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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Indian citizens can register to vote either online or offline.
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.
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.
To be eligible for a Voter’s ID, an individual must fulfil the three following conditions:
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.
While applying for a Voter’s ID, the individual must ensure they have the following documents:
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!
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. NVSP Portal Login, How To Register And Status Check
4. How to Apply and Get Duplicate Voter ID Card?
5. Voter List – How to Check Your Name & Download the Voter List?
6. Link Aadhaar With Voter ID: How To Link Voter ID with Aadhaar card?
7. Voter ID Name Change - How To Change Name In Voter ID Card?
8. Voter ID Address Change: How to Change Address Details on Voter ID Card?
9. Voter Slip Download - How To Download Voter Slip?
10. How to Link a Mobile Number with a Voter ID?
11.Voter List Odisha 2024
12. Voter List Haryana 2024
13 How to Find EPIC Number in Voter ID Card?
14. How to Check Your Name in Voter List?
15. Voter List Karnataka 2024
16. Voter List Delhi 2024
17. Voter List Uttar Pradesh 2024
18. Voter List Gujarat 2024
19. Voter List Punjab 2024
When an Indian turns 18, they can apply for a Voter ID for elections. e-EPIC is a PDF version of the card. To download, update your mobile number or use EPIC/acknowledgement number. Apply online or offline with necessary documents like proof of address and age. The Voter ID acts as a crucial identification proof for various purposes. How to apply for Voter ID? How to download Voter ID? What are the requirements for Voter ID?