As an eligible Indian voter, having a valid voter ID card is crucial for exercising your democratic right. But did you know that you can now download a digital version of your voter ID card online? Yes, the Election Commission of India has made it possible to get an electronic Electoral Photo Identity Card (e-EPIC) from the comfort of your home. In this article, we will guide you through the simple process of downloading your voter ID and highlight its benefits.
What Is a Digital Voter ID (e-EPIC)?
A digital voter ID or e-EPIC is an electronic version of the physical voter ID card that you can download online. Introduced by the Election Commission in January 2021, e-EPIC is a secure, non-editable PDF document that serves as valid proof of identity and address.
The e-EPIC contains the same details as the physical card, including your name, photo, father's name, date of birth, address, and a unique QR code. This QR code is digitally signed by the Election Commission to ensure authenticity and prevent tampering.
Benefits of Downloading Voter ID Online
There are several advantages of having a digital copy of your voter ID card:
1. Convenience: With e-EPIC, you no longer need to carry your physical voter ID card everywhere. You can simply store the PDF on your mobile phone or upload it to DigiLocker for easy access anytime, anywhere.
2. Valid proof: The downloaded e-EPIC is legally recognised as a valid ID proof for voting and other official purposes. It is accepted at polling booths and for identity verification by various government and private agencies.
3. Instant access: Newly registered voters can download their e-EPIC immediately after their details are updated in the electoral roll. There is no need to wait for the physical card to arrive by post.
4. Free of cost: Downloading e-EPIC from the NVSP portal or the Voter Helpline app is completely free. You do not have to pay any charges for getting your digital voter ID.
5. Eco-friendly: You may lessen your carbon footprint and save paper by choosing a digital voter ID. It is a small step towards a greener planet.
Step-by-Step Process to Download Voter ID Online
Now that you know the benefits, let us see how you can download your e-EPIC in a few simple steps:
1. Visit the official NVSP website and click on "Download e-EPIC" under the Citizen Services section.
2. Log in using your registered mobile number or email address. If you have not registered on NVSP before, click on "Register" and fill in the required details.
3. After logging in, select the option to download e-EPIC using your EPIC number or Form Reference Number.
4. Enter your EPIC number or Form Reference Number and click on "Search". Your name and other details will be displayed on the screen.
5. If your mobile number is already registered, click on "Send OTP" to get a verification code on your phone. If not, you will need to complete the e-KYC process by linking your mobile number through a liveness check.
6. Enter the OTP received on your mobile and click on "Verify and Download". You will immediately download your e-EPIC PDF file.
7. For future use, save the file safely on your device or upload it to DigiLocker.
Alternative Ways to Access or Download Your Voter ID
Apart from the NVSP website, there are a couple of other ways to get your digital voter ID:
1. Voter Helpline App: You can download the Voter Helpline mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Log in with your registered mobile number and click on "Download e-EPIC" to get your digital card in a few taps.
2. Nearest Voter Facilitation Centre: If you experience any problems with the online download, visit the Voter Facilitation Centre that is closest to you and bring legitimate identification. The officials there will assist you in getting your e-EPIC.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While downloading e-EPIC is a straightforward process, you may encounter a few issues:
· Failed e-KYC: If your mobile number is not registered or the e-KYC process fails, visit your local Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) with valid ID proofs to update your records.
· Incorrect details: If you notice any errors in your downloaded e-EPIC, fill out Form 8 online or offline. You can track your application status on the NVSP portal.
· Login problems: For any technical glitches or login issues on the NVSP website or Voter Helpline app, contact the Election Commission helpline at 1950.
Important Things to Remember When Downloading Voter ID
Here are a few key points to keep in mind while downloading your digital voter ID:
· Ensure your mobile number is registered and linked to your voter ID by completing Form 8 or the e-KYC process.
· The e-EPIC PDF can be uploaded to DigiLocker or safely stored on your device. Avoid sharing it publicly on social media.
· The digital voter ID is valid only if your name is present in the current electoral roll. Check your name in the voter list before downloading e-EPIC.
· While e-EPIC can be used as ID proof for various purposes, some agencies may still insist on the original physical card. Keep your physical voter ID safe, even if you have downloaded the digital version.
Final Words
The digital voter ID or e-EPIC is a game-changer in the way we access and use our election ID cards. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can download your e-EPIC in a matter of minutes and use it as valid proof of identity. With the growing acceptance of digital voter IDs across India, it is a good idea to keep your e-EPIC handy on your phone or DigiLocker.
At Generali Insurance Company, we believe in making processes simple and convenient for our customers. Just like the ease of downloading e-EPIC, we offer a range of digital insurance solutions that you can access from the comfort of your home. From buying policies to filing claims, we have made every step online and hassle-free.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between a physical voter ID and an e-EPIC card?
A physical voter ID is a hard copy of your election ID card issued by the Election Commission, while an e-EPIC is a digital version of the same card that you can download online as a PDF document.
2. Can I download my voter ID without an EPIC number?
Yes, you can download your e-EPIC using your Form Reference Number if you do not have your EPIC number handy.
3. How can I link my mobile number with my voter ID for online access?
You can link your mobile number with your voter ID by filling out Form 8 online or offline. Alternatively, you can complete the e-KYC process on the NVSP portal while downloading your e-EPIC.
4. Is the downloaded voter ID valid as government proof of identity?
Yes, the e-EPIC downloaded from the official NVSP website or Voter Helpline app is legally recognised as a valid proof of identity and address for various purposes.
5. Can I download the voter ID from multiple devices?
Yes, you can download your e-EPIC on multiple devices using the same login credentials. However, make sure to save the file securely and avoid sharing it publicly.
