Voter ID Card (EPIC) — Application, Update & Online Services (2026)

The Voter ID Card, officially called the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), is issued by the Election Commission of India to every Indian citizen above 18. It serves as proof of voter registration and is widely accepted as photo identity for non-electoral purposes too.

Eligibility

Indian citizen aged 18 or above on the qualifying date (1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October of the year), ordinarily resident in the constituency, and not disqualified under any law from voting.

How to apply

Apply through the National Voter Services Portal (voters.eci.gov.in) using Form 6 for new registration. Required documents: Aadhaar, age proof, address proof, and a passport size photograph. The Booth Level Officer (BLO) verifies the application before approval.

Other Voter Forms

• Form 6 — New voter registration
• Form 6A — Overseas Indian voter registration
• Form 7 — Objection to inclusion of a name
• Form 8 — Correction or transfer within constituency
• Form 8A — Transposition within an Assembly Constituency

Voter Helpline App

The official Voter Helpline app (Android and iOS) allows you to register, update, check name in the electoral roll, find your polling station, and contact the BLO. The app is integrated with the Election Commission's database.

Address change

For a change of address within the same Assembly Constituency, use Form 8A. For shifting to a different constituency or state, use Form 6 at the new location and Form 7 to remove the name from the old electoral roll.

Search your name in the electoral roll

Visit electoralsearch.in, search by name, EPIC number, or details (date of birth, father's name, state, constituency). The search returns your current polling station and serial number.

Aadhaar-Voter linking

Voter-Aadhaar linking is voluntary as of 2026 under the Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021. Linking improves electoral roll accuracy and removes duplicates. Use Form 6B on the Voter Portal.

Duplicate EPIC

If your Voter ID is lost, apply through the Voter Portal for a duplicate EPIC. There is no fee. The duplicate is issued within 30 days. Alternatively, download the e-EPIC PDF, which is legally equivalent to the printed card.

NRI voters

NRIs may register as overseas voters using Form 6A with passport details. NRI voters must currently vote in person at their constituency in India; proxy voting and postal ballots for NRIs are subjects of continuing legislative review.