A voter ID card is an essential document for all citizens of India. Without it, one cannot cast one's vote and therefore loses the right to choose an elected representative.

On that note, let's get into the details of a voter ID card in Tamil Nadu, what are its uses, validity, and how to apply online and offline.

Let's start!

First of all, Tamil Nadu does not have a separate voter ID card from the rest of the country. It is the same card issued by the Election Commission of India. Here we will look at a few details regarding the voter ID card in Tamil Nadu. The features are the same nationally.

The function of this voter ID is to create an identification link between the voter and his/her name on the electoral roll. All citizens who are eligible to vote may have a voter ID card if they have applied for the same. There is no special card for Tamil Nadu, as the Election Commission issues this card.

Despite the use of this card at the time of voting, there are other uses. These are:

• Personal identity proof
• It helps to prevent fraudulent votes
• Moreover, it is used for identification purposes.

Your voter ID in Tamil Nadu is valid as long as you are living in the same constituency. If you have changed your address, then you need to change your voter ID card as well. You will need to be enrolled in the electoral roll of your new constituency. Therefore, it necessitates that individuals have a new voter ID card.

Here are the standard features of a voter ID card.

• Hologram sticker
• Serial Number
• Card holder's name, age, gender, photograph, parent's name, signature, residential address.

There are 3 significant benefits of a voter ID card. They are:

• The voter ID card acts as identity proof.
• Moreover, it helps you to cast your vote.
• Also, it allows you to register your name in a state where you are not domiciled.

The Election Commission of India allows for the online application of voter's ID card for citizens above 18. There are two processes by which you can apply for a voter ID card in Tamil Nadu. They are online and offline. We have shown the steps below.

Online Steps to Apply for Voter ID Card in Tamil Nadu

• Step 1: Visit the National Voter’s Service Portal and navigate to the tab for new voters to register.
• Step 2: Register yourself, filling the application form, and complete the other steps as directed.
• Step 3: Finally, hit “Submit” to finalise the application.

After completing the application, you can check the status of your application in the same account.

So that was how a new voter ID registration in Tamil Nadu takes place.

Offline Steps to Apply for Voter ID Card in Tamil Nadu

Here are the steps to get a voter ID card offline. 

• Step 1: Fill Form 6 available in the following offices -
  • Electoral Registration Officers
  • Assistant Electoral Registration Officers
  • Booth Level Officers.
• Step 2: Hand over this form along with all necessary documents to a Booth Level Officer of your polling area.

Partially-Online Steps to Apply for Voter ID Card in Tamil Nadu

You can follow the steps below for partially-online application for Voter ID card:

Step 1: Visit the official website of NVSP.

Step 2: Download Form 6.

Step 3: Fill in with accurate details.

Step 4: Submit it to the nearest post office.

Following is a list of documents required to avail a voter ID card -

• Latest Passport Size Photographs
• Proof of Residence (any one of the following)
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Bank Passbook
  • Passport
  • Gas bill
  • Ration Card
  • Water bill
• Copy of Proof of Age
  • Certificate of 10th grade
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Kisan Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Copy of Passport
  • Driving Licence
  • PAN Card
• Identity Proof (any one of the following)
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Bank Passbook with Photograph
  • Driving Licence
  • Pan Card
  • Passport Copy
  • Ration Card
  • SSLC Certificate
  • Student ID Card

Here are the eligibility criteria to get a voter ID card in Tamil Nadu.

• You must be an Indian citizen.
• You must be above 18 years of age.
• There should be a permanent address. Moreover, you should be a resident of the polling area where you want to be enrolled.
• You cannot be disqualified as an elector.
• Those who are financially bankrupt are not eligible for voter ID cards.

Here's how to download voter ID in Tamil Nadu.

• Step 1: Log on to the ECI Voter Portal or the National Voters’ Services Portal.
• Step 2: Register yourself using your email ID or mobile number for those not having an account.
• Step 3:  Next, log in and select the option to download Electronic Electoral Photo Identity Card or e-EPIC.

Your voter ID card will download after completing this process.

Here's how to track the status of your Tamil Nadu Voter ID card -

• Step 1: Log in to the National Voter's Service Portal.
• Step 2: Enter the Reference ID which you received at the time of Voter ID registration.
• Step 3: Finally, select "Track Status".

It will display your voter ID status.

So, with this easy guide, you can quickly get your voter ID in Tamil Nadu.

Time to vote, people!