India / Identity documents
How to apply for a voter ID card in India
Fill Form 6 on the Election Commission's portal voters.eci.gov.in, on its mobile app, or on paper through your Booth Level Officer. You need a photo, one age proof and one address proof. It is free. After verification your name enters the electoral roll and the voter ID (EPIC) comes by Speed Post.
- Fee
- Free
- Time
- No fixed period on ECI pages; depends on verification by the BLO and the ERO
- How
- Online, or on paper to the ERO or Booth Level Officer
Checked against official sources on . See the 12 sources.
Quick answer
A voter ID card is issued after your name is added to the electoral roll, so "applying for voter ID" means filing Form 6, the Application Form for New Voters. File it online on the Election Commission of India (ECI) portal voters.eci.gov.in or the ECI mobile app, or give the paper form to your Booth Level Officer (BLO) or Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). Attach one passport size photograph, one proof of date of birth and one proof of residence. There is no fee. A BLO verifies the application, the ERO decides it, and the Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is sent to your address by Speed Post free of cost.
Who can apply
You can be enrolled as a voter if you:
- are a citizen of India;
- have completed 18 years on the qualifying date. There are four qualifying dates in a year: 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October;
- are ordinarily resident in the polling area of the constituency where you want to be enrolled; and
- are not disqualified from being enrolled.
Points that first-time applicants often miss:
- You can apply before you turn 18. The portal invites Form 6 from anyone who is 18 or "will turn 18 in few months". An advance application is decided in the quarter in which you reach 18.
- One person, one place. You cannot be enrolled in two constituencies or twice in the same roll. Form 6 carries a declaration that this is your first application; a false declaration is punishable under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 with up to one year in prison, a fine, or both.
- Students in a hostel or mess can enrol either at their parents' address or at the hostel. For the hostel address, attach a bonafide certificate from the head of the institution. The course must be recognised and at least one year long.
- Tenants can enrol at the rented address. The landlord's consent is not a condition.
- NRIs who have not taken another citizenship use Form 6A, not Form 6.
Documents you need
All copies are self-attested. Online, you upload them with the form.
| What | Accepted documents (any one) |
|---|---|
| Photograph | One recent, unsigned, passport size colour photo (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm), white background, full face from the front, eyes open |
| Proof of date of birth | Birth certificate from the local body, municipal authority or Registrar of Births and Deaths; Aadhaar card; PAN card; driving licence; Class X or Class XII certificate from CBSE, ICSE or a state board, if it shows the date of birth; Indian passport |
| Proof of residence | Water, electricity or gas connection bill for that address (at least 1 year); Aadhaar card; current passbook of a nationalised or scheduled bank or post office; Indian passport; Revenue Department land owning records including Kisan Bahi; registered rent or lease deed (tenant); registered sale deed (own house) |
- The address proof can be in your own name or in the name of a parent, spouse or adult child who is already enrolled as a voter at the same address.
- No listed age proof? You may attach another document and name it in the form, but you will then have to appear in person before the ERO or an officer named by the ERO.
- No listed address proof? Name whatever document you have. Field verification is then compulsory. For homeless applicants the BLO visits at night, on more than one night, to confirm that the person sleeps at the address given.
- Aadhaar number. The form asks for it to authenticate entries. If you have none, tick the box that says so. ECI's FAQ states that Aadhaar is voluntary and that not giving it is not a ground for rejection.
- Family member's EPIC number. The form asks for the name and EPIC number of a family member already enrolled at your address, if there is one. Keep it handy.
Steps
Online
- Open voters.eci.gov.in (the Citizen Service Portal) or install the ECINET Mobile App linked from that page.
- Click "Sign-Up" and create an account with your mobile number. Later you log in with your mobile number or EPIC number and "Request OTP".
- Under "New Voter Registration" click "Fill Form 6". The "Guidelines" link next to it opens ECI's one page instructions.
- The form asks for the same particulars as the paper Form 6, described in the next steps. It is addressed to the ERO of the Assembly Constituency where you live. If you are unsure of the constituency, the application cannot be rejected for that reason; the ERO is required to help.
- Enter your name as you want it printed, in English and in the official language of the state. If you fill only one, the software transliterates the other, which can produce spelling mistakes. Check both.
- Enter the name of one relative (father, mother, husband, wife, or legal guardian), your mobile number and email, Aadhaar details, gender and date of birth.
- Enter your present address in full with PIN code and post office.
