A voter ID card, officially known as Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC), refers to an identification card issued by the Election commission of India to everyone who is an Indian citizen and has reached the age of 18. The primary function of a voter card is to allow the Indian citizens to cast a ballot in municipal, state or national elections. A voter card can also be used as an Identity proof which covers your name, address, age and other relevant details used for KYC, passport issuing etc.
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However, you may face hassles during elections or while carrying out any official purpose if your original voter ID card is lost or stolen. The Election Commission of India, in any such situation, issues a duplicate voter ID card to the concerned citizen.
What is a duplicate voter ID card?
In case, if your original voter ID card is lost, stolen or damaged, the Election Commission of India issues you a replacement card, known as a duplicate voter ID card. This duplicate voter ID card ensures that you continue to exercise your right to cast a ballot in the upcoming or current elections conducted at any level.
Conditions under which you can apply for a duplicate voter ID card
If you are facing the below mentioned circumstances, you are allowed to apply for a duplicate voter ID card.
- Lost voter ID card: If your original voter ID is lost, you are eligible to apply for a duplicate voter ID card.
- Stolen voter ID card: If you are sure that your original copy of voter ID card is stolen, apply for a duplicate voter ID card with the Election Commission.
- Damaged: If the original ID card is not in a usable condition due to wear and tear or water damage, you can apply for a duplicate voter ID card.
Documents required to apply for a duplicate voter ID card
Following are the documents and forms required to apply for a duplicate voter ID card:
- Copy of FIR: A FIR containing all the information regarding lost or stolen voter ID card is an important document if you want to apply for a duplicate voter ID card.
- Form EPIC-002: You can download this form from the official Electoral Officer’s website https://voters.eci.gov.in/ or you can also collect it from the nearest Electoral Office.
- Identity proof: Documents including Passport, driving license, PAN card, Adhar card and other documents issued by the government.
- Address proof: Utility bill, Electricity bill, Gas bill, Telephone bill and other documents to prove your current address.
- Passport: size photograph: Attach your passport size photograph with the application form for a duplicate voter ID card.
How to apply for a duplicate voter ID card?
You can apply for a duplicate voter ID card online as well as offline, as per your convenience. The following are the steps for both processes.
How to apply for a duplicate voter ID card online
Step 1: Visit the official website of your respective state electoral chief officer and download the EPIC-002 form from there.
Step 2: Fill in the form carefully with all the personal details such as name, address, age etc as asked.
Step 3: Attach all the relevant documents including copy of FIR, Identity proof, Address proof, photograph
Step 4: Review and submit the application. You will receive a reference number which can be used to track the status of your application.
Step 5: Once you submit, the representatives will work on your application and let you know when can you receive a duplicate voter ID card from the nearest Electoral Office.
How to apply for a duplicate voter ID card offline
Step 1: To apply for a duplicate voter ID, you need to visit the nearest Electoral Office to request and collect the EPIC-002 form from there.
Step 2: Fill in the form with your personal details as asked in the form.
Step 3: Attach all the required documents with the application form such as Copy of FIR, Address proof, Identity proof, Photograph etc.
Step 4: Revisit the same Electoral Office to submit the form and attached documents.
Step 5: Once submitted, you will be provided with a reference number to track the application status.
Step 6: After the verification of your application, you will be notified to collect the duplicate voter ID card from the Electoral Office.
How can you download a duplicate voter ID card?
Below are the steps you need to follow to download a duplicate voter ID card:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Chief Electoral Officer of your state.
Step 2: Click on ‘E-EPIC Download’ and choose ‘sign- up’ since you are a first-time user.
Step 3: Fill in information like mobile number, email address and captcha code as displayed on the screen.
Step 4: Click on ‘EPIC No’ and fill in the asked information such as voter ID number and state.
Step 5: By clicking on ‘Search’, you will find your voter ID details on the screen.
Step 6; Select the ‘Send OTP’ option and fill in the OTP to verify yourself. Once verified, click on ‘download e-EPIC’ to download your duplicate voter ID card in a pdf format.
The process to apply and download for a duplicate voter ID card is easier than you think, to freely cast a ballot in the upcoming elections apply for a duplicate voter ID card if the original copy is lost, stolen or damaged.
