Quick answer: Apply for a new voter ID or make corrections at voters.eci.gov.in or the Voter Helpline app. Use Form 6 for a new registration, Form 8 for corrections, address shifts within or outside the constituency, and replacement cards. The service is free. Processing time depends on verification and the electoral-roll schedule, and you can track it with the reference number. You must be 18 or older on the qualifying date to be enrolled.
Which form you need
| Form | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Form 6 | New voter registration, including first-time voters turning 18 |
| Form 6A | Registration for overseas Indian electors |
| Form 7 | Objecting to an entry, or requesting deletion of a name |
| Form 8 | Correction of details, shifting residence, replacement EPIC, marking as person with disability |
Form 8 was consolidated to cover several purposes that once had separate forms, which is why older guides mention Form 8A for constituency shifts. Use Form 8 and select the relevant purpose within it.
Documents required
For new registration (Form 6)
- Age proof: birth certificate, PAN, Aadhaar, driving licence, passport, or school certificate.
- Address proof: Aadhaar, bank passbook, utility bill, rent agreement, ration card, or passport.
- Passport-size photograph, a clear front-facing image.
For corrections (Form 8)
Only the document supporting the specific change. A name correction needs proof of the correct name; an address change needs new address proof. You do not need to resubmit everything.
How to apply online
- Go to voters.eci.gov.in and sign up with your mobile number, or open the Voter Helpline app.
- Log in and choose the relevant form from the dashboard.
- Fill in your details, matching the spelling on your supporting documents exactly.
- Upload the documents and photograph within the stated file size limits.
- Submit and save the reference number shown on screen.
A Booth Level Officer (BLO) may visit to verify your address. Keep your originals ready and stay reachable on the phone number you provided; a missed verification is the usual cause of delay.
Track your application
On the same portal, use Track Application Status with your reference number. Status moves through submitted, BLO verification, ERO review, and finally accepted or rejected. If accepted, you can download the e-EPIC, a digital voter card that is valid as an identity document, while the physical card arrives by post.
Check if your name is already on the roll
Before applying afresh, search the electoral roll at electoralsearch.eci.gov.in by name and district, or by EPIC number. A surprising number of people apply again when their entry already exists with a misspelling, which creates a duplicate that then has to be removed with Form 7.
Common problems
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Name spelled wrong on the card | Form 8, correction of entries, with proof of correct spelling |
| Moved to a new city | Form 8, shifting of residence, with new address proof |
| Moved within the same constituency | Form 8, same purpose; the constituency does not change |
| Card lost or damaged | Form 8, replacement of EPIC; check whether your e-EPIC is available for download |
| Name missing from the roll at polling time | Search the roll early, not on polling day; file Form 6 if genuinely absent |
| Duplicate entries in two states | File Form 7 to delete the old entry; holding two is not permitted |
Linking Aadhaar with voter ID
The Election Commission collects Aadhaar numbers from electors through Form 6B for the purpose of authenticating entries and removing duplicates. Providing it is voluntary, and an application cannot be rejected solely because Aadhaar was not supplied. If you choose to link, it can be done through the same portal or app.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any fee?
No. Registration, correction and replacement through the official portal are free. Anyone charging you for a voter ID is running a private service, not a government one.
How long does it take?
Track the application with its reference number; verification and election schedules can affect processing time.
Can I vote with the e-EPIC?
Yes, the downloaded e-EPIC is accepted, and the Election Commission also permits several alternative photo IDs at the polling station when your name is on the roll.
I turn 18 next year. When can I apply?
You can apply in advance; enrolment is processed with reference to qualifying dates fixed each year, so an early application is registered when you become eligible.
Last updated September 2026. Election Commission forms, portals and procedures change periodically; verify on eci.gov.in or voters.eci.gov.in before applying.
Sources
For the current official position, check Election Commission of India — Voters’ Service Portal. Fees, rates and rules change without notice, and figures in this article are illustrative unless a source is cited beside them.
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