- Upload the photograph, the age proof and the address proof.
- Complete the declaration: place of birth, the month and year since which you have lived at the address, and that you are not enrolled anywhere else.
- Preview, submit, and save the reference shown for tracking.
- If your state is under a Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the portal also shows "Fill Declaration Form" next to Form 6. ECI has asked new electors in such states to file Form 6 along with that Declaration.
In person
- Get Form 6 free of cost from the office of the ERO or Assistant ERO, from your BLO, or download it from the ECI website.
- Fill it in English or the official language of the state. Paste the photograph in the box; do not sign across it.
- Attach self-attested copies of the age proof and address proof.
- Hand it to the ERO or AERO of your constituency or to the BLO of your polling area, or send it by post to the ERO.
- Collect the acknowledgement. Its acknowledgement number is what you use to check status.
What happens next
- The ERO receives the form and deputes the BLO to visit your residence for verification. You do not need to post a signed copy of an online form.
- The ERO decides the application. The decision is sent by SMS to the mobile number in Form 6 and by post.
- Once enrolled, the EPIC is delivered to your postal address by Speed Post, free of cost.
- A digital copy, the e-EPIC, can be downloaded after logging in to the portal ("E-EPIC Download") or through the ECINET app.
Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Form 6 (paper form from the ERO, AERO or BLO) | Free |
| Filing Form 6 online | Free |
| First EPIC, delivered by Speed Post | Free |
Nobody is authorised to charge you for registering as a voter. Cyber cafes may charge for their own typing or printing; that is not a government fee.
How long it takes
ECI's pages do not promise a number of days. The time depends on how soon the BLO verifies your address and the ERO passes an order. Two rules do affect timing:
- Registration is open all year. The roll is revised every year, but it is also updated continuously, and ECI states the voter list is updated till the last date for filing nominations in an election. If an election is near, apply well before nominations close.
- Advance applications from people who are not yet 18 are taken up in the first month of the quarter in which they become eligible.
How to check status
- Application status: log in at voters.eci.gov.in and open "Track Application Status", or use the same service in the ECINET app. Use the reference or acknowledgement number of your form.
- Is my name in the voter list: go to electoralsearch.eci.gov.in and use "Search by EPIC", "Search by Details" or "Search by Mobile". Select your state and enter the captcha. The result also shows your polling station details.
- Talk to the BLO: the portal has "Book a Call with BLO".
- Helpline: call 1950 (toll free).
Having an EPIC is not enough to vote. Your name must be in the current electoral roll of your polling station, so search the roll before every election.
Common problems
- Applied twice. Filing a second Form 6 while one is pending, or while you are already enrolled elsewhere, creates a duplicate entry and a false declaration. If you have moved, use Form 8 instead.
- Spelling wrong in the regional language. This usually comes from automatic transliteration. Type the name in both languages yourself. After enrolment, correct it with Form 8.
- BLO did not find you at home. Verification is done at the address in the form. Use "Book a Call with BLO" or call 1950 to fix a time.
- No document in your own name. Use the address proof of a parent, spouse or adult child who is already a voter at the same address, and give their EPIC number.
- Application rejected. You can appeal against the ERO's order. During a revision period the appeal goes to the District Election Officer; during continuous updation it goes to the District Magistrate, Additional District Magistrate, Executive Magistrate or District Collector. A further appeal lies to the Chief Electoral Officer of the state. The portal has "Submit Appeal" and "Track Appeal".
- Moved house, wrong details, or lost card. These are not new registrations. File Form 8, which covers shifting of residence, correction of entries, a replacement EPIC and marking as a person with disability. For shifting, it goes to the ERO of the new address.
- Complaint. Use "Register Complaint/ Share Suggestion" on the portal, call 1950, or write to complaints@eci.gov.in.
FAQ
What is the minimum age for a voter ID card?
You must have completed 18 years on a qualifying date: 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October. You may file Form 6 a few months earlier, and it is decided in the quarter in which you turn 18.
Is voter ID registration free?
Yes. Form 6 is free on paper and online, and ECI's Form 6 guidelines say the EPIC is delivered by Speed Post free of cost.
Is Aadhaar compulsory for a voter ID?
No. Form 6 has a box to tick if you do not have an Aadhaar number, and ECI's FAQ says giving Aadhaar is voluntary and an application cannot be rejected for not giving it.
Which form is for a new voter ID card?
