® 
Is your Credit Score >750?
- Get low interest loans & Lifetime FREE credit cards
- Get customized Credit Health Report
- Improve your creditworthiness
Get your FREE Credit Score & Report in just 2 minutes
Introduction
A Voter ID card is issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI). It is also known as Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), election’s card, Voter ID card, and Voter’s card. To caste the vote every eligible Indian citizen is required to have a Voter ID card. Consequently, it also serves the purpose of Unique Identification proof of an individual along with reducing the fraud in electoral activities during the election. These Voter ID cards include all the personal details and a unique identification number.
The Election Commission of India issues a voter card, also known as Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to all individuals eligible to vote. The basic purpose of this document is voter's identification and prevention of electoral frauds.
Documents Required for Voter ID Card
To apply for voter ID card, one needs to submit the following documents:
1. Recent passport size photographs
2. Address proof (any one of the following)
- Copy of your Passport
- Gas bill
- Water bill
- Ration Card
- Bank Passbook
- Aadhaar Card
3. Copy of proof of age
- 10th Standard Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Pan Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving Licence
- Copy of Passport
- Kisan Card
4. Identity proof (any one of the following)
- Pan Card
- Driving Licence
- Ration Card
- Passport Copy
- Bank Passbook with Photograph
- SSLC Certificate
- Student ID Card
- Aadhaar Card
Importance of Voter ID
- It is a form of identity proof which can be used to avail services in India.
- It allows you to cast your vote in elections.
- It proves that you are an Indian citizen.
- It helps in reducing electoral fraud.
- People with a valid Voter ID can avail special offers which are rolled out by the Government of India from time to time. For example, you cannot apply for a ration card in India if you do not have a voter’s ID.
Voter ID Card Eligibility
- Individuals must be aged above 18 years or more to apply for voter ID card
- Some people belonging to a specified/ special category/ financially bankrupt are not eligible to apply for a voter card even if they attain the age of 18 years.
Steps to Apply for Voter ID
- Log in to the Election Commission official website.
- Select the state you reside in from the drop-down. Once you have done that, you will be redirected to your state-specific Chief Electoral Officer page.
- Log in to your account. If you are a new user, click on the “Register” button.
- If you are a new user, you will be asked for your basic details like your first name, last name, email ID, mobile number, and your gender to create an account.
- Once you enter these details and click on “Continue”, your login credentials will be sent to your registered email ID.
- Once you log in with the credentials you received, you will be asked to change your password for security reasons.
- Once you have logged in, click on the “Form 6” or “Application for including name in assembly constituency voters list” option.
- Fill the form accurately, attach a passport size colour photo, and click on the “Submit” option.
- Once you have completed these steps, you will have to walk into the nearest voter ID facilitation centre with supporting documents like address and identity proof to finish the formality.
Alternatively, you can walk into a voter’s ID facilitation centre with supporting documents directly and ask them for a Form 6 and apply for a voter registration card.
How to Verify Voter ID?
If a Voter ID holder has any kind of doubt with the genuineness of the card, he/ she can verify it anytime both online and offline. To do this offline, you can visit the Election Commission website and check the electoral roll to verify if their name is present on it or not. This could be done by logging on to the website of the concerned Chief Electoral Officer of their state and providing the voter ID details.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for Voter ID online?
Yes. The steps to apply for a voter ID online are as follows:
- Log on to the official website of Election Commission of India (ECI).
- Next, click on the option “Apply online for registration of new voter”.
- Provide the details asked and attach the required documents.
- Click on the ‘submit’ option
2. How long does it take to get a voter ID?
It takes about 5 to 7 weeks for the applicant to receive the voter ID after applying for one.
3. Can I change my voter registration address online?
Yes, the voter registration address can be changed online.
4. Can a non-Citizen of India become a voter?
A person who is a Non-Resident Indian is eligible to vote in the elections.
5. How long does it take to change the address in voter ID?
It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for the changes to be made in the voter ID after the applicant has applied for the changes.
6. How can I cancel my voter ID?
To cancel your voter ID, you must go to the NVSP website and fill Form 7.
7. How can you find the status of your application for enrolment?
Go to the homepage of the website of the respective state CEOs and click on the tab "Know the Status of Your application for enrolment."
8. How long does it take to change the address in voter ID?
It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for the changes to be made in the voter ID after the applicant has applied for the changes.
End Note
In most elections in India, we come across many glitches especially around voter list and Voter ID cards. Many do not register their name in the electoral list or have a valid Voter ID Card. Many aren’t aware of the documents required to get a Voter ID. Read through this article to ensure that you follow all the necessary steps to apply for a Voter ID card and keep all required documents ready beforehand.