Identity Documents

Voter ID New Apply Online: Form 6 Registration Guide

Apply for new Voter ID card online using Form 6 on voters.eci.gov.in. Complete guide with documents, photo rules, and BLO verification.

CitizenNest Editorial Team10 min read
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Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide. We are NOT affiliated with any government body. Always verify on official websites.

What is Voter ID Card (EPIC)?

The Voter ID card, officially known as the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), is issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI). It serves as proof of identity and confirms your registration in the electoral roll, allowing you to vote in elections.

Every Indian citizen aged 18 years or above (as on the qualifying date โ€” 1st January, 1st April, 1st July, or 1st October of the year) is eligible to register as a voter.

Note: CitizenNest is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Government of India or the Election Commission of India.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

  • Indian citizen residing in India
  • Age 18 years or above as on the qualifying date
  • Must be a resident of the constituency where you are applying
  • Should not be registered as a voter in any other constituency
  • Not disqualified under any law (e.g., unsound mind, convicted under certain offences)

Qualifying Dates for Age Eligibility

Qualifying Date You Must Be Born On or Before
1st January 1st January (18 years prior)
1st April 1st April (18 years prior)
1st July 1st July (18 years prior)
1st October 1st October (18 years prior)

Documents Required

Mandatory Documents

  • Age proof (any one):

    • Birth certificate
    • Class 10th or 12th marksheet
    • Aadhaar card
    • Passport
    • PAN card
    • Driving licence
  • Address proof (any one):

    • Aadhaar card
    • Ration card
    • Passport
    • Utility bill (electricity, water, gas โ€” not older than 3 months)
    • Bank passbook with address
    • Rent agreement with landlord's ID
  • Passport-size photograph (recent)

Photo Requirements

  • Size: Passport size (3.5 cm ร— 4.5 cm recommended)
  • Format: JPEG or JPG for online upload
  • File size: Between 10 KB and 50 KB
  • Background: White or light-coloured
  • Face: Clearly visible, front-facing, no sunglasses
  • Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

How to Apply for New Voter ID Online (Form 6)

Step-by-Step Process on voters.eci.gov.in

  1. Visit the official portal at voters.eci.gov.in
  2. Click on "Register as a New Voter" or "New Voter Registration"
  3. Login/Register: If you are a new user, click "Register" and create an account using your mobile number and email ID. Verify via OTP
  4. After logging in, select "Form 6 โ€” New Voter Registration"
  5. Fill in your personal details:
    • Full name (as per documents)
    • Date of birth
    • Gender
    • Father's/Mother's/Husband's name
    • Relationship type
  6. Enter your current residential address with:
    • State and district
    • Assembly constituency (auto-populated based on address)
    • House number, street, locality, pin code
  7. Upload the required documents:
    • Photograph (JPEG, 10-50 KB)
    • Age proof document
    • Address proof document
  8. Fill in the declaration section
  9. Preview your application โ€” check all details carefully
  10. Click "Submit" to file your application
  11. Note down the Reference ID for tracking

Offline Application Process

  1. Download Form 6 from voters.eci.gov.in or collect from the local Electoral Registration Office (ERO)
  2. Fill in the form with a black or blue pen
  3. Attach 2 passport-size photographs
  4. Attach self-attested copies of age and address proof documents
  5. Submit the form to the ERO/Assistant ERO of your constituency
  6. You can also hand it over to the Booth Level Officer (BLO) during door-to-door verification drives

BLO Verification Process

After you submit Form 6, the Booth Level Officer (BLO) will:

  1. Visit your residential address for field verification
  2. Verify your identity and address in person
  3. Check if you actually reside at the mentioned address
  4. Submit a verification report to the ERO

Tip: Keep your original documents ready during BLO verification. If you are not at home during the BLO visit, they may revisit or contact you on the mobile number provided.

Fees

Service Fee
New Voter ID Registration (Form 6) Free
Online application on voters.eci.gov.in Free
Offline form submission Free

There is no fee for new voter registration in India.

Processing Time

  • Online application: Typically 15โ€“30 days after BLO verification
  • During special revision drives: May take 7โ€“15 days
  • During election period: Registrations may be paused after the cut-off date

Important Tips

  1. Check existing registration first โ€” visit voters.eci.gov.in and search by name or EPIC number to avoid duplicate entries
  2. Use your name exactly as on documents โ€” mismatches cause rejection
  3. Ensure mobile number is correct โ€” OTP verification and updates are sent to this number
  4. Apply well before elections โ€” registration may be suspended during election notification periods
  5. Download the Voter Helpline App โ€” available on Android and iOS for easy registration and tracking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Form 6 used for?

Form 6 is the official application form for new voter registration in India. It is used by first-time voters or by those who want to register in a new constituency where they have shifted.

Can I apply for Voter ID before turning 18?

You can fill the form if you will turn 18 on or before the next qualifying date (1st January, 1st April, 1st July, or 1st October). Your name will be added to the electoral roll on the qualifying date.

What happens after I submit Form 6 online?

After submission, the ERO assigns a BLO who visits your address for verification. Once verified, your name is included in the electoral roll and the EPIC card is issued.

Can NRIs apply for Voter ID?

Yes, NRIs can register as overseas electors using Form 6A on the same portal. They need to provide their Indian passport details.

How do I check my Voter ID application status?

You can track your application on voters.eci.gov.in using the reference ID. See our detailed guide on checking Voter ID status online.

What if my Form 6 application is rejected?

Common reasons include incomplete documents, incorrect details, or failed BLO verification. You can re-apply after correcting the issues. Check our guide on Voter ID application rejection fixes.

Can I apply for Voter ID in a constituency where I am renting?

Yes, you can apply with a rent agreement and landlord's identity proof as address proof. The BLO will verify your residence during the field visit.