Digital India has set up an effective platform that allows Indian citizens to conveniently apply for and manage their digital voter ID cards. Provided by the Government of India, this service streamlines the voter registration procedure, guaranteeing the precision of voter-related data.
The voter ID card holds significant importance for eligible citizens participating in elections.
Besides serving as an identity proof for casting votes, a voter card undoubtedly stands out as one of the most reliable forms of address verification that we carry. Lately, the Election Commission of India has initiated the issuance of these cards in digital format referred to as 'e-EPIC' or Electronic Electoral Photo Identity Card.
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When considering its benefits, the document remains unalterable, ensuring it cannot be tampered with. The PDF format, which is storable on our mobile devices, serves as a legitimate form of identification and address verification.
Here, you can go through comprehensive information about the
digital voter ID card
, covering details such as the application process, features, how to download, and more.
What is e-EPIC?
The e-EPIC is a secure, portable PDF version of the EPIC that can be downloaded onto mobile devices or printed from a computer for personal use. Voters have the option to store the card on their mobile phones, upload it as a PDF to DigiLocker, or print and self-laminate it as needed.
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Digital Voter ID Card Importance
The voter ID card holds immense significance for eligible citizens participating in elections. Beyond serving as a means of identity verification for casting votes, it stands as one of the most reliable forms of address validation. Recently, the Election Commission of India has introduced digital voter ID cards, known as 'e-EPIC' or Electronic Electoral Photo Identity Card, in a PDF format that can be easily stored on mobile devices.
e-EPIC Eligibility
All eligible voters with valid EPIC numbers are eligible to apply for e-EPIC. Additionally, newly registered electors from the special summary revision of 2021, whose provided mobile numbers are unique, will receive an SMS notification and can download their e-EPIC between January 25th and January 31st, 2021. Other general electors can download their e-EPIC starting from February 1st, 2021.
Digital Voter ID Features
- Registered individuals can access a PDF version of their voter card on their mobile phones by scanning a unique QR code.
- You have the option to store the digital voter ID card in Digilocker, eliminating the need to carry multiple documents.
- If you prefer a physical copy over the electronic version of the voter ID card, you can request hard copies.
- The Election Commission of India has introduced the e-EPIC download option to streamline the process and prevent delays in obtaining the voter ID.
- The introduction of digital voter ID cards saves the time and effort required for visiting government offices and applying for a voter ID card.
- First-time voters who are registered individuals are eligible for the e-EPIC on their mobile phones, ensuring the security of their stored information.
- Linking your mobile number to the ECI is essential before accessing the digital voter ID card. Once linked, you can obtain the e-EPIC from February 2021.
- If you have relocated to a different state or city, there is no need to apply for a new card. You can update your address online and receive the digital version of the ID card.
Digital Voter ID Card Registration
To apply for and download your voter ID card online, registration on the NVSP portal is necessary. Below are the steps to register on the NVSP portal for applying for a digital voter ID card:
- Step 1: Navigate to the National Voters Services Portal (NVSP) website.
- Step 2: Select the ‘Sign-Up’ option.
- Step 3: Provide your mobile number, email address, and captcha code, then click ‘Continue’.
- Step 4: Input your ‘First Name’, ‘Last Name’, ‘Password’, and ‘Confirm Password’, then click ‘Request OTP’.
- Step 5: Enter the OTP received on your mobile number and email ID, then click ‘Verify’.
- Step 6: Upon successful verification, you will be registered on the NVSP portal and can log in using your mobile number and password.
Digital Voter ID Card Application Online
- Step 1: Visit the National Voters Services Portal (NVSP) website and select the ‘Login’ option.
- Step 2: Input all valid credentials to access your account.
- Step 3: Upon logging in, navigate to the ‘New registration for general electors’ tab and click on the ‘Fill Form 6’ button.
- Step 4: Complete Form 6, which serves as the application form for new voters, ensuring all details are accurately filled out.
- Step 5: Review the information by clicking on ‘Preview’ and proceed to submit the form once finalised.
Check Digital Voter ID Card Status Online
- Step 1: Visit the National Voters Services Portal (NVSP) website.
- Step 2: Input your valid credentials to access your account.
- Step 3: Select the ‘Track Application Status’ option.
- Step 4: Provide the ‘Reference Number’, choose your state, and click ‘Submit’.
The status of your application will subsequently appear on the screen. Additionally, you can track your status by calling the provided helpline number - 1950 from your BSNL mobile number.
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How to Download a Digital Voter ID?
The government provides electors with the opportunity to download digital voter ID cards through the National Voters Services Portal (NVSP). Here are the steps to download a digital voter card:
- Step 1: Visit the National Voters Services Portal (NVSP) website.
- Step 2: Log in by entering your valid credentials or register on the site if you haven't already done so.
- Step 3: Locate and click on the ‘E-EPIC Download’ tab displayed on the homepage.
- Step 4: Choose either the ‘EPIC No.’ or ‘Form Reference no.’ option.
- Step 5: Enter the EPIC number or the form reference number provided during the form submission.
- Step 6: Select your state and click the ‘Search’ button.
- Step 7: Your Voter ID details will appear on the screen. Click on the ‘Send OTP’ button. Note that your mobile number must be up-to-date on the portal to receive the OTP. You can update your mobile number by completing ‘Form 8’ on the NVSP website.
- Step 8: Input the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and click on ‘Verify’.
- Step 9: Upon successful verification of the OTP, proceed to click on the ‘Download e-EPIC’ button.
Related FAQs
- Are EPIC numbers and digital voter numbers alike?
Yes, both the EPIC number and digital voter number share similarities. Individual voters must access the NVSP portal to download their digital voter ID card online.
- Is it possible to associate my mobile number with a digital voter ID card?
Indeed, you can link your mobile number with a digital voter ID card by sending an SMS to either 51969 or 166, including your Aadhaar number and ID number in the following format: 'ECILINK <SPACE> <EPIC No.> <SPACE> <Aadhaar No.>'.
- Which entity reviews the digital voter ID application?
The Booth Level Officer is tasked with examining the digital voter ID application and its accompanying details. Upon verification, all information is then updated on the official website.
