The old paper voter ID cards were prone to damage. Now, the government has introduced a new, durable PVC Voter ID card, similar to an Aadhaar card, that is incredibly resilient. You can order this new and improved EPIC card for free, directly from your phone or laptop, and have it delivered to your home at no cost. This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.
Step 1: Access the Official Election Commission Portal
To begin, open a web browser on your phone or laptop. In the search bar, type Election Commission of India or go directly to the official portal at voters.eci.gov.in. This is the official portal of the Election Commission of India, where you can perform various tasks such as downloading the electoral roll (voter list), downloading your e-voter card, applying for a new voter registration, or shifting your vote.
Step 2: Create an Account and Log In
Before you can place an order, you need to create an account on the portal.
- In the top corner of the homepage, click on the Sign Up option.
- You will be asked to enter your mobile number, email address, and a captcha code. Click Continue.
- An OTP will be sent to your mobile number. Enter the OTP to verify your number.
- Next, set a password for your account.
- Once your account is created, return to the homepage and click on Login.
- Enter the mobile number or email address you registered with, along with your password. You will receive another OTP for verification. Enter it to log in to your profile.
Step 3: Starting the Application with Form 8
Once you are logged in, you will see your name and profile on the screen.
- Scroll down the page to find the option titled “Shifting of Residence/Correction of entries in existing electoral roll/Replacement of EPIC/Marking of PwD.” This section is for filling out Form 8.
- Click on Fill Form 8.
- You will be asked who the application is for. If you are ordering for yourself, select Self. If you are ordering for a family member or someone else, select Other Elector.
- If you choose “Other Elector,” you will need to enter their EPIC (Voter ID card) number and click Submit.
- The system will then display the complete details associated with that Voter ID number, including the state, assembly, name, and father’s name. Review the details and click OK.
Step 4: Choosing the Correct Application Type
After confirming the details, you will be presented with several application options. While this form can be used for shifting your residence or making corrections, our goal is to order a new card.
- Select the third option: “Issue of Replacement EPIC without correction.”
- After selecting this, click OK.
Step 5: Filling Out the Application Form
The application form is divided into several parts. Most of the information will be filled in automatically.
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Part A & B: Your state, district, and assembly constituency details will be pre-filled. In Part B, you have the option to add your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email ID, but this is not mandatory if you only want to order the card.
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Part C: This is the most important part of the form. You must select the reason for requesting a replacement EPIC. You will see options like:
- Lost
- Destroyed due to reason…
- Mutilated
It is crucial that you do not select “Lost,” as this will require you to upload a police FIR report. To avoid this complication, select the third option, “Mutilated.” This is the simplest way to order a new card without needing extra documents.
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Part D (Declaration): In this final section, you need to enter the Place, which can be the name of your village or assembly constituency.
Step 6: Preview and Final Submission
After filling in the required fields, complete the following steps:
- Enter the captcha code shown on the screen.
- Click on Preview and Submit.
- The portal will show you the complete form one last time for review. Check all the details to ensure they are correct.
- Scroll down and click on the final Submit button.
Your application is now complete. No payment is required. The new PVC Voter ID card will be sent to your address via Speed Post within approximately 15 days.
Step 7: Tracking Your Application
After submitting the form, you will be given an application reference number. You can use this number to track the status of your request.
- Go to the homepage of the portal.
- Click on Track Application Status.
- Enter your reference number and select your state.
- Click Submit to see the current status of your application and know when you can expect your new card to arrive.