How to Change/Correct Name in Voter ID Card

Monitoring elections of the largest democracy in the world is not an easy task for the Election Commission of India (ECI). Ensuring smooth elections and that all eligible voters have their names on the voter's list is an extensive job that has been allotted to the ECI. Given that India is one of the highly populated countries, with a population of over 1.2 billion and an enviable demographic, the number of people who are eligible voters in the country is sizeable. Since elections are a huge part of democracy, the ECI can't afford to make any mistakes in the details of the electors. Incorrect names and spelling mistakes can crop up and the ECI has measures on how to rectify such mistakes. Voters whose name has been misspelled in the voter ID or who wish to make any corrections in their name in voter ID can easily do so by following the online or offline procedure according to their convenience. Applicants can fill up the application form and then attach the necessary documents and they can send it to the electoral office of their respective states.

Detailed Steps for the Correction of Name in Voter ID Card

Voter ID cardholders who know that their voter ID card has incorrect information can change it online by following the steps described below:

• Log in to the official website of National Voters Services Portal.

• Navigate to the section titled "Correction of Entries in Electoral Roll".

• Click on the link.

• You will be redirected to a webpage with the link to several types of forms. Click on form 8 if you wish to make any changes/corrections in the voter ID.

• A new webpage will open where you can request for correction in the voter ID card.

• Enter these details in the form:

  1. State and Assembly Constituency to which you belong

  2. Name

  3. Part Number

  4. Serial Number

  5. Gender

  6. Age

• In the next step, you'll be required to provide the details of your family  and their voter ID Numbers.

• Enter your address.

• If you already have a voter ID card, then you can provide details like your card number, the date on which it was issued and the state and constituency where it was issued.

• After these details are filled, you will be required to upload the documents which support them. The documents include photograph, valid ID proof and valid address proof.

• In the next step, you will be required to choose the detail that you wish to modify; you may click on the tab which says 'My Name' to ensure that only your name is modified after the changes.

• Enter the name of the city in which you are residing.

• Mention the date on which you have requested to make the correction.

• Provide your contact information, mobile number and email ID.

• Manually verify the information that you have provided and click on Submit.

• ECI will verify the information and incorporate the changes if the information is accurate.

Online Procedure to Change or Correct Name in Voter ID Card

The ECI has introduced an online process to change or edit names in the voter’s ID card. The process is listed below:

• Visit the official website of CEO of your State.

• On the website, you can find online forms.

• Fill in Form 8. Form 8 is the form for application to change the name in electoral roll.

• After you have filled up the form, upload the required documents. For instance, you need to provide an official proof which validates your name to makes changes in your name.

• For correction in your name, you can upload a document where your name is spelled correctly such as your passport, aadhaar or PAN Card.

• Submit the form along with your documents online.

• A reference number is generated.

• You can use the reference number to track your application online.

• After submission, your application will be processed and the electoral authorities will verify the information.

• If the verification is rendered successful, you will be receiving a notification.

• After your details are verified, you can collect your voter ID card from the nearest electoral office.

Application Form for Change or Correction of Name in Voter ID Card

You can change/correct your name by submitting a form along with other relevant documents. The form that is required to be submitted is Form 8 which can be downloaded easily from the CEO's website. It is available in all the electoral offices in the country. You can also fill up the form and submit it online on the official website of the CEO of your state/Union Territory. You must provide the information like your name and contact details, your voter ID number and details of the constituency. You must submit documents that validate your change/correction of your name.

In How Many Days Does Voter ID Card Get Corrected Through Form 8?

Form 8 is used to make corrections in the particular details in the electoral roll. After downloading the application form, you can make changes in your name and then submit it either to the nearest electoral officer or the official website of the CEO of your state. You will be able to see the changes when the election commission releases the updated voters' list.

Reason for Change/Correct Name in Voter ID

Voter ID can be used for many purposes apart from casting a vote. The primary aim of the voter ID is to serve as an identification proof for the cardholder. It can be used as a proof of address as well. Due to the multiple uses of voter ID, it becomes essential for people to keep it updated. The reasons for changing/correcting name in the voter ID card could be:

• An error could creep in while an individual is filling up the application form manually. You must get your name rectified if your name is misspelled or incorrect since voter ID is considered to be a vital identification document.

• Individuals may choose to change their names and update the voter ID with the new name. Instead of applying for new voter ID it's easier for an individual to submit Form 8 to the electoral office.