Election commission of India ( EIC )

When a citizen of India turns 18 years of age, they become eligible for voting. A Voter ID is required to cast a vote in India. Thus, Indian citizens above 18 years old can apply for and obtain a Voter ID card, which can be used as an identity proof document for various purposes. 

Since the voting for the Lok Sabha election in 2024 has started in India, it is essential to download the Voter ID especially when a voter doesn't have the physical Voter ID card. They can submit the downloaded copy of the Voter ID card at the polling station and can cast their vote in the upcoming last and seventh phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Many states, including Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Chandigarh, will witness the polling for the general election in the seventh phase, which is scheduled for June 1. This article covers how to apply for a Voter ID and how to download it.

What is a Voter ID card?

A Voter ID card is a photo identity card issued by the Election Commission of India. The primary function of a Voter ID card is to serve as an identity proof for voters, increase efficiency and prevent fraudulent behaviour during a free and fair democratic election. The Voter ID card is also known as EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card), election card or voter’s card.

Voter ID Download with Photo

The government launched the e-EPIC in January 2021. e-EPIC is the electronic version of the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC). Individuals can download e-EPIC cards or Voter ID cards in the PDF version online, which can be later uploaded on Digi Locker or laminated to use as a hard copy. 

Please note that your mobile number must be updated to download the e-EPIC card. You can update your mobile number by filling in Form 8. Follow the below steps to update your mobile number: 

• Visit the official Voter Services Portal.
• Click ‘Login’. Enter the mobile number, password and captcha code and click the ‘Request OTP’ button.  
• Enter the OTP received on your mobile phone and click the ‘Verify & Login’ button.
• Click the ‘Fill Form 8’ button under the ‘Shifting of residence/correction of entries in existing electoral roll/replacement of EPIC/marking of PwD’ tab.
• Next, select the ‘Self’ option and click ‘Submit’.
• The details of your Voter ID card will be displayed. Click the ‘Ok’ button. Next, select the option ‘Correction of Entries in Existing Electoral Roll’ and click ‘Ok’.
• Your details will be auto-updated under the ‘Select State, District and Assembly/Parliamentary Constituency’ section. Click on ‘Next’. 
• Under the ‘Details’ section, select ‘Self’ under the mobile number option, enter your mobile number and click ‘Next’.
• Next, select ‘Mobile Number’ under the ‘Application for Correction of Entries in Existing Electoral Roll’ section. Enter the mobile number, OTP and click ‘Next’.
• Enter the declaration and captcha code and click ‘Preview and Submit’. The preview will be displayed. Click ‘Submit’. The mobile number will be updated immediately. 

The steps to download the digital Voter ID or e-EPIC card are as follows:

Step 1: Visit the official Voter Services Portal.

Step 2: Click ‘Login’. Enter the mobile number, password and captcha code and click the ‘Request OTP’ button.  

Step 3: Enter the OTP received on your mobile phone and click the ‘Verify & Login’ button.

Step 4: Click on the ‘E-EPIC Download’ tab. 

Step 5: Select the ‘EPIC No’ or ‘Form Reference no.’ option.

Step 6: Enter EPIC number or Form Reference Number, select state and click ‘Search’. 

The EPIC number is the Voter ID number. The reference number is available in the acknowledgement received after submitting Form 6.

Step 7: The Voter ID details will be displayed on the screen. Click the ‘Send OTP’ button. Please note that if your mobile number is not updated, the ‘Send OTP’ button will not be available. 

Step 8: Enter OTP and click on ‘Verify’.

Step 9: Click the ‘Download e-EPIC’ button to download the Voter ID card.

Alternative methods to download Voter ID cards

Individuals can download digital Voter ID cards online through the Voter Services Portal. The alternate method to download the e-EPIC cards or digital Voter ID cards is through the Voter Helpline Mobile application. 

How to download Voter ID in the Voter Helpline app?

Step 1: Download the Voter Helpline App from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Step 2: Click the ‘Personal Vault’ option.

Step 3: Click on ‘Login’.

Step 4: Enter your mobile number, password and OTP and click ‘Login’.

Step 5: Your e-EPIC card details will be displayed on the screen. Click the ‘Download’ button.

The E-EPIC card will be downloaded on your mobile phone.

How to download Voter ID in Digilocker?

You can store the Voter ID in PDF format in online lockers like Digilockers. For this, you need to download the e-EPIC card through the Voter Services Portal or the Voter Helpline App and then upload the downloaded PDF of the e-EPIC card on Digilocker.

How to download Voter ID using EPIC No?

Step 1: Visit the official Voter Services Portal.

Step 2: Click ‘Login’. Enter the mobile number, password and captcha code and click the ‘Request OTP’ button.  

Step 3: Enter the OTP received on your mobile phone and click the ‘Verify & Login’ button.

Step 4: Click on the ‘E-EPIC Download’ tab. 

Step 5: Select the ‘EPIC No’ option.

Step 6: Enter the EPIC number, select state and click ‘Search’. 

Step 7: The Voter ID details will be displayed on the screen. Click the ‘Send OTP’ button. Please note that if your mobile number is not updated, the ‘Send OTP’ button will not be available. 

Step 8: Enter OTP and click on ‘Verify’.

Step 9: Click the ‘Download e-EPIC’ button to download the Voter ID card.

How to apply for a Voter ID card?

Indian citizens can register to vote either online or offline.

Online Application

Step 1: Visit the official Voter Services Portal.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Sign up’ option on the top right corner of the homepage.

Step 3: Enter the required details and register on the portal.

Step 4: Log in to the Voter Services Portal by clicking the ‘Login’ button and entering the mobile number, password, captcha and OTP. 

Step 5: Click the ‘Fill Form 6’ button on the ‘New registration for general electors’ tab.

Step 6: Enter all the details on Form 6, upload the required documents and click the ‘Submit’ button.

Offline Application

Step 1: Visit the Booth Level Officer’s (BLO) office and obtain Form 6 or download Form 6 from the Voter Services Portal by clicking the ‘Download’ button on the ‘New registration for general electors’ tab.

Step 2: Fill out Form 6 accurately.

Step 3: Submit the required documents and the filled form to the BLO.

Upon submission of Form 6 online or offline, the BLO will verify the form and issue the Voter ID card.

Eligibility to apply for Voter ID card

To be eligible for a Voter’s ID, an individual must fulfil the three following conditions:

• Citizen of India
• 18 years of age
• Have a permanent address

Other criteria that an individual needs to make sure that they do not possess a criminal history. It is of utmost importance that all the details furnished in the Voter’s ID are accurate.

Documents Required to Apply for Voter ID card

While applying for a Voter’s ID, the individual must ensure they have the following documents:

• Proof of date of birth
• Proof of address
• Photograph

Importance of having a Voter ID card

The Voter ID card is primarily used for identification during the casting of a vote by an Indian citizen. However, it also serves as a government-issued identification proof for the holder. 

A Voter ID card can be used for instances that require address proof as well. The Voter ID card is required in the case that the individual needs to update their address or for reinstatement in the case that they have been stricken off the voting list.

It also serves as an identity or address proof for various purposes, such as buying a mobile phone, buying a SIM card, applying for a passport, purchasing international tickets when the individual is awaiting a passport, etc. The Voter’s ID can also be used to avail certain government schemes.

Whether it is for fulfilling your duty as a citizen of the country or whether it is for possessing identification proof, the Voter ID card is a must-have. So go ahead and apply for your Voter ID card now!

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