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Voter ID Card: How to Apply Online? Eligibility, Track Status, and Other Aspects

The Indian Election Commission issues voter ID cards in India. Voter ID cards are known as election cards and electors' photo identity cards (EPIC). Every eligible Indian citizen must have it in order to cast a ballot legitimately. As a result, it also helps to decrease electoral fraud during elections and provides confirmation of an individual's unique identification. Together with a special identity number, these voter ID cards have personal information about an individual. This comprehensive guide offers all the information you need about the voter ID card, its eligibility, the online application process, and the documents required.

Structure of Voter ID

A voter ID card is a personal identification document issued by a government body. It includes the following elements:

  • A unique Serial number

  • A hologram with the respective state/national symbol

  • Name of cardholder

  • Date of Birth

  • Father’s name

  • Gender

  • Photograph of the cardholder

The rear side of the card displays the residential address of the cardholder and the signature of the issuing authority (Electoral registration officer).

What is Voter ID eligibility?

The following criteria make a person eligible for voter IDs:

  • Must be an Indian citizen aged over 18

  • Must have a permanent residential address

  • Applicants belonging to a special category, such as financially bankrupt, are not allowed to vote even after being the legitimate age

What Are the Essential Documents for Applying for a Voter ID Card?

An individual requires the following documents while applying for a voter ID card:

  • Passport size photograph

  • Identity and age proof documents such as birth certificates, Adhaar Card, PAN Card, driving license, Class 10th mark sheet

  • Address proof documents such as Ration Card, passport, driver’s license, latest rent agreement, utility bills (electricity, gas connections, telephone, etc)

How to Apply for a Voter ID Card?

An eligible person can apply for a voter ID card through different ways. We will explain each of them in detail.

Online

The Election Commission of India hosts various drives to issue the Voter ID offline at different times in specific states. All the registered voters in every area are provided Information Notices by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). These are the steps to be followed:

Step 1: Get form 6 from the constituency’s ERO or the officers of the polling booth.

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Step 2: Fill out Form 6 and submit it along with the required documents to the Electoral Registration Officer. The application can be posted to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO). The postal address is available on the website of the Election Commission of India.

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Step 3: A booth-level officer may visit the applicant’s home for address verification.

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Step 4: The applicant’s name is written on the notice board of the ERO for objections. If there is any objection from any person, ERO or AERO listens to that person’s case.

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Step 5: After verifying everything, the applicant’s name is given for the electoral roll and they get the information notice on their number and by post in both of the cases- either their name is included in the electoral list or not.

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Offline

Election Commission of India hosts various drives to issue the Voter ID offline at different times in specific states. All the registered voters in every area are provided Information Notices by the Electoral Registration Officer’s (ERO).

These are the steps they need to follow:

Step 1: Get form 6 from the constituency’s ERO or the officers of the polling booth.

​

Step 2: Fill out Form 6 and submit it along with the required documents to the Electoral Registration Officer. The application can be posted to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO). The postal address is available on the website of the Election Commission of India.

​

Step 3: A booth-level officer may visit the applicant’s home for address verification.

​

Step 4: The applicant’s name is written on the notice board of the ERO for objections. If there is any objection from any person, ERO or AERO listens to that person’s case.

​

Step 5: After verifying everything, the applicant’s name is given for the electoral roll and they get the information notice on their number and by post in both of the cases- either their name is included in the electoral list or not.

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Semi-Online

This option is a mix of online and offline methods. The steps are as follows:

Step 1:  Visit the website of National Voter’s Service Portal (NSVP) 

Step 2: Download ‘form 6’ and fill in the relevant details

Step 3: Submit Form 6 along with a photo and supporting documents at a nearby Election Office by post or in person

Verification of Voter ID

A voter ID applicant may want to check whether their name is present in the Electoral roll. They can do it the following way:

Step 1:

Visit the National Voter Services Portal (NVSP)

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Step 2:

Enter the required details in the “Search name in the electoral roll

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Step 3:

Click on the “Search” button

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Voter ID Card Correction in Electoral Roll

At times, people enter the wrong details in the form or want to update them. They can rectify the Voter ID application form by highlighting the corrections and uploading the relevant documents on the National Voter Services Portal (NVSP). Alternatively, they can visit the nearest election office or send the form to the Chief Election Officer. After the submission of the form, ERO ensures that the corrections are updated and the new Voter ID card is sent to you.

