What is an EPIC Number in a Voter ID Card?

The voter identity card is a crucial document for every Indian as it is proof of citizenship. However, carrying this document can be risky as misplacing or losing this card can increase the chance of data theft.

The government has launched a PDF version of this card called Electors Photo Identification Card to remove this concern. Similar to the regular voter card, this digital card has a unique identification number.

Keep reading to learn more about the EPIC number and how to find it.

The EPIC number is a unique set of numbers and letters that prove an individual’s identity and citizenship.

It is a part of the portable document format of EPIC that can be used during the general election and to substantiate an individual’s address and age proof.

This EPIC number is similar to an electoral identity number in the old voter’s ID card version. With digitalisation, a new colour variant of voter cards is being issued by the Election Commission that can be downloaded and stored on smart devices.

A voter can also upload this EPIC card as a PDF on Digi locker or print and self-laminate it.

Let’s understand how to find EPIC number online and offline.

Individuals can find the EPIC number in voter ID card at the top right corner of the photo.

However, if an individual doesn’t have a voter ID card or have lost the card, they can get the EPIC number online.

The steps for the same have been mentioned below.

• Step 1: Visit the Electoral Commission of India website and click on ‘Electoral Search’.
• Step 2: Select the search by details option and fill in the required details.
• Step 3: Individuals have to enter the captcha code and click on ‘EPIC Number Search’.
• Step 4: A user can find a list of names displayed on the list underneath. He/she has to click on the view details option to find the EPIC number.

Individuals can download their e-EPIC voter card to check the unique identification number. They can log in to the Election Commission's website or NVSP website to download their colour digital voter card.

The steps to download an EPIC card via the Election Commission of India Portal are-

• Step 1: Individuals have to visit the Election Commission of India portal.
• Step 2: They have to select ‘Download e-EPIC’ on the homepage.
• Step 3: Enter e-EPIC number or Form 16 number and a one-time password sent to registered mobile number.
• Step 4: Complete this process by clicking on the ‘Download EPIC Online’.

Individuals can download their digital electoral card from the National Voters Service Portal and check the voter ID EPIC number by following the steps underneath.

• Step 1: Individuals have to register or log on to NVSP website.
• Step 2: They have to enter Form Reference Number or EPIC Number.
• Step 3: The steps will be complete after entering OTP sent to a registered number and clicking on download e-EPIC.

Individuals can download this document to confirm what an EPIC number in voter ID is.

Now, let’s check the benefits of having an EPIC number on a voter ID card.

Here is how one can utilise a voter ID EPIC number.

• Since the EPIC number is similar to a voter ID number, users don’t need to make a new card after changing a state or city. They can download this digital version by changing the address online.
• The EPIC number is unique, which authenticates an individual's identity. It can be helpful in banking procedures, buying a new SIM card, and other processes.
• Individuals can upload this digital voter card to cloud storage or save it in a digital locker, ensuring premium security. This, again, removes the hassle of carrying physical copies.

Hopefully, the above discourse on what an EPIC number is and ways to download it has helped resolve your doubts.

Individuals who have lost their old voter cards or have wrong data printed on the voter ID card should make an application for an e-EPIC card. This will help them get a voter card digitally and without delay. They can use the same in upcoming elections. In this regard, they should be aware of how to find an EPIC number online, as discussed above.