First time Voter Registration Online In India: A Voter ID card is an official photo identity document issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to eligible citizens, enabling them to participate in elections. With the Special Summary Revision currently underway across various states, a large number of young voters are preparing to cast their vote for the first time. To do so, they must apply for voter registration by submitting Form 6.
The Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is issued under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Registered voters can verify their enrolment status, track their Voter ID application, and download a digital copy of their EPIC through the Voters’ Services Portal.
What is Form 6 and why is it important?
Form 6 is the official application form used to register a person’s name on the electoral roll. Any Indian citizen who is 18 years of age or above is eligible to apply for a Voter ID card by submitting this form.
This form is primarily meant for first-time voters and for individuals who have shifted their residence to a new constituency. Applicants are required to provide personal details along with documentary proof of age, identity, and address.
If you have attained the age of 18 on or before the qualifying date (usually 1 January of the relevant year), you can apply immediately by submitting Form 6 either online or offline.
How to apply for new voter id card online at voters.eci.govt.in
You can apply for a Voter ID card online through the official website voters.eci.govt.in by following these steps:
- Visit the Voters’ Services Portal.
- Click on ‘Sign-up’ and register by entering the required details.
- Log in using your registered mobile number and password.
- Navigate to the ‘Forms’ section and select ‘Fill Form 6’.
- Fill in all required information, including your state, district, parliamentary constituency, personal and family details, contact information, Aadhaar details, gender, date of birth, address, and declaration.
- Upload the necessary supporting documents.
- Preview the form carefully and submit it once all details are verified.
- After successful submission, an acknowledgement number will be generated, which can be used to track the status of your application.
New Voter Id Registration: Documents required for Voter ID card registration
Applicants must submit valid documents to establish their identity, age, and address. The commonly accepted documents include:
1. Recent passport size photograph - A recent photograph of the applicant for identification purposes.
2. Proof of address - Bank/Kisan/Post Office current Passbook, Ration Card, Driving License, Indian Passport, Income Tax Return filed/Assessment Order, Latest Rental Agreement, Latest Water/Telephone/Electricity/Gas Connection Bill, Postal department’s post received/delivered in the applicant’s name at the given address, Homeless/others.
3. Proof of age - Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving License, Indian Passport, Marksheet of Class X/Class VIII/Class V (if it contains Date of Birth), Birth Certificate from the school/other educational institution (Govt./Recognized) last attended, Birth Certificate issued by a Municipal Authorities, Registrar of Births & Deaths, Baptism certificate, or Other acceptable documents.
4. Identity proof- PAN card, driving license, ration card, passport copy, bank passbook with a photograph, SSLC certificate, student ID card, or Aadhaar card.
Track and download your Voter ID
Once your application is processed and approved, you can track its progress using the acknowledgement number on the Voters’ Services Portal. After approval, voters can also download a digital copy of their EPIC for official use.