# How to apply for voter ID online: Form 6, status and e-EPIC

> Fill Form 6 on voters.eci.gov.in or the Voter Helpline app, upload age and address proof, track with your reference number and download e-EPIC. Correction and shifting too.

- URL: https://2search.in/knowledge/articles/oct-26/voter-id-apply-online
- Genre: Government services
- Country: India
- Published: 2026-10-27
- Updated: 2026-10-27
- Publisher: 2search (https://2search.in)

> **Quick answer:** Apply on **voters.eci.gov.in** or the **Voter Helpline app** using **Form 6** (new voter). Upload a **photo, age proof and address proof**, submit, and save your **reference number** to track status. After a **Booth Level Officer (BLO)** verifies your details, you get an **EPIC number** — download the digital **e-EPIC** from the same portal. It's **free**, and you can apply from **age 17** in advance.

> **Key takeaways**
> - Registering is **free** — no fee at any stage.
> - You can apply at **17** and get added once you turn 18 on one of four dates: **1 Jan, 1 Apr, 1 Jul, 1 Oct**.
> - Use **Form 6** for new registration, **Form 8** for corrections, address change or a replacement card.
> - The **e-EPIC** PDF is a valid photo ID at the polling booth.
> - Having a card isn't enough — your **name must be on the electoral roll**. Check before every election.

Voting is your right, and getting a voter ID (officially the **Elector's Photo Identity Card**, or EPIC) is now almost entirely online. This guide covers new registration, corrections, shifting to a new address, downloading e-EPIC, and what to do if your application gets stuck.



![How to apply for voter ID online: Form 6, status and e-EPIC Breakdown & Visual Guide](/images/articles/voter-id-apply-online/diagram.svg)

## Who can register

- **Indian citizens** aged **18 or above** on a qualifying date.
- **Ordinarily resident** at the address you give — you can be registered at **only one place**.
- Young people can apply **from age 17**. Your name is added once you turn 18 on the next qualifying date: **1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October**.

> **Warning:** Registering in two places is an offence. If you've moved, use **Form 8 (shifting)** instead of a new Form 6 — it removes the old entry for you.

## Documents you need

| Purpose | Accepted documents (any one) |
| --- | --- |
| **Photo** | Recent passport-size colour photo, plain background (JPG, small file size) |
| **Age proof** | Birth certificate, Class 10 or 12 certificate, PAN, passport, driving licence, **Aadhaar** |
| **Address proof** | Aadhaar, passport, bank or post office passbook, recent water / electricity / gas bill, registered rent agreement, driving licence |

If you have no age proof (for example, people over 21 without documents), the form allows a **declaration** and the BLO may verify in person.

## Step-by-step: apply with Form 6

1. Go to **voters.eci.gov.in** (or open the **Voter Helpline** app) and **sign up** with your mobile number and email. Verify with OTP.
2. Log in and choose **Fill Form 6 — New registration for general electors**.
3. Select your **state, district and assembly constituency** — use the one where you currently live.
4. Enter your **name, date of birth, gender** and the name of a **relative** (father, mother, husband or wife).
5. Add **contact details** and, optionally, your **Aadhaar number**.
6. Enter your **current address** and how long you've lived there.
7. Upload your **photo, age proof and address proof**.
8. Add any **disability** details if you want facilities at the booth.
9. Fill the **declaration**, preview and submit.
10. Save the **reference number** shown on screen and in the SMS.

> **Tip:** Write your name **exactly as on your age proof**. A spelling difference is the most common reason a BLO marks an application "rejected".

## What happens after you apply

1. **BLO verification.** A Booth Level Officer may visit your home or call you to confirm you live there.
2. **Approval by the ERO.** The Electoral Registration Officer accepts or rejects the application.
3. **EPIC number generated.** You get an SMS with your EPIC number.
4. **Card delivery.** The physical PVC card is posted to your address; the e-EPIC can be downloaded at once.

Applications are often processed within **a few weeks**, but it can be faster or slower depending on the area and whether an electoral roll revision is going on.

## Track your application

- Go to **voters.eci.gov.in → Track Application Status**.
- Enter your **reference number** and state.
- Status steps: *Submitted → BLO appointed → Field verified → Accepted / Rejected*.

## Download your e-EPIC

1. Log in to **voters.eci.gov.in**.
2. Click **E-EPIC Download**.
3. Enter your **EPIC number** or **reference number** and verify with OTP.
4. Download the PDF. It has a secure QR code and can be saved in [DigiLocker](/digilocker-guide).

Your mobile number must be **linked to your voter record** to receive the OTP. If it isn't, update it through **Form 8**.

## Which form do you need?

| Form | Use it to |
| --- | --- |
| **Form 6** | Register as a new voter |
| **Form 6A** | Register as an overseas (NRI) voter |
| **Form 6B** | Link Aadhaar (voluntary) |
| **Form 7** | Object to or remove a name (for example, a family member who has died) |
| **Form 8** | Correct details, **shift residence**, replace a lost or damaged card, mark disability |

## Change address or correct details (Form 8)

1. Log in and select **Form 8**.
2. Choose **Shifting of residence** (within or outside your constituency), **Correction of entries**, **Issue of replacement EPIC**, or **Request for marking as PwD**.
3. Enter your **EPIC number**, make the changes and upload proof (new address proof for shifting).
4. Submit and track using the reference number.

## Check your name in the electoral roll

Before every election, check that you're listed:

- **voters.eci.gov.in → Search in Electoral Roll**
- Search by **EPIC number**, by **details** (name, age, district), or by **mobile number**
- Note your **part number** and **polling station**

You can also call the voter helpline **1950** (add your STD code from a landline).

## Common problems and fixes

| Problem | Fix |
| --- | --- |
| Application rejected | Read the reason in Track Status; re-apply with corrected details or clearer documents |
| BLO didn't visit | Contact your BLO (search "Know your BLO" on the portal) or call 1950 |
| OTP not coming for e-EPIC | Link your mobile through Form 8 first |
| Name missing on election day | You can't vote without being on the roll — check weeks in advance |
| Two voter IDs | Use Form 7 to delete the older entry |

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a fee for voter ID?

No. Registration, corrections and e-EPIC download are free.

### Can I vote with e-EPIC?

Yes. e-EPIC is a valid photo ID. You can also vote with other approved IDs, such as Aadhaar or a passport, if your name is on the roll.

### Is Aadhaar mandatory for voter ID?

No. Giving Aadhaar is voluntary.

### How long does it take to get a voter ID?

Often a few weeks after verification. The e-EPIC can be downloaded as soon as the EPIC number is generated.

### Can I apply before turning 18?

Yes, from age 17. Your name is added once you turn 18 on the next qualifying date.

### How do I change my address on voter ID?

Use Form 8 and choose "Shifting of residence", with proof of your new address.

### Can students register where they study?

Yes, students living away from home can register at their hostel or college address, but only at one place.

## Sources

- [Election Commission of India — Voters' Service Portal](https://voters.eci.gov.in/)
- [Election Commission of India — Official website](https://www.eci.gov.in/)
- [ECI — Electoral search](https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/)