Duplicate Voter ID? How to Delete & Keep One — Complete Guide

What is a Duplicate Voter ID?

A duplicate Voter ID occurs when the same person is registered more than once in the electoral roll — either in the same constituency or in different constituencies. This can happen due to address changes, multiple registrations, or data entry errors by election officials. Having duplicate entries is illegal under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and can lead to your name being struck off during verification drives.

How to Identify Duplicate Voter IDs

Check Online

1. Visit voters.eci.gov.in
2. Click "Search in Electoral Roll"
3. Search by Name or EPIC Number
4. If you find two entries with the same name, father's name, and date of birth — you have a duplicate

Check Offline

• Visit your local Booth Level Officer (BLO) and ask them to check the electoral roll
• During election season, draft electoral rolls are published at polling stations — check for duplicate entries

Tip: Also check if your old constituency still has your name after you registered at a new address. See our Voter ID address change guide for more details.

Documents Required

To file Form 7 (deletion request):

• Copy of the Voter ID (EPIC) you want to keep
• Copy of the duplicate Voter ID (EPIC) you want to delete
• Aadhaar Card (for identity verification)
• Proof of current address (utility bill, Aadhaar, passport)

No fee is charged for filing Form 7.

Step-by-Step Process — Online (Form 7)

Step 1: Visit the Voter Portal

Go to voters.eci.gov.in and log in or register with your mobile number.

Step 2: Select Form 7

From the dashboard, click on "Deletion of Name" or navigate to Form 7 under the Forms section.

Step 3: Enter Details of Entry to Delete

• Enter the EPIC number of the duplicate entry you want removed
• Provide the Part Number and Serial Number from the electoral roll
• Select the State, District, and Assembly Constituency

Step 4: Provide Reason for Deletion

Select the appropriate reason:

• "Name registered more than once in the same constituency"
• "Name registered in more than one constituency"
• "Person is dead" (if filing on behalf of a deceased person)

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload scanned copies of:

• The duplicate EPIC card
• Your valid EPIC card (the one you want to keep)
• ID proof

Step 6: Submit and Note Reference Number

After submission, note the Reference ID for tracking. You will also receive an SMS confirmation.

Step-by-Step Process — Offline

Step 1: Download Form 7

Download Form 7 from voters.eci.gov.in or collect it from the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) office.

Step 2: Fill in Details

Fill in the details of the person whose entry should be deleted — name, EPIC number, part/serial number, and reason for deletion.

Step 3: Submit to ERO/BLO

Submit the filled form along with photocopies of supporting documents to:

• Your Booth Level Officer (BLO), or
• The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) at the district collectorate

Step 4: BLO Verification

The BLO will visit your address to verify the claim. Ensure someone is available at home during the verification visit.

Step 5: Deletion Processed

After verification, the ERO will process the deletion and update the electoral roll. This usually happens during the next revision cycle.

BLO Verification Process

After you submit Form 7, the Booth Level Officer (BLO) plays a key role:

1. Field Visit: The BLO visits the address mentioned in the duplicate entry
2. Identity Check: Verifies whether the person actually resides there
3. Report to ERO: Submits a verification report recommending approval or rejection
4. Notice Period: A notice may be published giving 7 days for objections before final deletion

Important: If the BLO cannot reach you, your deletion request may be rejected. Keep your phone number updated. Check your BLO details here.

Processing Time

Fees

There are no fees for filing Form 7 or deleting a duplicate voter ID entry. The entire process is free.

Important Tips

1. Keep one, delete the rest — Never delete all entries. Ensure your valid registration remains active before requesting deletion of duplicates.
2. File before elections — Duplicate entries are often flagged during election preparation. File early to avoid complications on voting day.
3. Track your application — Use the reference number on voters.eci.gov.in to check status.
4. Anyone can file Form 7 — You don't have to be the duplicate voter yourself. Any registered voter in that constituency can file Form 7 to flag a duplicate or deceased entry.
5. Check both constituencies — If you moved and re-registered, ensure your old constituency entry is deleted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to have two Voter IDs?

Yes. Under Section 17 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, no person can be enrolled in more than one constituency. Having duplicate entries can lead to removal from the electoral roll.

Can I delete someone else's duplicate entry?

Yes. Any registered voter in the same constituency can file Form 7 to request deletion of a duplicate or deceased person's entry.

How do I know which Voter ID to keep?

Keep the one registered at your current residential address. This ensures you can vote at your nearest polling booth.

What if both entries are in different states?

File Form 7 in the state/constituency where you no longer reside. The ERO of that constituency will process the deletion.

Will I get an SMS when the duplicate is deleted?

Yes, if you provided your mobile number during filing, you will receive an SMS notification when the deletion is processed.

Can the BLO reject my deletion request?

The BLO only submits a verification report. The final decision is made by the ERO. If rejected, you can file again with additional supporting documents.

How often are electoral rolls updated?

Electoral rolls are typically revised once a year (usually January–February). Special revision drives may happen before elections.

This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Election Commission of India. Information is based on official ECI guidelines. Always verify details on voters.eci.gov.in for the latest process.