A voter ID card is necessary for voting in elections and also acts as a verification of identity. As per RBI guidelines Voter ID Card is accepted as an address proof while doing KYC. Voter ID is also known as EPIC Card & it is identified by EPIC Number.
As an Indian citizen and a registered voter, you may be familiar with the EPIC Number. But what precisely is it, and why does it matter? If you’re puzzled about where to locate it on your Voter ID card, don’t stress! This manual addresses your needs. Let’s explore all the essential information regarding the EPIC number, including its location and steps to recover it if you’ve lost it.
What Is An EPIC Number?
EPIC stands for Electors Photo Identity Card. The EPIC Number is a unique 10 digit alphanumeric code assigned to every registered voter in India by the Election Commission of India (ECI). This number plays a crucial role in ensuring fair elections and verifying voter identity.
Why Is the EPIC Number Important?
- It serves as proof of identity during elections.
- Helps in avoiding duplicate voter registrations.
- It is required for voter verification when checking electoral rolls.
- Necessary for applying for corrections or modifications in your voter ID.
- Can be used to link voter ID with Aadhaar for transparency.
- Voter ID card is used as Address proof in the banks.
Where Can You Find Your EPIC Number?
Your EPIC number is printed on your Voter ID card. Here’s how you can locate it:
1. On Your Voter ID Card (Physical Copy)
Look at the top section of your voter ID you will find your EPIC Number. The EPIC Number is a combination of letters and numbers (Example: ABC1234567).
The EPIC number or Voter ID card number can be located on the front side of your voter card. An EPIC number on a voter ID card stores your voter ID information online. You can access the Election Commission’s website to retrieve your voter ID information using an EPIC number.
An EPIC number verifies your status as a registered voter in India. Your EPIC needs to be included on the electoral list or voter list to enable you to vote in the elections.
The EPIC number indicates that your voter identification details are stored digitally in a colored photo ID format. You can easily obtain this information via your DigiLocker account or download it in PDF format from the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP).
2. How to find EPIC Number Online?
If you can’t find your Voter ID card, you can retrieve your EPIC number online.
Steps to Find EPIC Number Online:
- Visit the National Voter Service Portal (NVSP) – https://www.nvsp.in
- Click on “Search in Electoral Roll”.
- A fresh page will appear. Choose either ‘Search by Details’ or ‘Search by Mobile’.
- Enter your details like name, date of birth, state, and district.
- Enter Captcha Code & Click “Search”.
- Your EPIC number will appear in the ‘EPIC Number‘ column alongside your voter ID information according to the registration in the electoral roll.
3. How to Use the Voter Helpline App?
You can also retrieve your EPIC number is by using the Voter Helpline App.
- Download the Voter Helpline App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the app and tap on “Search Your Name in Electoral Roll”.
- Enter your details.
- Your EPIC number will appear on the screen.
4. Get EPIC Number by SMS
You can also get your EPIC number through an SMS service provided by the Election Commission of India.
How to Get EPIC Number via SMS?
- Send an SMS in the format: EPIC <Your Voter ID Number> to 1950.
- You’ll receive a message with your EPIC number and other voter details.
What If You Have Lost Your EPIC Number?
If you have lost your EPIC number, don’t worry. Here’s what you can do:
1. Retrieve it Online
Follow the steps mentioned above via NVSP or the Voter Helpline App.
2. Contact the Local Electoral Office
Visit your nearest Electoral Registration Office (ERO) and provide your details. They can help retrieve your EPIC number.
3. Check Your Voter Slip
During elections, voter slips are distributed by election officials. Your EPIC number is printed on it.
4. Call the Voter Helpline
You can dial 1950 and speak to an official who can guide you.
How To Apply for a New Voter ID Card?
If you don’t have a voter ID yet, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit NVSP Portal
Go to https://www.nvsp.in and click on “Apply Online for Registration of New Voter”.
Step 2: Fill Form 6
Enter your details, upload a photo, and provide supporting documents (Age & Address Proof).
Step 3: Verification Process
An electoral officer will visit your residence for verification.
Step 4: Receive Your Voter ID
Once verified, you will receive your voter ID by mail.
How To Link EPIC Number With Aadhaar?
To prevent duplicate voter registrations, the Election Commission allows you to link your EPIC number with Aadhaar.
Steps to Link EPIC with Aadhaar:
- Visit https://www.nvsp.in.
