Voter ID Correction and Address Change 2026

Reviewed on: 2026-06-19.

If you already hold a voter ID card (officially called an Elector's Photo Identity Card, or EPIC) and need to fix something on it, Form 8 is the only form you need. This is distinct from Form 6, which is used only for fresh registration as a new voter.

Form 8 handles four situations on a single application form:

• Correction of entries, fix a spelling mistake in your name or your relative's name, update your date of birth, change your photograph, or correct any other particular in the electoral roll.
• Shifting of residence, update your address when you move, within or across constituency.
• Replacement EPIC, get a new voter ID card when the old one is lost, stolen or mutilated (without correcting any entry).
• Marking as Person with Disability (PwD), add a disability flag to your entry so you receive accessible polling facilities.

You may tick only one option per application. Sections that do not apply to you must be struck off.

[You spot an error / move to new address]
          |
          v
    Fill Form 8 (online at voters.eci.gov.in
    OR offline at ERO/BLO office)
          |
          v
    Attach supporting documents
    (address proof / correction document / photo)
          |
          v
    Submit to ERO of constituency
    where your NEW address is located
          |
          v
    ERO posts notice, 7-day objection period
          |
          v
    ERO decides application
    (typically within 30 days of receipt)
          |
          +--- Approved ---> New replacement EPIC issued
          |                  (return old EPIC to ERO)
          |
          +--- Rejected ---> ERO must record written reasons
                             |
                             v
                        Appeal / RTI for reasons

What you attach depends on the type of change:

Acceptable address proof documents include Aadhaar, passport, bank passbook, or utility bill. If you lack any listed document, name another official document in the blank space on the form.

Furnish your Aadhaar number for authentication of entries. If you do not have one, indicate this in the designated box on the form.

Online route (faster):

1. Go to voters.eci.gov.in and log in or register with your mobile number.
2. Select Form 8 from the service menu.
3. Fill in your EPIC number, the option you are selecting, and upload scanned copies of supporting documents.
4. Submit and note the reference number for tracking.

Offline route:

1. Download Form 8 from voters.eci.gov.in or collect a physical copy from your Booth Level Officer (BLO) or Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
2. Fill in Item I (your name, EPIC number, mobile, email, Aadhaar) and Item II (tick the applicable option).
3. Attach self-attested copies of supporting documents.
4. Submit to the ERO of the constituency in which your new or corrected address is located.

For shifting of residence: submit the form to the ERO of the constituency where your new address is located, not the constituency you are leaving.

After receiving your application, the ERO posts a copy with a public notice inviting objections for seven days under Rule 26 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. After this period, the ERO considers your application and any objections received.

Applications are typically processed within 30 days of submission. If approved, a new replacement EPIC is issued and you must return your old EPIC to the ERO immediately. If rejected, the ERO must record written reasons, which you can appeal.

Once approved, your new EPIC will reflect the corrected details or new address. Return your old EPIC to the ERO as required. If you applied online, you can download a digital copy (e-EPIC) from voters.eci.gov.in once it is issued.

If you move to a different address but remain within the same constituency, you may also use Form 8A (transposition of entry) to shift your name from one part of the electoral roll to another within the same constituency. Form 8A is available at the same portal and ERO office. If you are moving to a different constituency altogether, use Form 8 (shifting of residence).

• You cannot add a new name to the electoral roll using Form 8, that requires Form 6.
• You cannot delete someone else's name, that requires Form 7.
• You cannot use Form 8 to register as a voter for the first time.
• Making a false statement in the declaration on Form 8 is a punishable offence under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, with imprisonment up to one year, or fine, or both.

After submission:

1. Online: Log in to voters.eci.gov.in with your mobile number and check application status using your reference number.
2. Helpline: Call 1950 (toll-free, 8 AM to 8 PM daily) and provide your reference number to get a status update.

Yes. The online route at voters.eci.gov.in lets you fill Form 8, upload documents, and submit entirely online. You do not need to visit the ERO or BLO office. The new EPIC can also be downloaded digitally (e-EPIC) once issued.

Use Form 8 for correction of entries. Attach a self-attested copy of the document (Aadhaar, PAN, school certificate) showing the correct spelling. The ERO will verify and correct the entry in the roll. A new EPIC with the corrected name will then be issued.

Yes. Shifting of residence, whether within a state or across states, is covered by Form 8. Submit the form to the ERO of the constituency where your new address is located. Your name will be deleted from the old electoral roll and added to the new one.

Yes. Tick the “correction of entries” option in Form 8 and check the photograph box. Paste a recent passport-size colour photograph (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, white background, unsigned) in the designated space on the form. A new EPIC with the updated photo will be issued on approval.

File an FIR or police report for the lost card. Then fill Form 8, tick the “replacement EPIC” option, and attach a copy of the FIR. Submit to your ERO. A replacement EPIC will be issued. You do not need to correct any entry if the details are all correct.

Address proof must be in your own name, or in the name of a parent or spouse already enrolled as a voter at the same address. Accepted documents include Aadhaar, passport, bank passbook with address, or utility bill. If you have none of these, you may specify any other official document in the blank space on the form.

The ERO is required to record written reasons for any rejection under Rule 26 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. You will be informed of the decision. If you believe the rejection was wrong, you may file an appeal or an RTI request to obtain the recorded reasons.

File an RTI to: the Electoral Registration Officer / District Election Office

• What is the current status of my Form 8 application (reference number: ___) and on what date was it received?
• If my application was rejected, what written reasons were recorded as required under Rule 26 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960?
• Has the objection notice period of seven days under Rule 26(3) been completed, and were any objections received?
• What is the timeline within which the ERO is expected to decide on Form 8 applications, and has this been met in my case?
• What is the procedure to appeal against a rejection order passed by the ERO?

→ Use our free AI RTI Drafter to generate a complete Section 6(1) application.

• Track ration card member addition status, similar offline-to-online government service with ERO-style local authority
• File a CPGRAMS complaint, if your ERO is unresponsive to a Form 8 application beyond 30 days
• Check PMAY-G beneficiary list, if a corrected address on voter ID affects your PMAY-G eligibility record

Voter helpline: 1950 (toll-free, 8 AM to 8 PM). Confirm availability on voters.eci.gov.in.

• Guidelines for filling Form 8, voters.eci.gov.in (official ECI guidelines PDF)
• Form 8 (English), Election Commission of India
• Form 8 description, ECI forms for registration in electoral roll
• Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, Indian Kanoon (Rule 13(3), Rule 26)
• Voter Services Portal, voters.eci.gov.in

By Dr. Shrawan Kumar Pathak