How to Apply for a Voter ID – Online & Offline Process Explained

Meera is a 19-year-old college student in Pune. She turned 18 last year but missed out on applying for her voter ID. With the 2025 Lok Sabha elections nearing, she decides to apply online. She logs into the National Voters' Service Portal (NVSP) from her phone, uploads her Aadhaar and electricity bill, fills out Form 6, and submits it. 

In just 7 minutes, she completes the entire process. Three days later, she received an email with a tracking ID. In 24 days, Meera receives her voter ID by post, all without stepping out of her home.

This is how simple and efficient the online Voter ID application process has become in India.

A Voter ID, officially known as the EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card), is issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to every eligible Indian citizen. Established in 1950, the ECI is responsible for conducting free and fair elections across India. The Voter ID is a mandatory identity proof that allows individuals aged 18 and above to cast their vote in national, state, and municipal elections.

Each Voter ID contains:

• A unique EPIC number (10-digit alphanumeric)
• Holder’s photograph
• Gender and age
• State and constituency details

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Voter ID

To apply for a Voter ID card in India, one must meet the following:

Example: Rakesh turned 18 on 3rd January 2025. Even though his birthday is in the same year, he isn’t eligible to vote in the 2025 elections because he didn’t complete 18 by 1st January 2025.

Documents Required to Apply for Voter ID Online

Here’s a quick list of documents required for online registration:

Example: Priya used her Aadhaar Card for identity proof and a BSNL telephone bill for address proof from March 2025 to apply successfully.

How to Apply for a Voter ID Card Online?

Here is a complete step-by-step guide for applying through the National Voter Service Portal (NVSP).

Step-by-Step Process

Example: Anil applied from Delhi and submitted the form on 1st April 2025. By 28th April 2025, he received his Voter ID at his home.

How to Fill Form 6?

• Go to the login section for Form 6 and click on “Signup”.
• Form 6 is used for new voter registration and consists of 4 main sections:

Section 1: Personal Information

• Name in English and local language
• Gender (dropdown)
• Date of Birth (or Age)
• Place of Birth (District, State)
• Relation Name: Father/Mother/Husband/Wife

Example: If Rahul is applying, he must mention his name in both English and Hindi, select gender as Male, and enter DOB as 15-06-

2005, with “Father’s Name: Ramesh Kumar”.

Section 2: Address Details

• House/Flat Number
• Street/Mohalla/Road Name
• Village/Town/City
• District, Taluka/Mandal, Post Office
• Email & Mobile (optional but recommended)

Example: Shalini's address was:

• 22A, New Park Road
• Malad West
• Mumbai – 400095
• District: Mumbai Suburban

Section 3: Family Reference (if applicable)

• Name and EPIC Number of any existing voter in your family
• Relation type
• Assembly Constituency name
• Serial number in the Electoral Roll

Example: Ravi added his father’s EPIC: DNP1234567, Serial Number: 502, Constituency: Patna Central.

Section 4: Declaration

• Declaration of citizenship and no previous registration
• Choose:
  
  
  1. First-time registration
  2. Already registered elsewhere (mention place and date)

Tip: Always click "Submit" only after reviewing the data thoroughly.

The transition from Old to New Voter ID (e-EPIC)

If you already have a voter ID but want to transition to a digital version (e-EPIC):

Read More: How to Download Masked Aadhaar

Steps to Download e-EPIC

1. Go to https://www.nvsp.in
2. Click on “e-PIC Download”
3. Enter your EPIC Number or Form Reference Number
4. Select your State and click “Search”
5. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile
6. Download the PDF version of your Voter ID

Example: Seema lost her physical Voter ID but had her EPIC number (SHP9876543). She downloaded the e-EPIC in less than 3 minutes.

Voter ID Verification Online

To verify your details in the electoral roll:

1. Visit https://www.nvsp.in
2. Click on Search in the Electoral Roll
3. Enter details like name, DOB, and state
4. Confirm the matching details

Example: Karthik verified his name from Chennai by using his DOB and EPIC number, confirming he was listed correctly.

Top Benefits of Applying for Voter ID Online

Example: Farhan, who works night shifts, applied at 2:30 AM from his home using a laptop.

Most Important Voter ID Forms You Should Know

State-wise Voter ID Pages You Might Need

Here is the list and links to different state voter card pages: 

Visit https://www.nvsp.in and click your state to proceed.

Conclusion

Registering for a Voter ID is not just a procedural step; it is a democratic duty. With everything going digital, the Election Commission of India has made the entire process simple, fast, and hassle-free. Whether you're 18 or 80, it only takes a few minutes to apply and exercise your Right to vote in 2025.

So, if you're yet to register, follow the steps outlined above and become an empowered voter today.

Learn More: How to Open a Bank Account

FAQs

Q1. How can I track my voter ID application status?
Visit https://voterportal.eci.gov.in, login, and click “Track Application”.

Q2. How to check if my name is on the Voter List?
Visit NVSP, click Search in Electoral Roll, and fill in your details.

Q3. How to get a duplicate Voter ID?
Use your EPIC number or reference number, choose "Duplicate", provide the reason, and submit Form 001.

Q4. Can I download my e-EPIC with only the Form Reference Number?
Yes. Use the Form 6 reference number to download your e-EPIC.

Q5. Is there any fee for Voter ID registration?
No. The registration process is completely free.

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