How to Apply for New Voter ID Card and Check Your Name in Voter List

Right to Vote: Your First Step to Democracy

In India, holding a Voter ID card (officially known as the Elector’s Photo Identity Card or EPIC) is not just a legal document; it is your tool to participate in the world’s largest democracy. Whether you have just turned 18 or have moved to a new city, ensuring your name is on the electoral roll is mandatory to cast your vote.

This guide provides a strictly factual, step-by-step walkthrough of how to apply for a new Voter ID card and check your name in the voter list for 2026. All processes described below are based on the latest systems implemented by the Election Commission of India (ECI) via the Voters’ Service Portal (VSP).

Who Needs This Service?

You must apply for a new Voter ID if:

You are a new voter: You have attained the age of 18 years. (Note: You can apply in advance if you are turning 18 on 1st April, 1st July, or 1st October of the year).
You have moved: You have shifted residence to a new assembly constituency and need to transfer your vote (Technically Form 8, but often new applicants get confused here).
You are an NRI: An Indian citizen living abroad who has not acquired foreign citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be an Indian Citizen.
Must be 18 years of age or older on the qualifying date.
Must be an ordinary resident of the polling area where you are applying.
Must not be disqualified to be enrolled as an elector (e.g., unsound mind or criminal conviction disqualification).

Required Documents

Before you log in, scan and save these documents on your phone or computer. The file size should be less than 2 MB (Format: JPG, PNG, or PDF).

1. Proof of Identity & Age (Any ONE):

Aadhaar Card (Most recommended for faster processing).
PAN Card.
Driving License.
Class 10 or 12 Certificate/Marksheet (containing Date of Birth).
Birth Certificate issued by Municipal Authority.
Indian Passport.

2. Proof of Address (Any ONE):

Aadhaar Card.
Water/Electricity/Gas Connection Bill (Not older than 1 year).
Current Passbook of Nationalized Bank or Post Office.
Registered Rent/Lease Deed (In case of tenants).
Indian Passport (containing the address).
Revenue Department Land Records (like Kisan Bahi).

3. Photograph:

One recent passport-size color photograph (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) showing a frontal view of the full face with a white background.

Important Note: If you are above 21 years of age and applying for the first time, you may need to submit a declaration (available in the forms section) stating you have not been enrolled previously.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

The Election Commission has consolidated all services under the Voters’ Service Portal (VSP). The old NVSP portal now redirects here.

Phase 1: Registration

Visit the Official Portal: Go to https://voters.eci.gov.in/
Sign Up: Click on the “Sign-Up” button at the top right corner.
- Enter your Mobile Number and Email ID (Optional).
- Enter the CAPTCHA code and click “Continue”.
Enter Details: Fill in your First Name, Last Name, create a strong Password, and request an OTP.
Verify: Enter the OTP sent to your mobile and email to complete registration.

Phase 2: Filling Form 6 (New Voter)

Login: Go back to the homepage and click “Login”. Enter your registered Mobile Number, Password, and CAPTCHA. Verify via OTP.
Select Form: On the dashboard, locate the green tile labeled “New registration for General Electors” and click on “Fill Form 6”.
Fill the Application (Sections A to L):
- Select State & Constituency: Choose your State, District, and Assembly Constituency (AC).
- Personal Details: Enter your name exactly as per your documents. (The system will auto-translate to your regional language; check for spelling errors).
- Upload Photo: Upload your passport-size photo (Passport size, max 2MB).
- Relatives: Enter the name of your Father/Mother/Husband.
- Contact Details: Provide your mobile number (Select “Self” if it is yours). Do not skip this; you will need it to download your digital Voter ID (e-EPIC).
- Aadhaar Details: Select “Aadhaar Number” and enter it. This helps in deduplication and faster approval.
- Gender & Date of Birth: Enter details and upload your Proof of Age document.
- Address: Enter your full address and upload your Proof of Address document.
- Declaration: Read the declaration carefully. Enter the “Place” (your city/village) and Date.
Preview & Submit:
- Click “Preview and Submit”.
- Review every single detail. If there is a typo in the name or address, click “Keep Editing”.
- If everything is correct, click “Submit”.
Save Reference Number:
- A Reference Number (e.g., OJT123456789) will be generated.
- Take a screenshot or write this down immediately. You need this to track your card.

