An India Voter ID is an iDentity document issued by the Indian Election commission to people above the age of 18. It primarily serves to allow people to exercise their democratic power by casting votes during the election and as a form of IDentification . The Voter ID was first introduced in 1993 by then Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan. If you hold an Indian Voter ID, you can visit India’s two neighbouring countries: Nepal and Bhutan.
The voter ID remains valid throughout its holder’s life. It allows its holders to cast their vote in a state, district, or national election. In 2015, the election commission started laminating voter ID cards to protect them from tears and mutilation. However, there is a chance of misplacement. If you happen to misplace your voter ID card, you can request a duplicate card. However, You can only apply for duplication under certain conditions.
Conditions under which you can apply for duplicate voter cards:
- If your card has been stolen
- If your card has been misplaced or lost
- If your card is mutilated and cannot be processed at the booth
How to apply for a duplicate voter ID offline?
- Collect and fill out a duplicate voter ID card download form EPIC-002 by visiting the electoral office in your area. EPIC-002 is the application form for requesting voter ID duplication.
- Fill in the mandatory information like address, contact, name, and voter ID number.
- Attach relevant documents with the form and submit.
- You will receive a reference number to track your application status.
- After application verification, the Electoral office will issue you a duplicate voter ID.
- You will receive a notification from the electoral office, once they receive your voter ID.
- You can collect your voter ID from the electoral office.
How to apply for a duplicate voter ID online?
- Visit your state’s chief electoral office portal and download form EPIC-002.
- After filling the EPIC-002 form, attach the required documents like FIR (First incident report), address proof, Identity proof, etc.
- Submit your application to your area’s electoral office. You will receive a reference number.
- You can use this reference number to track your application on the chief electoral office portal.
- Once your application gets verified, you will be notified by the chief electoral office.
- You can visit your area’s electoral office and collect your voter ID.
What is the EPIC-002 form?
This form is used to issue a voter ID card photo, and it is available on the Chief electoral website or station in every state. Applicants need to provide relevant information while applying for a duplicate card. This information is:
- Name of your state or union territory
- Your full name
- Your full residential address
- Your date of birth
- Your reason for applying for a duplicate voter card
If you lose your card or if someone stole your card, you need to submit a FIR (first incident report) copy along with a passport-size photo.
FAQs
Where can I track my voter ID application?
If you have applied on the National Voters Service Portal, you can use the reference number to track your application.
Can someone else collect my voter ID on my behalf?
No, you have to be present in the electoral office to collect your voter ID card.