How to register as a voter in India
You cannot vote unless you are on the electoral roll for your area. Registration is free, and the Election Commission offers both an online and an offline route.
By the Janadesh Online editorial team. Facts last checked against the sources below on 25 September 2026.
Who is eligible
- A citizen of India
- At least 18 years old on a qualifying date
- An ordinary resident of the polling area where you want to enrol
- Not disqualified from voting
- 1 January
Turn 18 on or before this date to qualify.
- 1 April
Second qualifying date.
- 1 July
Third qualifying date.
- 1 October
Fourth qualifying date.
Online or offline: two routes
- Form 6 on the Voters' Services Portal, or on the Voter Helpline App
- NRIs use Form 6A on the same portal
- Check your name first at electoralsearch.in
- Fill in two copies of Form 6, available free from the Electoral Registration Officer or your Booth Level Officer
- Submit in person or by post to the Electoral Registration Officer, or hand it to your BLO
- Helpline: 1950
General voters apply through the Voters' Services Portal or the Voter Helpline App. Indian citizens living abroad (NRIs) use Form 6A.
Correcting or changing your entry: forms 7 and 8
- Form 7 is used to object to an entry or to request a deletion.
- Form 8 covers a change of residence, corrections to your entry, replacement of the voter ID card (EPIC), and marking a person with disability.
For a digital copy of your card, see the e-EPIC guide.
Check your name, and the deadline that matters
Search the roll at electoralsearch.in. The Election Commission says the voter list is continuously updated until the last date for filing nominations in an election, so you can apply even after an election has been announced, up to that date.
Once you are on the roll, see how to vote for what to carry to the polling station. Wondering about Aadhaar? It is optional for the roll: read the Form 6B explainer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age to register?
You must be at least 18 on a qualifying date: 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October of the year in which the roll is revised.
Which form do I use to register for the first time?
Form 6. Indian citizens living abroad (NRIs) use Form 6A. Both are available on the Voters' Services Portal, and Form 6 also on the Voter Helpline App.
Can I apply offline?
Yes. Fill in two copies of Form 6, available free from the Electoral Registration Officer or your Booth Level Officer, and submit them in person or by post to the Electoral Registration Officer, or through your BLO.
How do I fix a mistake in my entry or change my address?
Use Form 8. It covers shifting of residence, correction of entries, replacement of the voter ID card and marking a person with disability. Form 7 is used to object to an entry or request deletion.
Is there a helpline?
Yes, 1950. You can also look up your name at electoralsearch.in or on the Voter Helpline App.
Until when can I apply before an election?
The Election Commission says the voter list is continuously updated until the last date for filing nominations by candidates.
Sources
Janadesh Online is independent and not affiliated with the Election Commission of India. Rules and procedures can change between elections; the Commission’s own notices are the authority. Spotted an error? Tell us on the contact page.