Form 6, the Application Form for New Voters. Form 6A is for overseas Indian electors, Form 7 is for objection or deletion, and Form 8 is for shifting, corrections and a replacement card.
Can I register as a voter where I study or work, away from my home town?
Yes, if you ordinarily live there. You are enrolled at one place only, so you cannot also stay on the roll at your home address. Students in a hostel attach a bonafide certificate from the institution.
How do I download my voter ID card online?
Log in at voters.eci.gov.in and use "E-EPIC Download", or use the ECINET app. The e-EPIC is the digital version of your Electoral Photo Identity Card. You need to be enrolled first.
How do I check if my name is in the voter list?
Search at electoralsearch.eci.gov.in by EPIC number, by your details, or by mobile number. You can also call 1950.
Will someone come to my house for verification?
Yes, normally. ECI's FAQ says that when an online Form 6 is received, a Booth Level Officer is deputed to visit your residence for verification.
Can I keep my voter ID after shifting to another city?
The card stays yours, but you vote only where your name is on the roll. File Form 8 for shifting of residence with the ERO of the new address. A replacement EPIC is issued on approval and the old one has to be returned.
Official links
Sources
Every fee, time limit, form and address above was read on these official pages on 13 October 2026.
- Election Commission of India, How to Register to Vote Supports Eligibility; four qualifying dates (1 Jan, 1 April, 1 July, 1 Oct); Form 6 for new voters, 6A for overseas voters, 7 for deletion or objection, 8 for shifting, correction, replacement EPIC and PwD marking; offline filing with the ERO, AERO or BLO or by post; forms free of cost; roll updated till the last date of nominations; helpline 1950; Voter Helpline App named
- ECI, Citizen Service Portal (voters.eci.gov.in) home page Supports On-screen labels (Sign-Up, Login, Request OTP, Fill Form 6, Fill Declaration Form, Guidelines, Track Application Status, E-EPIC Download, Book a Call with BLO, Search Your Name in Voter List, Register Complaint/ Share Suggestion); "Fill Form 6 if you are 18 years or above or you will turn 18 in few months"; ECINET Mobile App; Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 section; toll free 1950; complaints@eci.gov.in
- ECI, Form 6, Application Form for New Voters (PDF) Supports Fields of the form; photograph size; lists of documents for date of birth and for residence; address proof may be in the name of a parent, spouse or adult child enrolled at the same address; Aadhaar box 5(b); declaration of citizenship, residence and first-time application; Section 31 penalty; acknowledgement number
- ECI, Guidelines for filling up Form 6 (PDF) Supports Application goes to the ERO of the constituency of ordinary residence; either language allowed; EPIC delivered free by speed post; other age proof needs personal appearance; students may enrol at home or hostel; field verification for homeless applicants
- ECI, Guidelines for filling up Form 8 (PDF) Supports Form 8 covers shifting of residence, correction of entries, replacement EPIC and PwD marking; goes to the ERO of the new address; old EPIC to be returned
- ECI, Citizen Service Portal, FAQs (Resident Electors) Supports Decision communicated by post and SMS; BLO deputed to visit after an online Form 6; Aadhaar is voluntary and not a ground for rejection; cannot be enrolled at two places (Sections 17 and 18, RP Act 1950); student bonafide certificate and one year course; homeless verification by night visits; appeal against the ERO's order; advance claims disposed of in the first month of the next quarter; continuous updation
- ECI, Forms For Registration In Electoral Roll Supports Current official titles of Form 6, 6A, 6B, 7 and 8
- ECI, Electors page Supports Services listed for electors, including Track Application Status, Download Voter ID (E-EPIC), and Know Your Polling Station, ERO and BLO
- ECI, Voter's Services Portal description Supports Account is created with a mobile number; e-EPIC is a digital copy of the EPIC downloaded from the portal; status tracking; duplicate EPIC and corrections through the portal
- ECI, Search in Electoral Roll Supports Three search modes (Search by EPIC, Search by Details, Search by Mobile); state and captcha fields
- Press Information Bureau, ECINET Digital Platform launched (22 Jan 2026) Supports ECINET is ECI's single platform integrating 40+ apps and portals; services include voter registration, roll search, Track Your Application, Book-a-call with BLO and e-EPIC download
- Press Information Bureau, ECI revises schedule for SIR in 6 States/UT (11 Dec 2025) Supports During a Special Intensive Revision new electors file Form 6 along with the Declaration, to the BLO or online on the ECINet app or voters.eci.gov.in
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