How to Get Voter ID Card for First Time — Registration, Documents & NVSP Process

Who is a First-Time Voter?

If you have turned 18 (or will turn 18 by January 1 of the current year) and have never registered to vote, you are a first-time voter. The Election Commission of India (ECI) issues the EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) — commonly called the Voter ID card — to every eligible citizen who registers.

This guide is specifically for people registering for the very first time. If you already have a Voter ID and need changes, see our guide to correcting Voter ID details.

Age Eligibility — The January 1 Rule

The qualifying date for voter registration is January 1 of the year in which the electoral roll is being prepared or revised. You must be at least 18 years old on that date.

Example: If you turn 18 on March 15, 2026, you are eligible to register during the 2026 electoral roll revision since you will be 18 by the qualifying dates (January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1 — as per the 2023 amendment allowing four qualifying dates per year).

Important: After the 2023 amendment to the Representation of the People Act, there are now four qualifying dates each year — January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. This means you no longer have to wait an entire year to register.

Documents Required for First-Time Registration

Keep these documents ready before you start the application:

Proof of Age (any one)

• Birth Certificate (preferred for first-time voters)
• Class 10 or 12 Marksheet
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• PAN Card

Proof of Address (any one)

• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Utility bill (electricity, water, gas — not older than 3 months)
• Bank Passbook with current address
• Ration Card
• Rent agreement with notarisation

Passport-Size Photograph

• Recent colour photograph with white background
• Face clearly visible, no sunglasses or caps
• Digital copy in JPEG format (10–200 KB) for online submission

Tip: If you have an Aadhaar card, it can serve as both age and address proof, simplifying the process.

How to Register Online — Step by Step

There are three ways to file Form 6 (new voter registration) online. All three lead to the same ECI database.

Method 1: Voters Portal (voters.eci.gov.in) — Recommended

This is the ECI's primary portal and the most reliable method.

1. Visit voters.eci.gov.in and click "Register as a New Voter"
2. Sign up using your mobile number — you will receive an OTP for verification
3. Select Form 6 (Application for New Voter Registration)
4. Fill personal details — name, date of birth, gender, parent/spouse name, and address
5. Enter constituency details — select your state, district, and assembly constituency. If unsure, use the "Search by Address" feature
6. Upload documents — age proof, address proof, and passport photograph in the required format
7. Aadhaar linking — you will be asked to provide your Aadhaar number. While not mandatory, linking is recommended. See our Aadhaar-Voter ID linking guide for details
8. Review and submit — double-check all details before submission
9. Note your Reference ID — save this for tracking your application status

Method 2: NVSP Portal (nvsp.in)

The National Voter's Service Portal also allows Form 6 filing:

1. Go to www.nvsp.in
2. Click "Apply Online for Registration of New Voter"
3. Follow similar steps as above — fill details, upload documents, and submit
4. Save the reference number for tracking

Method 3: Voter Helpline App

The ECI's official mobile app is available on both Android and iOS:

1. Download "Voter Helpline" from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Register with your mobile number
3. Select "Form 6 — New Registration"
4. Fill in details and upload document photos directly from your phone camera
5. Submit and note the reference ID

All three methods are equally valid. The Voters Portal is recommended as it is the most up-to-date platform maintained by ECI.

What Happens After Submission — BLO Verification

Once you submit Form 6, the process moves to field verification:

1. Application forwarded — Your application is assigned to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of your constituency
2. BLO visit — A Booth Level Officer (BLO) will visit your address to verify your identity and residence. This usually happens within 15–30 days of submission
3. Carry your original documents — Keep originals of the documents you uploaded ready for the BLO to verify
4. BLO may call first — The officer typically calls before visiting. Save the number that contacts you after application submission
5. Verification report — The BLO submits a report to the ERO, who then approves or rejects the application

If you miss the BLO visit, your application may be rejected. Ensure someone at your registered address is available. You can also proactively contact your BLO — find their details on the Voters Portal under "Know Your BLO."

Timeline — How Long Does It Take?

Total estimated time: 30–60 days from submission to receiving your Voter ID card. During election periods, the process may be expedited.

How to Check Your Name in the Electoral Roll

After your application is approved, verify your name in the voter list:

1. Online: Visit voters.eci.gov.in → "Search in Electoral Roll" → enter your name, age, and constituency details
2. By SMS: Send <EPIC Number> to 1950 (charges may apply)
3. Voter Helpline App: Use the "Search Name" feature
4. Helpline: Call 1950 (ECI toll-free helpline)

If your name does not appear after 60 days, file a grievance on the Voters Portal or contact your local ERO office.

Receiving Your EPIC Card

Once approved, your Voter ID card (EPIC) is delivered in two ways:

• Physical card: Delivered to your registered address by the BLO or via post
• e-EPIC (Digital Voter ID): Download from the Voters Portal or Voter Helpline App. The e-EPIC is a PDF with a QR code and is equally valid for voter identification

To download your e-EPIC:

1. Log in at voters.eci.gov.in
2. Go to "Download e-EPIC"
3. Verify via OTP sent to your registered mobile number
4. Download the PDF

Offline Registration Option

If you prefer to apply offline:

1. Download Form 6 from the ECI website or collect it from your local ERO office
2. Fill it out, attach photocopies of documents and a photograph
3. Submit at the ERO office of your constituency
4. The verification and approval process remains the same

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong constituency: Ensure you select the constituency matching your current residential address, not your hometown
• Blurry documents: Upload clear, legible scans. Rejected uploads are the top cause of delays
• Mismatched names: Your name should match across all uploaded documents. Minor variations can cause rejection
• Duplicate registration: If you have moved states, do not apply for a new registration without first getting your old one deleted or transferred. Use Form 6A for shifting

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register as a voter before turning 18?

Yes, if you will turn 18 by the next qualifying date (January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1), you can submit Form 6 in advance. Your name will be added to the roll on the qualifying date.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for voter registration?

No, Aadhaar is not mandatory. However, the ECI encourages Aadhaar linking to prevent duplicate entries. You can provide other age and address proofs instead.

Can I apply for a Voter ID if I am a student living in a hostel?

Yes. You can register at your hostel address using a hostel allotment letter or a letter from the warden as address proof, along with your college ID.

What if the BLO does not visit within 30 days?

Contact the ERO office of your constituency or file a complaint via the Voter Helpline (1950) or the Voters Portal grievance section.

Can I vote with just the e-EPIC (digital Voter ID)?

Yes, the e-EPIC is a valid identity document for voting. You can show it on your phone at the polling booth. However, carrying a printed copy is advisable as a backup.

How do I track my Form 6 application status?

Log in to voters.eci.gov.in and go to "Track Application Status." Enter your reference ID to see the current status.

What if my application is rejected?

You will receive the rejection reason via SMS or on the portal. Common reasons include incomplete documents or failed verification. Fix the issue and resubmit Form 6.

Related Guides

• How to Apply for Voter ID Card Online
• How to Correct Voter ID Details Online
• How to Link Aadhaar with Voter ID
• How to Apply for Aadhaar Card