Offline Application Process

If you are uncomfortable with online forms, you can apply offline.

Download Form 6: Visit https://voters.eci.gov.in/, scroll to “Forms” and download Form 6 (available in English and Hindi). Alternatively, buy a blank Form 6 from a local stationery shop.
Fill the Form: Fill in all details in Block Letters. Paste your photograph in the designated box.
Attach Documents: Attach self-attested photocopies of your Address Proof and Age Proof.
Submit to ERO/BLO:
- Locate your nearest Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Booth Level Officer (BLO).
- You can find your BLO’s contact details on the portal under “Know Your Polling Station & Officer”.
- Submit the form physically at the ERO office or during special camps held at local government schools/polling stations.
Receipt: Ensure you get an acknowledgment slip with an application ID.

How to Check Application Status

Once you have submitted Form 6, the verification process (Field Verification by BLO) takes approximately 15 to 21 days.

Go to VSP Portal: Visit https://voters.eci.gov.in/
Track Status: Click on “Track Application Status” on the right side of the dashboard.
Enter Details:
- Input your Reference Number.
- Select your State.
- Click “Submit”.
Understand the Status:
- Submitted: Form received.
- BLO Appointed: A local officer has been assigned to verify your address.
- Field Verified: The officer has visited/checked your details.
- Accepted/Rejected: The final decision. If “Accepted,” your EPIC number will be generated shortly.

How to Check Your Name in Voter List (Electoral Roll)

Even if you have a card, you must check if your name exists in the current list before an election.

Visit Search Portal: Go to https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/
Choose Search Method:
- Method A: Search by Details: If you don’t have your card number. Enter Name, Father’s Name, Age, State, District, and Assembly Constituency.
- Method B: Search by EPIC: If you have your Voter ID card. Enter the alphanumeric EPIC Number (e.g., XYZ1234567) and State.
- Method C: Search by Mobile: If your mobile is linked. Enter your Mobile Number and OTP.
View Result:
- If your name appears, you can click “View Details” to see your Polling Station and Part Number.
- You can print this Voter Information Slip to carry to the polling booth.

Common Problems and Solutions

New applicants often face rejection or delays. Here are the 5 most frequent errors and how to fix them:

1. Error: “Field Verification Failed” / Application Rejected

Cause: The Booth Level Officer (BLO) visited your address, but you were not found, or the neighbors did not recognize you.
Solution: Ensure your address proof is exact. If you are unavailable during the day, inform your family/neighbors that a verification officer might visit. You can also proactively call your BLO (number available on the portal) to schedule the visit.

2. Error: “Document Not Legible”

Cause: The uploaded scan of the Aadhaar/PAN card was blurry, dark, or too small.
Solution: Re-scan your documents in high quality (use a scanner app like Adobe Scan or Google Drive Scanner). Ensure the text is readable even when zoomed in. Re-apply with clear docs.

3. Error: “Duplicate Entry Found”

Cause: You already have a Voter ID in an old address/city, or you applied twice.
Solution: Do not apply for a new card (Form 6) if you already have one. Instead, use Form 8 for “Shifting of Residence.” Having two Voter IDs is a legal offense.

4. Error: Age Mismatch

Cause: The Date of Birth on your application does not match the proof document (e.g., School certificate says 01/01/2000 but Form says 01/01/2001).
Solution: Double-check the date entered in the form. It must match your uploaded document exactly.

5. Error: OTP Not Received

Cause: Network congestion or DND services.
Solution: Wait for 2 minutes and click “Resend OTP.” If the issue persists, try registering late at night or early morning when server traffic is low.

Official Helplines and Contact

If your application is stuck for more than 30 days or you face technical issues, use these official government channels:

Toll-Free Voter Helpline: 1950 (Accessible from any mobile/landline in India. Add your STD code if calling from a landline, e.g., 011-1950).
Email Complaint: complaints@eci.gov.in
Mobile App: Voter Helpline App (VHA) (Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store). You can submit forms and check status directly via the app.
Complaint Portal: National Grievance Services Portal (NGSP) at https://www.eci.gov.in/contact-us

This information is from official sources as of January 2026. Always verify on the official portal voters.eci.gov.in for the latest updates.

Next Step for You: Would you like me to explain how to download the e-EPIC (Digital Voter ID) once your application is approved?

How to Apply for New Voter ID Card and Check Your Name in Voter List