If you are an Indian citizen who has reached the eligible voting age and your name is not yet included in the electoral roll, you can apply for a new Voter ID card online. The Election Commission of India (ECI) provides an online registration facility through its Voters’ Services Portal, allowing eligible citizens to submit their application from home.
For a new voter registration, eligible general voters need to submit Form 6. The application can be completed online, documents can be uploaded, and the application can then be tracked through the ECI’s voter services system.
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Who Can Apply for a Voter ID?
You can generally register as a voter if you:
Are an Indian citizen.
Are 18 years old or will become 18 on one of the qualifying dates.
Are ordinarily resident in the constituency where you want to register.
Are not disqualified from being registered as an elector.
The four qualifying dates are 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October. This allows eligible citizens who reach 18 on any of these dates to submit an advance application for registration.
Documents Required for Voter ID Apply
When filling Form 6, you generally need proof of age and proof of ordinary residence. The official Form 6 lists documents that can be used as age proof, including:
Birth Certificate
Aadhaar Card
PAN Card
Driving Licence
Class 10 or Class 12 certificate containing date of birth
Indian Passport
You will also need a recent passport-size colour photograph. The residence proof can be provided using an accepted document listed in Form 6.
Aadhaar details can be provided in Form 6, but the form also provides an option for applicants who do not have an Aadhaar number.
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How to Apply for Voter ID Online
Step 1: Visit the Official Voters’ Services Portal
Go to the Election Commission of India’s official Voters’ Services Portal.
The portal provides services for new voter registration, application tracking, electoral-roll searches, corrections and other voter-related services.
Step 2: Create an Account or Log In
Register or log in using your mobile number and the information requested by the portal.
Step 3: Select New Voter Registration
Choose the option for new voter registration and select Form 6. Form 6 is specifically used for inclusion of a new voter in the electoral roll.
Step 4: Enter Your Personal Details
Fill in your information carefully, including:
Full name
Date of birth
Gender
Father’s, mother’s, spouse’s or guardian’s name
Mobile number
Email address, if applicable
Aadhaar information, where provided
Residential address
Your details should match the supporting documents you submit.
Step 5: Upload the Required Documents
Upload your photograph and the required age and residence documents according to the instructions displayed on the portal.
Make sure the documents are clear and readable. Incorrect or incomplete documents can result in additional verification or delay.
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Step 6: Submit Form 6
Review the complete application before submitting it. After submission, save your application reference number or acknowledgment details.
You can use these details to track the progress of your application.
How to Check Voter ID Application Status
After submitting your application, you can track its status through the ECI’s Voters’ Services Portal.
The Election Commission provides an online facility specifically for tracking applications submitted for registration and other electoral-roll services.
If additional verification is required, follow the instructions provided by the Election Registration Officer or other designated election officials.
What Happens After Applying?
Submitting Form 6 does not automatically mean that your name has been added to the electoral roll. The application is processed and verified by the election authorities.
Once your registration is approved, your name is added to the electoral roll and an EPIC (Elector Photo Identity Card) can be issued. The ECI also provides a facility to download an electronic version of the EPIC, known as e-EPIC.
Can You Apply Offline?
Yes. Voter registration is also available offline. Form 6 can be obtained free of cost from the office of the Electoral Registration Officer, Assistant Electoral Registration Officer or Booth Level Officer. The completed form and supporting documents can be submitted to the appropriate election official.
Is Voter ID Application Free?
Yes. Form 6 is available free of cost, and the Election Commission provides online voter registration services through its official portal.
Be careful with websites or agents asking for unnecessary fees simply to submit a standard voter registration application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before submitting your application, check that:
Your name is spelled correctly.
Your date of birth is accurate.
Your residential address is complete.
Your documents are clear.
You are applying in the constituency where you ordinarily reside.
You have not already been registered as a voter elsewhere.
Providing false information in the declaration section of Form 6 can have legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Voter ID online?
Yes. Eligible Indian citizens can apply online through the ECI’s Voters’ Services Portal using Form 6.
What form is required for a new Voter ID?
Form 6 is used for registration of a new general voter. Overseas Indian electors use Form 6A.
Can I apply for Voter ID after turning 18?
Yes. Eligible citizens can register once they meet the age requirement with reference to the applicable qualifying dates.
Can I check my name in the voter list?
Yes. The ECI provides an online electoral-roll search facility where you can check whether your name is already registered.
Can I download my Voter ID online?
After your registration is approved and the EPIC is generated, the ECI provides an option to download your electronic EPIC (e-EPIC).
Conclusion
Applying for a new Voter ID is now a straightforward online process. Eligible Indian citizens can use the Election Commission of India’s Voters’ Services Portal, complete Form 6, upload the required documents and submit the application from home. After submission, keep your reference number and track the application until your registration is processed.
Always use the official ECI portal for voter registration and check your name in the electoral roll before submitting a new application, as duplicate registration should be avoided.
