter ID Card?
A Voter ID or EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) is issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to every eligible Indian citizen above 18 years of age.
It contains:
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Name of the voter
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Father’s or husband’s name
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Gender
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Date of birth
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Photograph
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Unique EPIC number
It ensures that every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote and participate in India’s democratic process.
📋 Eligibility Criteria for Applying Voter ID
Before applying for a voter ID, make sure you meet these conditions:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be an Indian citizen |
| Age Requirement | Must be 18 years or above on the qualifying date |
| Residence | Must reside in the constituency where you are applying |
| Documents Needed | Proof of identity, address, and age (if under 21 years applying for first time) |
🧾 Documents Required
When applying for a new Voter ID online, you must upload scanned copies of the following:
| Document Type | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Age | Birth Certificate, 10th Marksheet, Passport, PAN Card, Aadhaar |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card, Passport, Electricity Bill, Ration Card, Bank Passbook |
| Photograph | Passport-size color photo (recent and clear) |
💻 How to Apply for Voter ID Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
You can apply for a new voter ID card through the official website:
👉 https://voters.eci.gov.in/ (National Voters’ Service Portal – NVSP)
🪜 Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Election Commission of India’s official voter portal –
🔗 https://voters.eci.gov.in/
Click on “Apply for Voter ID” under the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP) section.
🪜 Step 2: Register / Sign In
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If you’re a new user, click on “Create Account” and register using your mobile number and email ID.
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Enter the OTP received on your phone to verify.
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If already registered, just log in with your credentials.
🪜 Step 3: Select ‘Form 6’ (New Voter Registration)
Choose Form 6 – Application for Inclusion of Name in Electoral Roll for First Time Voter or Move to Another Constituency.
This form is mandatory for new voter ID applicants.
🪜 Step 4: Fill in Personal Details
Enter all required information carefully:
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Name, gender, date of birth
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Place of birth
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Current address and permanent address
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Family details (parents or spouse details)
Make sure all spellings and information match your supporting documents.
🪜 Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
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Age proof
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Address proof
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Passport-size photo
File format should be JPG, PNG, or PDF, and file size under the prescribed limit (usually 2MB per document).
🪜 Step 6: Submit the Application
After filling in and reviewing all details, click “Submit.”
You’ll receive an acknowledgment number / reference ID — keep it safe.
This can be used later to track your application status.
🔍 How to Check Voter ID Application Status
You can track your application status online:
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Click on “Track Application Status.”
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Enter your reference ID or acknowledgment number.
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The current status of your voter ID application will be displayed — Submitted, Verified, or Dispatched.
🏠 Offline Method (Optional)
If you prefer to apply offline:
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Visit your nearest Electoral Registration Office (ERO).
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Collect Form 6 from the office or Booth Level Officer (BLO).
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Fill in all required details and attach self-attested copies of identity, address, and age proofs.
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Submit it to the office and collect acknowledgment slip.
📬 Voter ID Delivery Timeline
After successful verification by your local election office, your voter ID will be printed and dispatched.
🕒 Usually takes 30–60 days for delivery at your registered address.
You can also collect it from your local BLO if not received by post.
⚙️ Voter ID Correction and Updates
If you already have a voter card but need correction in name, photo, address, or date of birth, you can use:
👉 Form 8 (Correction of entries in electoral roll)
This can be done online on the same portal — https://voters.eci.gov.in/
📱 Apply via Mobile (Voter Helpline App)
You can also apply for a new voter ID using the Voter Helpline App, available on Android and iOS.
Steps:
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Download “Voter Helpline App” from Play Store or App Store.
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Create an account or log in using mobile OTP.
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Select New Voter Registration (Form 6).
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Fill details, upload documents, and submit.
🗂️ Important Forms under NVSP
| Form Number | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Form 6 | New voter registration / transfer from another constituency |
| Form 7 | Deletion of name from voter list |
| Form 8 | Correction or update in voter details |
| Form 6B | Linking Aadhaar with voter ID |
🛡️ Tips for a Successful Application
✅ Use the same spelling as in Aadhaar or PAN.
✅ Upload clear and readable documents.
✅ Don’t submit multiple forms for the same address.
✅ Keep checking your application status until approval.
✅ Contact your BLO or ERO if verification is delayed.
🎯 Key Benefits of Voter ID
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Proof of identity and citizenship
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Mandatory for casting vote in elections
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Useful for applying to government jobs and schemes
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Accepted for KYC verification in banks and telecom services
Getting a Voter ID Card is not only your right but also your responsibility as a citizen of India. The online process through the Election Commission’s NVSP portal has made it faster and easier than ever.
With a few simple steps, you can apply, track, and receive your voter card — ensuring your participation in India’s democratic system.
