Link Aadhaar With Voter ID: How To Link Voter ID with Aadhaar card?

Linking Aadhaar with Voter ID helps the Election Commission of India prevent duplicate or bogus voter entries. It is handled as per the Aadhaar Act, 2016, and is not shared with third parties. Aadhaar–Voter ID linking is voluntary, and not linking Aadhaar does not affect voting rights.

Key Highlights

• Form used: Form 6B (Electoral Roll Authentication Form)
• Linking mode: Online, app, SMS, phone, or offline (BLO)
• Portal used: National Voters' Service Portal 
• Application fee: Free of cost
• Verification method: OTP-based Aadhaar authentication
• Helpline number: 1950 (weekdays support)

Pre-requisites for Linking Aadhaar with Voter ID

Applicants must possess the following to apply:

• Voter ID/EPIC number
• 12-digit Aadhaar number
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar (for OTP verification)
• Photocopies of Voter ID and Aadhaar card, a copy of Form 6B (for offline application)

How to Link Voter ID with Aadhaar Card?

Follow these steps to link your Voter ID and your Aadhaar card:

Step 1: Log-in/Sign-up on the NVSP and click on ‘Forms’ option.

Step 2: Click on ‘Forms’ and select ‘Form 6B’.

Step 3: Select the state and your Assembly/Parliamentary Constituency.

Step 4: Enter your personal details, enter OTP, Aadhaar number and click on the ‘Preview’ button.

Step 5: Click on ‘Submit’. 

Note the application reference number to track your application. 

How to Link an Aadhaar Card to Voter ID via the Voter Helpline App?

Follow the below steps to link Aadhaar with your Voter ID on the Voter Helpline App:

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

Step 2: Click on ‘I agree’ and then click on ‘Next’.

Step 3: Select the ‘Voter Registration’ option.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Electoral Authentication Form (Form 6B)’ and select ‘Lets Start’.

Step 5: Enter the official mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card and click on ‘Send OTP’.

Step 6: Enter the OTP sent to the registered number and click on ‘Verify’.

Step 7: Next, select ‘Yes I Have Voter ID’ and click on ‘Next’. 

Step 8: Fill in the ‘Voter ID (EPIC)’ number, select the ‘State’ and click on ‘Fetch details’.

Step 9: Click on ‘Proceed’ and enter details shown on the screen. Click on ‘Next’.

Step 10: Enter the Aadhaar number, place of authentication, registered mobile number and click on ‘Done’ button.

Step 11: Check the details and click on ‘Confirm’ for the submission of your Form 6B. 

Step 12: You will receive the reference number to track the status of your application.

How to Link Voter ID with Aadhaar through SMS?

To link your Aadhaar number with your Voter ID, send an SMS to 166 OR 51969 in the following format:

ECILINK<SPACE><EPIC No.>< SPACE><Aadhaar No.>

How to Link Aadhaar with Voter ID from a Phone?

One can link their Aadhaar card with Voter ID by calling 1950 on weekdays between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How to Link Voter ID with Aadhaar Card Offline?

Aadhar can also be linked with Voter ID by submitting Form 6B and the supporting documents to your respective Booth Level Officer (BLO). The information provided will be verified by the BLO and after verification, it will be reflected in the records. 

How to Check Aadhaar–Voter ID Linking Status?

Applicants can check the Aadhaar-Voter ID linking status online through the NVSP with or without a reference number. They can check the status through the ‘Track Application Status’ tab or ‘My Applications/Submitted Forms’ on the dashboard.

What if Name Differs in Aadhaar and Voter ID?

Minor differences in name spelling (for example, “Ramesh” vs “Ramesh Kumar”) may cause Form 6B submission to fail.

• First, update details in the corresponding document:
  • Voter ID (via Form 8), or
  • Aadhaar (via UIDAI portal or Aadhaar Seva Kendra)
• After correction, re-submit Form 6B

Alternatively, assistance can be taken from the Booth Level Officer (BLO) for verification.

Is Aadhaar-Voter ID Linking Mandatory?

Currently, Aadhaar-Voter ID linking is not mandatory. The linking process is voluntary, and failure to link Aadhaar with Voter ID does not affect the right to vote or voter registration status.

Current Legal Status of Aadhaar Link With Voter ID

The government passed the Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021, to amend the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The amendment empowers Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to collect Aadhaar numbers from voters. 

However, the Act also states that voter registration cannot be denied and that a name cannot be removed from the voter list for failing to provide Aadhaar. Thus, submission of Aadhaar information is voluntary and not compulsory. 

Supreme Court Order on Linking Aadhaar With Voter ID

In the Puttaswamy case (2017), the Supreme Court halted the government's project to study linking Aadhaar with electoral rolls during the case hearing. The court held that one cannot be excluded from voting for failing to furnish Aadhaar, while upholding the constitutionality of Aadhaar.

Election Commission’s Submission on Voter ID-Aadhaar Link

In September 2023, during the hearing of the G Niranjan vs Election Commission of India case, the Election Commission of India (ECI) stated before the Supreme Court that:

• It would make amendments in Form 6B to make it clear that Aadhaar number submission is voluntary.
• It would inform voters that non-submission of Aadhaar would not adversely affect their voting rights.

Thus, clarifying that Aadhaar-Voter ID linking is voluntary and non-submission of Aadhaar via Form 6B will not result in denial of registration or deletion of name from the existing electoral rolls.

Why Link Aadhaar with Voter ID?

Though Aadhaar linking with Voter ID is not mandatory, linking them helps improve the accuracy and efficiency of India’s electoral system. The Election Commission (EC) encourages eligible voters to voluntarily link their Aadhaar with their Voter ID.

Benefits of linking Aadhaar with Voter ID:

• Eliminates duplicate and fraudulent voter registrations
• Enables faster voter verification at polling booths
• Supports e-EPIC (digital Voter ID) access
• Helps in electoral roll cleanup and updated voter databases
• Facilitates efficient updating of voter information
• Strengthens the overall integrity of the election process
• Prevents individuals from registering multiple voter IDs
• Enhances election administration and voter record management
• Ensures transparency in the electoral system

What Happens If You Do Not Link Aadhaar with Voter ID?

If you do not link your Aadhaar with your Voter ID, there is currently no penalty, fine or adverse consequences. Aadhaar-Voter ID linking is voluntary. Your name cannot be deleted from the voter list if your Aadhaar is not linked with Voter ID.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified before the Supreme Court that:

• Aadhaar linking with Voter ID is not mandatory under the Registration of Electors (Amendment) Rules, 2022.
• Submission of Aadhaar details is optional or voluntary.

Impact on Voting Rights

Non-linking of your Aadhaar with Voter ID does not affect your voting rights. Even when you do not link Aadhaar-Voter ID:

• You can vote in elections 
• Your Voter ID will remain valid
• Your name will appear on the electoral rolls
• You may need to provide additional ID documents for verification or updation

Linking Aadhaar with Voter ID is a simple, voluntary process that helps ensure accurate and verified electoral records. It strengthens electoral integrity by ensuring each voter has a unique and authenticated identity in the system.

Related Voter ID Articles:
1. How to apply Online for Voter ID Card & Track Status?
2. Voter Registration Process: How to Register to Vote in India?
3. How to Apply and Get Duplicate Voter ID Card?
4. Voter List – How to Check Your Name & Download the Voter List? 
5. Voter ID Name Change - How To Change Name In Voter ID Card?
6. Voter ID Address Change: How to Change Address Details on Voter ID Card?
7. Voter Slip Download - How To Download Voter Slip?
8. How to Link a Mobile Number with a Voter ID?