Voter ID in Bihar: Eligibility, Documents Required & Application Process

A voter ID is one of the legally binding identity documents which certifies a person’s name, age, sex, address and other details crucial to identification of an individual. Voter ID card or Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), issued by the Election Commission of India to eligible individuals. The document empowers eligible individuals to cast their vote in assembly elections and this unique ID prevents electoral fraud and heightens the process's accuracy.

Like any other state, Election Commission permits individuals to register and apply for voter ID in Bihar card using both online and offline tools.

Keep reading this article to learn more about Bihar's voter ID information.

Before putting their name down for voter ID in Bihar, one needs to be:

• A citizen of India
• 18 years old on or before the qualifying date of the following year
• A resident of the polling constituency
• Not disqualified as a voter

Being an applicant, one must self-attest the below documents and keep them handy:

• Passport sized photographs
• Age proof: Birth certificate, Passport, Permanent Account Number or PAN Card, Aadhar Card, Driver's licence
• Address proof: Passport, Ration Card, Utility Bills, Aadhar Card, Driver's Licence

Following are the steps to apply for voter ID in Bihar online:

Step 1: Open the website of the National Voters’ Services Portal of the Election Commission of India.

Step 2: Click on the login button on the home page.

Step 3: On the next page, login using your credentials or register using your mobile number if you are a new user.

Step 4: After logging in, you will find multiple tabs. Proceed to fill up Form 6 to register as a new voter.

Step 5: Fill in all your details carefully.

Step 6: Either submit the filled form immediately or later, at your convenience.

Step 7: In this step, you have to upload crucial self-attested documents, such as age, address proof, and your passport-size photograph.

Step 8: You will receive a reference number to track voter ID card online application status in Bihar.

Step 9: The Booth Level Officer or BLO will verify all the entered details.

Step 10: Post verification, the voter ID card will be delivered to your mentioned address.

The steps to register for Bihar Voter ID using offline mediums are as followed:

Step 1: Visit your nearest electoral office in Bihar and register by filling out Form 6.

Step 2: Attach relevant self-attested documents, like birth certificate, passport-size photographs, and address proof.

Step 3: Submit the entire attachment via post or in person to the concerned office.

Step 4: Similar to the online process, the Booth Level Officer or BLO will go through all the submitted details.

Step 5: You will receive your voter ID at the earliest once the verification process is done.

Since the issuance process for voter ID in Bihar is crystal clear, check out the pointers on how to track your online application.

• Start by going to the National Voters’ Services Portal.
• Register as a new user or sign in using your credentials.
• Navigate to “Track Application Status”.
• Choose State and enter the form reference ID.
• At last, click on "Track Status" to observe the application details.

Once the application process of both online and offline mediums is clear, let’s proceed to the steps that one can follow to download the voter ID card online.

• Approach the National Voters’ Services Portal and either register or log in to the portal.
• Input the form reference number that has been given while applying.
• Enter the one-time password sent to the registered number.
• Finally, click on “Download e-EPIC” to download the voter ID card in a PDF version.

Voter ID card falls under essentiality. Hence, applying for it as soon as one becomes 18 is highly crucial. Following is a list that must be kept in mind while applying for it:

• Individuals should be calm and must not have any criminal record.
• One must submit relevant original documents to ensure a hassle-free, smooth process.
• If you are applying online, always proceed through a government website. Non-governmental websites can lead to fraud.
• Please ensure to enter all the correct details in the application forms. Kindly keep an eye on the spelling of names, date of birth, etc. In case of any mistake, their Voter ID card will carry the wrong information.
• Once you receive the voter ID card, ensure to go through the details to alleviate the hassle of rectifications.

The Voter ID plays a significant role in ensuring the democratic process in Bihar. It allows citizens to cast their votes and exercise their right to choose their leaders. The Election Commission of India has put in place strict guidelines to ensure the accuracy and validity of Voter ID in Bihar. Citizens should ensure that they have a valid Voter ID and participate in the electoral process to make their voices heard and contribute to the development of the state.