Voter ID Card: How To Apply For Voter ID Card Online/Offline & Correct Existing One?

As all parties are gearing up for Lok Sabha elections 2024, it is important for Indian citizens to exercise their right to vote. It is imperative for citizens turning 18 years old to get their voter id card made and introduce corrections for residents who already have their voter id card, if it is required. Below are simple steps both online and offline that will help you apply for voter id card:

Eligibility Criterion For Voter ID Card: Voter ID card has emerged a key document and individuals may face hassles when they decide to apply for it. In order to minimize the confusion and troubles, you should be aware that when you decide to apply for it, you must be an Indian citizen, should be 18 years of age and above (as on January 1 when you decide to apply), and you should ordinarily stay in a specific constituency for a minimum tenure (it may vary for state to state).

Documents That You May Need To Apply For Voter ID Card:

• You should be in possession of PAN card, Aadhaar card, Passport, Bank Passbook along with photographs
• You should have an address proof as well that may be your Aadhaar Card, ration card, property tax receipt or your electricity bill
• You should also have your birth certificate, school leaving certificate, passport that may be required for your date of birth (DOB) proof.

How To Apply Online For Voter ID Card Online:

• You must visit National Voter's Service Website namely https://voters.eci.gov.in/
• If you are new user, you need to register and if you happen to be an existing user, you need to log in
• Choose your state and select "new registration" or form 6
• Submit the form after filling details such as name, address, date of birth
• Upload the scanned copies of necessary documents such address proof, identity proof, passport-size picture
• Submit your application and track status online

How To Apply Online For Voter ID Card Offline?

• You need to visit the Electoral Registration Officer or ERO office or designated booth to apply for voter ID card
• Fill Form 6 properly
• You must attach self-attested copies of required documents
• Submit it along with the necessary documents to the officer

How to introduce correction in the existing Voter ID Card?
You must introduce correction in your existing voter id card, in case if you spot any mistake pertaining to your name, address, date of birth, husband or father's name, name spelling etc. You must ensure that all the available information in your voter id card is correct and accurate. You will need documents such as aadhaar card, PAN card, passport (for identity proof), ration card, electricity bill or bank account statement (for address proof), marriage certificate or gazette notification (for name change proof), and if there is change in address, you will not need documents for introducing corrections.

The correction process is similar and correction can be made both online/offline just like when you apply for new Voter ID Card.

How to introduce correction online?

• You need to visit National Voters' Service Website namely https://voters.eci.gov.in/
• Choose Form 8 for introducing correction of entries
• Fill the form and upload all the scanned copies of relevant documents, and submit
• You may track status of your application online

How to introduce correction offline?

• You need to download Form 8 from Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) website of your state and pick it from the closest Electoral Registration Officer or ERO office
• Fill the form, attack your self-attested relevant documents and submit it to the ERO office
• Don't forget to collect your acknowledgement slip and track status with ERO office

It is worth mentioning here that the entire process is free of cost. The processing time may vary and it may take 30 days. You may also update your latest mobile number along with your email address when you introduce correction in the existing Voter ID Card. You must also inform ERO in case if you change your residence with the similar constituency.