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Quick answer: Register at voters.eci.gov.in, log in with your mobile number and OTP, select Form 6 (New Voter Registration), fill in your details, upload your documents, and submit. Save the reference number you're given, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) will verify your details before your name is added to the roll and your e-EPIC becomes available.
Who can apply
Form 6 is for first-time registration, not for someone who already has an EPIC and just needs to update or correct details (that's Form 8) or has moved address (also handled through the portal's correction and transfer options). Broadly, you're eligible if you:
- Are an Indian citizen.
- Have turned 18, or will turn 18 on or before the qualifying date for the current registration cycle.
- Are ordinarily resident at the address you're registering under.
If you're close to turning 18, check the portal directly, the Election Commission has provisions allowing advance application ahead of your birthday in some cycles, and the exact rules have been updated in recent years, so it's worth confirming current eligibility on the official site rather than assuming.
Documents you'll need
| Requirement | Commonly accepted examples |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, driving licence |
| Proof of address | Aadhaar card, utility bill, rent agreement, bank passbook |
| Proof of date of birth | Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, Aadhaar (if it shows DOB) |
| Recent passport-size photograph | Uploaded digitally during the application |
Exact accepted document lists can be updated by the Commission from time to time, the portal shows the current list at the point you apply, so treat this table as a starting checklist rather than the final word.
Form 6: step-by-step online registration
- Go to voters.eci.gov.in and sign up or log in with your mobile number, email, and OTP verification.
- From the dashboard, select New Voter Registration (Form 6).
- Fill in your personal details: name, date of birth, gender, relative's name, and current address.
- Upload your identity, address, and age proof documents, along with a recent photograph.
- Preview everything carefully, small errors here are one of the most common causes of delay or rejection.
- Submit the declaration and note the reference/application number shown on screen (it's also usually sent by SMS).
Prefer paper over the portal? You can still collect a physical Form 6 from your local Electoral Registration Office or BLO and submit it in person, the process afterward (BLO verification, then inclusion in the roll) is the same either way.
What happens after you submit
Your application doesn't get approved automatically. A Booth Level Officer is assigned to verify your details, which sometimes includes an in-person visit to confirm your address. Once verification is complete and your application is approved, your name is added to the electoral roll and your e-EPIC becomes downloadable. You can follow this whole process using your reference number, see our guide on tracking your voter ID application status for the exact steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form 6 free to submit?
Yes. Voter registration through the Election Commission is free of charge, both online and through your local BLO. Be cautious of any third-party site that asks for payment to "process" your registration.
Can I apply for Form 6 if I've recently moved to a new city?
Yes, you register at your current, ordinarily resident address, not your hometown. If you're already registered elsewhere, the system generally handles removing the old entry as part of processing the new one.
How long does Form 6 approval usually take?
It depends on your state and how quickly your BLO can complete verification, commonly a few weeks, though it can take longer during a high-volume period like an active Special Intensive Revision.
What if I make a mistake filling out Form 6?
If you haven't submitted yet, use the preview step to catch and fix it. If you've already submitted and the mistake carried through to your final entry, you can correct it afterward using Form 8.
Do I need Aadhaar to register as a new voter?
Aadhaar is one accepted document for identity and address proof and can make verification smoother, but it isn't the only option, the portal lists several alternatives for each document type.
Can NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) register using Form 6?
NRIs generally register through a separate provision (commonly referred to as Form 6A) rather than the standard Form 6 used for resident citizens. Check the official portal for the NRI-specific registration path.