Voter ID Application for NRI (Non-Resident Indians)

Living abroad doesn’t mean losing your voice in India’s democracy. With a Voter ID, Non-Resident Indians can register to participate in elections from overseas.

This guide explains how to register an NRI voter in India, what documents are required, and how to simplify the application process by taking the perfect photo for your voter ID yourself.

Table of contents

• NRI voting rights & eligibility for Voter ID
• Documents required for NRI Voter ID application
• How to apply for a Voter ID online
• How to apply for a Voter ID offline
• Voter ID photo requirements
• Get a photo for a Voter ID application online!
• Indian ID Photo App
• Voter ID verification process for NRI
• What the EPIC number is and why it is important
• Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

NRI voting rights & eligibility for Voter ID

Who can vote as an NRI? Indian citizens living overseas who haven't taken citizenship in another country but hold an Indian passport qualify as NRI voters. NRIs can register to vote if they are abroad for reasons like studying, working, conducting business, or other purposes, but they must not hold citizenship in their country of residence.

Eligibility requirements:

• Must possess Indian citizenship.
• Must be at least 18 years old by January 1 of the year in which they register to vote.
• Must not have gained citizenship in any other nation, although they may have foreign residency or visa status.
• Must have an Indian address, as mentioned in their Indian passport.

The process of NRI electoral roll inclusion ensures that Non-Resident Indians are listed in their home constituency, enabling them to vote in person during elections.

Documents required for NRI Voter ID application

To obtain a Voter ID card, you need to submit the following NRI voter registration documents:

• A properly filled-out Form 6A for NRI voter registration which can be found online on the Election Commission of India's website.
• A recent colour photo that resembles passport-size standards.
• A self-attested copy of your valid Indian passport showing your personal details, photograph, address, and the page with your visa endorsement.
• Documentation proving your overseas residence or visa status. This can be a page from your passport or a visa showing your residency situation in the foreign nation.
• Attestation of documents: If you apply by mail from abroad, the photocopies should be certified by an official from the Indian Mission or Embassy in your country of residence. If you’re applying in person in India, self-attestation with the original documents for verification is sufficient.
• Any other documents requested by the local Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), such as extra proof of address or age, if specifically required.

How to apply for a Voter ID online

Applying for a Voter ID online in India is straightforward. Here's how:

1. Visit the National Voters’ Service Portal and either register or sign in.
2. Select “Form 6A” to apply for adding your name to the Assembly Constituency voter list if you're registering for the first time.
3. Complete the form with the required information.
4. Upload all necessary supporting documents.
5. Double-check your details and submit Form 6A through the portal.
6. You will receive a reference number to track the status of your application and check your overseas elector EPIC details on the portal.
7. Your application will be verified by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) and Booth Level Officer (BLO).
8. After successful verification, your name will be added to the electoral roll as an overseas elector.

How to apply for a Voter ID offline

Here's how to apply for a Voter ID in person:

1. Have your passport and other relevant documents attested by the Indian Mission or Embassy in your country of residence.
2. Visit the nearby office of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
3. Fill out the Form 6A with accurate information such as your full name, birthdate, address, and other personal details.
4. Attach the required documents to your application.
5. Apply:
   • If in India, submit the application and documents to the local ERO office.
   • If abroad, post the completed form and documents to the address provided on the Election Commission or respective State Election Commission website.
6. Receive an acknowledgment slip that allows you to track your application's progress.
7. A Booth Level Officer (BLO) may come to your home to verify your information.
8. After the verification process is complete, your name will be added to the electoral roll as an overseas elector.

Voter ID photo requirements

Make sure your submitted Voter ID photo adheres to these specifications:

• The photo should be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size.
• It must be a colour photo with a plain white background, free of shadows or objects.
• Your face should be centred and visible from the top of your head to your chin.
• Maintain a neutral expression while looking directly at the camera, with no harsh shadows or bright spots on your face.
• Wear simple, non-white, and plain clothing.
• Religious head coverings are allowed as long as your face remains uncovered.