- Click on “Link Aadhaar with Voter ID”.
- Enter your EPIC number and Aadhaar number.
- Verify details and submit the request.
How to Download Voter ID Card with EPIC Number?
Adhere to the straightforward instructions below to obtain the voter ID using the EPIC number:
Step 1: Navigate to the official NVSP website.
Step 2: Press ‘Login’. Input the mobile number, password, and captcha code, then press the ‘Request OTP’ button.
Step 3: Input the OTP sent to your mobile device and press the ‘Verify & Login’ button.
Step 4: Select the ‘E-EPIC Download’ option.
Step 5: Choose the option for ‘EPIC No’ or ‘Form Reference no.’
Step 6: Input the EPIC number or Form Reference Number, choose the state, and press ‘Search’.
Step 7: The Voter ID information will appear on the screen. Press the ‘Send OTP’ button. Kindly be aware that if your mobile number is outdated, the ‘Send OTP’ button will not appear. To change your mobile number, complete Form 8 on the NVSP Portal.
Step 8: Input the OTP and press ‘Verify’.
Step 9: Press the ‘Download e-EPIC’ button to obtain the Voter ID card.
How to Link Aadhaar with EPIC?
In today’s digital age, linking your Aadhaar card with your Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) has become crucial. This process ensures transparency in voter records and helps eliminate duplicate or fake voter IDs. Recently Government has taken a decision that every EPIC Voter Card should be linked with an Aadhaar card.
To link Aadhaar with EPIC, voters need to apply in Form 6B, either online or offline. Voters have the option to link their Aadhaar with their EPIC (Voter ID) through any of the following methods –
Using the National Voters Service Portal
- Go to https://voters.eci.gov.in/
- Sign in if you possess an account. If you don’t have one, set up an account.
- Upon successful login, enter your Aadhaar details – name, Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email address.
- Upon successful submission of the information, you can verify the Aadhaar details provided in these ways.
- With Self-authentication: Verify your Aadhaar through an OTP sent to the mobile number associated with your Aadhaar number.
- Without Self-authentication: If you lack a mobile number connected to your Aadhaar or cannot authenticate via self-authentication, you may upload a copy of your Aadhaar card.
- Upon successful authentication, your Aadhaar will be linked to your EPIC.
Using the Voter Helpline App
- Obtain the ‘Voter Helpline’ mobile application from the Play Store (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS).
- Select the Voter Registration option.
- Select the Electoral Authentication Form (Form 6B)
- Input your mobile number and press Send OTP.
- Confirm your mobile number by entering the OTP you received.
- Input your Voter ID to retrieve your Voter ID information and submit.
- Input Aaadhaar number, Mobile number, and Location, then Submit.
- Verify information and validate submission.
Conclusion
The EPIC number is an essential identifier for Indian voters, ensuring election integrity and voter identity verification. Whether you’re looking to find your EPIC number, retrieve it if lost, or link it with Aadhaar, the process is simple and can be done online. Keeping your voter ID details handy ensures smooth participation in the democratic process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I vote without an EPIC number?
Yes, you can vote if your name appears on the electoral roll, even if you don’t have the physical voter ID card. Carry another valid ID proof.
2. Can I find my EPIC number by name?
Yes, you can search for your EPIC number online using your name and other personal details on NVSP.
3. Is the EPIC number the same for life?
Yes, your EPIC number remains the same even if you change your constituency. However, if you apply for a new voter ID due to errors, the number might change.
4. Can I use my EPIC number to vote in another state?
No, your EPIC number is linked to a specific constituency. If you move to another state, you must update your address in the electoral roll.
5. How long does it take to get a new EPIC number?
If you apply for a new voter ID, it typically takes 2-3 weeks for processing and verification.
6. Can I download my voter ID card online?
Yes, you can download an e-EPIC (digital voter ID) from the NVSP portal.
7. What if my EPIC number doesn’t show online?
If your EPIC number isn’t showing, check if your details were entered correctly. If the issue persists, visit your local electoral office.
8. Is there any fee for getting a new EPIC number?
No, getting a new EPIC number is free of charge.
9. Can I change my EPIC number?
No, the EPIC number is assigned uniquely. If you need changes in your voter ID, you can request corrections, but the number usually remains the same.
10. Can I vote using only my Aadhaar card?
No, Aadhaar is not a voting document. You must have your name in the electoral roll or carry a valid voter ID.
