Voter ID / EPIC Card - Complete Guide

What is a Voter ID?

A Voter ID (EPIC) is an official document issued by the Election Commission of India that certifies a person's eligibility to vote. It contains your name, photo, date of birth, address, and a unique EPIC number. It also serves as a valid identity proof.

Why Do You Need a Voter ID?

• Vote in elections (Lok Sabha, Assembly, Local Body elections)
• Proof of identity for various purposes
• Proof of address
• Age proof
• Required for government job applications
• Useful for bank account opening
• Valid ID for various official purposes

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: Must be 18 years or above
• Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen
• Residence: Must be a resident of the constituency where applying
• Mental Fitness: Must be of sound mind
• Not Disqualified: Must not be disqualified from voting

How to Apply for Voter ID

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

For New Registration (Form 6):

• Proof of Age: Birth certificate, SSLC certificate, school leaving certificate, or Aadhaar
• Proof of Address: Aadhaar, utility bill (electricity/water/gas), bank statement, ration card, or driving license
• Passport Size Photo: Recent color photo (2 copies)
• Identity Proof: Aadhaar, PAN card, or any government-issued ID

Step 2: Apply Online

Option 1: NVSP Portal (Recommended)

1. Visit National Voters' Service Portal: https://www.nvsp.in
2. Click on "Login/Register" or "New User? Register Here"
3. Create account with mobile number and email
4. Verify mobile number and email with OTP
5. Login to your account
6. Click on "Apply Online for Registration of New Voter"
7. Select "Form 6 - Application for inclusion of name in Electoral Roll"
8. Fill in all personal details (name, date of birth, gender, father's/mother's name)
9. Enter present and permanent address
10. Select your assembly constituency
11. Upload scanned copies of documents (PDF/JPEG, max 2MB each)
12. Upload passport size photo
13. Review all information
14. Submit the application
15. Note down the application reference number

Option 2: Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Portal

1. Visit Tamil Nadu CEO portal: https://www.elections.tn.gov.in
2. Register or login
3. Select "Voter Registration"
4. Fill Form 6 online
5. Upload documents and submit

Step 3: Offline Application (Alternative)

1. Visit your local Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) office
2. Collect Form 6 (Application for inclusion of name)
3. Fill the form with all required details
4. Attach photocopies of documents
5. Submit form along with original documents for verification
6. Get acknowledgment receipt

Step 4: Verification Process

• Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) will verify your application
• Booth Level Officer (BLO) may visit your address for verification
• Your name will be included in the draft electoral roll
• Draft roll is published for public inspection
• If no objections, your name is included in final electoral roll
• Verification usually takes 15-30 days

Step 5: Receive Voter ID

1. Track application status online using reference number
2. Once approved, your name will be in electoral roll
3. Voter ID card will be printed and sent to your address
4. You'll receive SMS/email notification
5. Card will be delivered via Speed Post
6. You can also download voter slip online
7. Verify all details on the card

SIR - Special Intensive Revision (Current Update)

What is SIR?

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a comprehensive voter list update program conducted by the Election Commission. During SIR, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visit homes to verify and update voter details, and voters can also submit corrections online.

How to Participate in SIR

Option 1: Door-to-Door Verification

1. BLO will visit your registered address
2. Fill the enumeration form provided by BLO
3. Provide details: Aadhaar number, mobile number, date of birth
4. Verify your name, address, and other details
5. Submit corrections if needed
6. Sign the form after verification

Option 2: Online Correction (Recommended)

1. Visit NVSP portal: https://www.nvsp.in
2. Login using your registered mobile number or Voter ID (EPIC) number
3. Click on "SIR - Special Intensive Revision" or "Update Voter Details"
4. Fill the enumeration form online
5. Enter/update: Aadhaar number, mobile number, date of birth, address
6. Verify all details are correct
7. Use Aadhaar e-sign for verification (OTP will be sent to Aadhaar-linked mobile)
8. Submit the form electronically
9. Note down the reference number

Aadhaar e-Sign Verification

1. During online submission, you'll be asked for Aadhaar e-sign
2. Enter your Aadhaar number
3. OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
4. Enter OTP to verify your identity
5. This is managed by CDAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing)
6. Ensure your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar

Common Issues & Solutions

Name Mismatch Issue

• Solution: Ensure names match exactly on both documents
• If names don't match, correct either Aadhaar or Voter ID first
• Update Aadhaar name if it's incorrect (visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in)
• Or correct Voter ID name through Form 8 before SIR
• Then participate in SIR with matching names

Mobile Number Not Linked with Aadhaar

• If mobile is not linked, you cannot use Aadhaar e-sign
• Update mobile number in Aadhaar first (visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in)
• Or use alternative verification method if available
• Contact your local ERO office for assistance

What to Do During SIR

• Keep your Aadhaar card and Voter ID ready
• Ensure mobile number is linked with Aadhaar
• Verify your name matches on both documents
• Be available at home when BLO visits
• Or submit corrections online before deadline
• Check your details in electoral roll
• Submit corrections for any errors

SIR Timeline

• SIR Period: Usually 30 days (check official dates)
• BLO Visits: During the SIR period
• Online Submission: Available throughout SIR period
• Verification: 7-15 days after submission
• Final Roll Publication: After SIR completion

Regular Correction in Voter ID

Name Correction (Form 8)

1. Visit NVSP portal and login
2. Select "Correction of Entries in Electoral Roll" (Form 8)
3. Enter your EPIC number
4. Select "Name" for correction
5. Enter corrected name
6. Upload supporting document
7. Submit application
8. Correction will be processed in 30-45 days

Address Correction (Form 8)

1. Visit NVSP portal and login
2. Select "Correction of Entries in Electoral Roll" (Form 8)
3. Enter your EPIC number
4. Select "Address" for correction
5. Enter new address
6. Upload proof of new address
7. Submit application
8. If moving to different constituency, you may need to apply for transfer

Transfer Voter ID

1. Visit NVSP portal and login
2. Select "Application for Transposition/Deletion of Entry" (Form 7)
3. Or select "Application for Objection" if needed
4. Enter your EPIC number
5. Select new constituency
6. Enter new address details
7. Upload proof of new address
8. Submit application
9. Your name will be removed from old constituency and added to new one

Download Voter Slip

1. Visit NVSP portal or Tamil Nadu CEO portal
2. Login to your account
3. Click on "Download E-EPIC" or "Voter Slip"
4. Enter your EPIC number or details
5. Download the voter slip (PDF format)
6. You can use this for voting if you don't have physical card
7. Voter slip is valid for voting

Check Voter ID Status

1. Visit NVSP portal
2. Click on "Track Application Status"
3. Enter your application reference number
4. Or enter your mobile number
5. View current status
6. You'll receive SMS updates on registered mobile

Search Your Name in Electoral Roll

1. Visit NVSP portal or Tamil Nadu CEO portal
2. Click on "Search Your Name in Electoral Roll"
3. Enter your details (name, father's name, date of birth, etc.)
4. Select your state (Tamil Nadu) and district
5. Select assembly constituency
6. Search and view your details
7. Verify your name, address, and EPIC number

Important Links