Your Voter ID card — officially called the Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC) — is both a legal right and a key identity document in India. If you have just turned 18 or have never registered as a voter, this guide walks you through the eligibility criteria, the application process online and offline, and the documents you will need.
Who is eligible for a Voter ID card?
To register as a voter and receive a Voter ID card, you must:
Be an Indian citizen — Only Indian nationals are eligible to register as voters.
Be 18 years of age or older — You must be at least 18 years old as of 1 January of the year in which you are applying.
Have a permanent residential address — You must be ordinarily resident at the address in the constituency where you are applying.
Method 1: Apply online via the Voter Services portal
The Election Commission of India's Voter Services portal (voters.eci.gov.in) allows online registration:
1
Visit voters.eci.gov.inGo to the official Election Commission portal and click 'Register as New Voter'.
2
Fill in Form 6Form 6 is the form for first-time voter registration. Enter your name, date of birth, address, and constituency details.
3
Upload your documentsUpload scanned copies of your proof of age and proof of address documents.
4
Upload a recent photographUpload a passport-size photograph with a white or light background.
5
Submit your applicationSubmit the form. You will receive a reference number to track the status of your registration.
Method 2: Apply offline at the Electoral Registration Office
You can also apply in person at your local Electoral Registration Office (ERO):
1
Collect Form 6Get the form from your local ERO or download it from eci.gov.in.
2
Fill in your detailsComplete the form with your full name, date of birth, address in the constituency, and details of any existing enrolment.
3
Attach documents and photographAttach self-attested photocopies of your proof of age and address, along with a passport-size photograph.
4
Submit to the ERO or BLOSubmit the completed form at the Electoral Registration Office or hand it to the Booth Level Officer (BLO) in your area.
Documents required for Voter ID registration
You will typically need the following:
Proof of age — Birth certificate, 10th standard marksheet, passport, Aadhaar card, or PAN card.
Proof of address — Aadhaar card, ration card, bank passbook, utility bill, or a letter from a recognised authority.
Passport-size photograph — A recent photograph with a white or light background.
What happens after you apply?
After you submit Form 6, the Booth Level Officer (BLO) assigned to your area will visit your address to verify your details. This field verification is typically completed within a few weeks.
Once your application is approved, your name is added to the electoral roll and your Voter ID card is dispatched by post. You can also verify your name on the electoral roll at voters.eci.gov.in.
How long does it take to get a Voter ID card?
The process typically takes 30 to 45 days from the date of application. Timelines can be shorter during election seasons when EROs process applications more rapidly.
You can track your application status online using your reference number on the Voter Services portal.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. If you are 18 years or older as of 1 January of the reference year, you are eligible to register as a voter and apply for a Voter ID card.
Form 6 is the official application form for first-time voter registration with the Election Commission of India. It is used to enrol your name on the electoral roll of the constituency where you reside.
You can track the status of your application using your reference number on the Voter Services portal (voters.eci.gov.in) or by calling the Voter Helpline at 1950.
If you moved within the same constituency, update your address using Form 8A. If you moved to a different constituency, submit a fresh Form 6 for your new address and cancel your old registration using Form 7.
Need help with your Voter ID application?
A verified specialist on Krakens will fill out the correct form, prepare your documents, and submit your application to the Electoral Registration Office.
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