The Voter ID card works as proof of identity when casting votes in elections in India. However, there are times when these documents print the wrong data. The Election Commission of India is issuing a new PVC voter ID card to remove the errors digitally and make the card look presentable. Keep reading to learn the steps to apply and download this new card with ease.
What Is a PVC Voter Card?
The PVC voter ID card is the new version of the voter card. Initially, this card came in black and white colour and had a size of bank cards. The old version of the voter ID had a unique serial number, a hologram sticker, and the issuing authority’s stamped signature.
Due to the monochrome print, the voter’s photo wasn’t easily recognisable. The Election Commission of India has offered a facility to get a revamped coloured EPIC or colour voter ID to address this issue.
The Election Commission will issue this version of the voter card to individuals applying for rectification in their previous Voter ID cards.
Conversely, the ones who want the new version of the voter card have to bear an extra cost of ₹30. Individuals need to pay this amount at their respective city or district’s registration centre.
The EC also allows voters to download e-EPIC cards in PDF form. This removes the hassle of carrying physical copies of documents. They can simply download the e-version of voter cards on their smart device.
Let’s understand who is eligible to apply for a new colour voter ID card online and offline.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for Coloured Voter ID Cards?
Individuals aged 18 years or above are eligible to apply for the PVC voter card.
They can use this colour voter ID in general elections, provided their name is listed in voters’ lists. Recently, the Government has allowed the use of e-version of voter cards for upcoming elections in different Indian states.
Unlike the black and white printed cards, where the letters and pictures were unclear, the Polymorising Vinyl Chloride cards are precise and easy to read.
However, to convert their old voter ID card to a PVC voter ID card, individuals have to make an application first.
How to Get a New Colour Voter ID Card?
Following are the steps individuals need to follow to apply for a new colour voter ID card online.
- Step 1: Go to the official Election Commission of India Portal and select the “Download e-EPIC” option on the homepage.
- Step 2: Enter a respective e-EPIC number and a one-time password received on your registered mobile number
- Step 3: Complete this process by clicking on “Download Election Card Online”.
Alternatively, individuals can download their digital electoral card from the National Voters Service Portal by following the mentioned steps.
- Step 1: Register or sign in to your account on the NVSP website.
- Step 2: Next, enter Form Reference Number or EPIC Number
- Step 3: Complete this process by entering the OTP sent to your registered number and click on “Download e-EPIC”.
One can also apply for the new colour PVC voter ID card offline through MEE Seva or E-Seva offices. They must make payment of ₹30 to receive a fresh colour version of their voter ID card.
Online Steps to Download a Colour Voter ID Card
New electors registered during Special Summary Revision 2021 with a mobile number in E-roll, and general electors can apply for the latest version of voter card.
They have to visit either the Election commission of India portal or National Voters Service portal to proceed with colour voter ID card download online steps.
An individual can follow the mentioned steps to download the colour voter ID card from the EC portal.
- Step 1: A voter has to visit the official Election Commission of India Portal and select the “Download e-EPIC” option.
- Step 2: An individual has to enter a respective e-EPIC number and a one-time password sent to a registered mobile number.
- Step 3: Finally, click on the “Download Election Card” option.
Alternatively, individuals can download their digital electoral card from the National Voters Service Portal by following the mentioned steps.
- Step 1: Users have to register or log in to NVSP website.
- Step 2: They need to enter Form EPIC Number or Reference Number.
- Step 3: Complete this process by entering the OTP and clicking on download e-EPIC option.
Individuals can self-laminate this card for protection against dust and damage.
Now, let’s understand how to get new colour voter ID card application status or track application.
How to Track the Status of New Colour Voter ID Card Online?
Individuals can track their colour voter ID application status by following methods.
- Step 1: Individuals have to log in to the electoral CEO official website and select the ‘know the status of your enrolment application option.
- Step 2: Enter the application form number and other requisite details and click on “Search”.
- Step 3: The voter card number and E-Seva centre number will be visible after verification of voter ID card application.
Individuals can also track their application status by sending an SMS to the Electoral Commission.
- Step 1: Individuals have to find their voter ID application number
- Step 2: Send ‘EPIC’ and voter ID application numbers to the electoral officer of the respective state.
This is some vital information on PVC voter ID cards and the steps to download them. Individuals who are liable to vote and lack a voter card should make an application quickly.