Here is a photo example:

Get a photo for a Voter ID application online!

Streamline your Voter ID application process by having your photo done online with Visafoto. This service ensures your picture meets all the necessary requirements without needing a trip to a photo studio.

Just capture a picture of yourself according to the guidelines and upload it to our tool below. You don't need to worry about the photo's format, background, size, or dimensions - we handle all of that for you. Visafoto has been creating compliant document photos globally since 2013 and understands the specific requirements for passports, visas, driving licences, and other official documents.

Example of the picture you can upload to Visafoto:

You'll get a digital version for online submissions and a print-ready image as well. If you're unhappy with the result, we'll replace the photo free of charge. Moreover, if the picture doesn't meet official acceptance, we provide a full refund.

Indian ID Photo App

If you prefer apps, there's another effective tool for editing document photos: the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app makes creating ID, passport, and visa photos on your smartphone a breeze. Compatible with both iPhones and Androids, it's accessible to everyone.

With 7ID, just upload your photo and select the type of document and the corresponding country. The app automatically adjusts your photo to conform to official standards, ensuring correct size, format, background colour, and alignment of your face and eye line. You will receive a digital file along with a print template that matches standard paper sizes such as 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

Should you have any questions, our technical support team is available around the clock to assist you.

Voter ID verification process for NRI

Here's how the verification process works for NRIs applying for a Voter ID in India:

• On-site verification by Booth Level Officer (BLO). Once the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) receives the application, a BLO from the applicant's constituency in India will visit the Indian address mentioned in the passport for verification purposes.
• Confirmation from family or local contacts. The BLO may also seek validation of the applicant's details from family members or local contacts residing at the applicant's address in India.
• Alternative verification methods. If family members are unavailable or decline verification, or if the initial verification is unsatisfactory, the ERO may send the application and documents to the Indian Mission or Embassy in the applicant's country for additional verification.
• Final approval and registration. Once verification is successfully completed, the applicant is registered as an overseas voter, enabling them to cast their vote in person in their registered Indian constituency.

What the EPIC number is and why it is important

The EPIC number, or the Electors Photo Identity Card number, is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code provided by the Election Commission of India to every registered voter. It acts as a distinctive identifier linking a voter to their personal information, such as name, photo, constituency, and polling booth.

The EPIC number is crucial for voting in elections and helps verify voters' identities during the voting process. It plays a role in enhancing transparency and preventing voter fraud or impersonation by uniquely identifying each voter.

Is there an EPIC number for NRI voters? It's important to note that while regular resident voters receive an EPIC number, overseas (NRI) voters are registered without one. Instead, they can vote by presenting their original passport at the polling booth corresponding to their Indian address. NRIs can register as regular voters upon returning to India and establishing residency.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can NRIs vote online in 2025?

No, as of 2025, NRIs cannot vote online in India. They must be physically present in their designated constituency in India to vote during elections.

Do I need to be in India to get a voter ID?

No, NRIs do not need to be in India to apply for a Voter ID. They can apply remotely by filling out Form 6A on the Election Commission of India's website and submitting the necessary documents. While the application can be completed from abroad, voting must be done in person in India.

Is there a fee for applying for an NRI voter ID?

No, applying for an NRI voter ID is free. However, if you need to update or change details later, such as corrections or address changes, a small NRI Voter ID fee (like Rs. 25 or about USD 0.29) might be charged.

Can I update my NRI voter ID details from abroad?

Yes, you can update your NRI Voter ID details from abroad. The Election Commission of India allows NRIs to submit updates such as address changes, name corrections, or requests for a new Voter ID card by filling out Form 8. This process can usually be completed online via the state's Chief Electoral Officer website or the National Voters’ Service Portal, with verification handled through your country's Indian Embassy or Mission.