How to Check Voter ID Application Status

An applicant can track the status of a new Voter ID Application with the following steps

Step 1: Access the National Voter Services Portal

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Step 2: Click on the “Track application status”

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Step 3: Fill in the reference ID for the voter ID application received on the registered email or SMS on the registered phone number

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The status may be seen as Submitted, BLO Appointed, Field verified, or Accepted or Rejected.

Age Declaration Form under Form 6 of Voter ID

The Age Declaration form is available in Form 6's Annexure III. The applicant makes a declaration under this section regarding their registration in a certain constituency's electoral roll. Form 6 under voter ID may be filled out by applicants who, with reference to the electoral roll that is being revised, are turning eighteen on January 1st of that year or who are moving their primary residence outside of the constituency in which they are already registered.

How Can NRI Electors Apply for Voter ID Cards Online?

Non-resident Indians seeking voter IDs even when not present in India can apply for it. However, they must not have citizenship in any other country. Additionally, they must be over 18 years old on January 1st of that year. Here are the steps to obtain a Voter ID card for NRIs:

Step 1:

Visit the National Voter Services Portal (NVSP)

Step 2:

Click on the “Apply online for registration of overseas voter”

Step 3

 Fill the Form 6A and submit it

Alternatively, they can download the form from the official website of the Chief Electoral Officer of their state or directly ask one of their family persons to send an application form from the polling station. After filling out the form, they can send a copy to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer. It should be duly signed and accompanied by self-attested documents. After completing the verification process, they get a notice informing them whether their name has been included in the Electoral list or rejected due to any reason.

Frequently asked questions

Q

What documents are needed as proof of address when applying for a Voter ID card?

A

Aadhar card, passport, gas bill, water bill, ration card, bank passbook, latest rent deed, or others can be used to prove your address while applying for a Voter ID card.

Q

What is the accepted age proof for a Voter ID card application?

A

Age can be proved in the Voter ID card application with documents such as a passport, 10th Standard Certificate, PAN Card, or Aadhaar Card.

Q

Which documents are accepted as identity proof for a Voter ID card application?

A

Proof of identity can be provided with documents like a driver's license, ration card, passport, PAN Card, bank passbook with a photograph, student ID card, SSLC certificate, or Aadhaar card. 

Q

Can I provide an expired passport as address proof for a Voter ID Card?

A

An expired passport may not be accepted as valid address proof. It is advisable to use a current and valid document.

Q

What to do if you do not receive your voter ID card after application?

A

You can visit the official CEO website or the closest election office if you haven't received your Voter ID. When submitting form 6, include your reference number and the information you got. To view the most recent status of your application, select "Track Status." Your voter ID may not arrive in the mail for almost 30 days after the date of your online application. You can physically visit the state election office to correct any inconsistencies in the voter ID you received.

Q

Why is it important to have a Voter ID Card?

A

You can use it as identification proof to access services in this nation. It enables you to participate in election voting. It demonstrates your Indian citizenship. It lessens the incidence of electoral fraud. The Indian government periodically rolls out special deals that are available to anyone with a verified voter ID. For instance, in India, you need a voter's ID to apply for a ration card.

Prachi Jain

Chartered Accountant

Prachi Jain is a Chartered Accountant with a passion for simplifying finance and tax-related matters through her insightful and informative blogs. With a background in finance and a deep understanding of tax regulations, Prachi has established herself as a trusted source of financial wisdom. Prachi is committed to empowering her readers with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions. Her expertise and dedication shine through in every blog post, helping her audience navigate the intricacies of finance and taxes with confidence. Follow Prachi Jain's blog for practical insights and guidance on managing your finances effectively.