How to Link Aadhaar with Voter ID (EPIC) Online — Step-by-Step Guide

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made it possible for citizens to voluntarily link their Aadhaar number with their Voter ID (also called EPIC — Electors Photo Identity Card). This initiative aims to clean up the electoral roll by removing duplicate entries and ensuring every voter is correctly mapped to a single constituency.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to link your Aadhaar with Voter ID online through multiple methods — the ECI Voter Portal, NVSP website, and the Voter Helpline mobile app.

Why Is Aadhaar–Voter ID Linking Important?

Linking Aadhaar with your Voter ID serves several purposes:

• Eliminates duplicate voter entries — Many citizens are registered in multiple constituencies. Aadhaar linking helps ECI identify and remove duplicates.
• Cleaner electoral rolls — Ensures only genuine, eligible voters appear in the list.
• Authentication at polling booths — In the future, Aadhaar-linked voter data may enable smoother identity verification during elections.
• Accurate demographic data — Helps ECI maintain up-to-date records including name, age, and address.

The linking is governed by Section 23 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, as amended. While the government has described the process as voluntary, it is strongly encouraged.

Documents You Need

Before starting, keep these ready:

• Voter ID card (EPIC) or your EPIC number (found on your Voter ID)
• Aadhaar card or your 12-digit Aadhaar number
• Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (for OTP verification)

Method 1: Link via Voter Portal (voterportal.eci.gov.in)

This is the most straightforward online method.

Step 1: Visit voterportal.eci.gov.in and log in using your mobile number and OTP.

Step 2: After logging in, click on "Aadhaar Number Collection" or the "Link Aadhaar" option on the dashboard.

Step 3: Enter your EPIC number (Voter ID number). The system will fetch your voter details.

Step 4: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.

Step 5: Click Submit. An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Step 6: Enter the OTP and confirm. You'll receive a confirmation message once linking is successful.

Tip: If your name or date of birth differs between Aadhaar and Voter ID, correct the discrepancy first. See our guide on how to correct Voter ID details online.

Method 2: Link via NVSP (nvsp.in)

The National Voter Service Portal also supports Aadhaar–Voter ID linking through Form 6B.

Step 1: Go to www.nvsp.in and register or log in.

Step 2: Navigate to Form 6B — this is the dedicated form for Aadhaar–Voter ID linking.

Step 3: Enter your EPIC number and Aadhaar number.

Step 4: Verify via OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.

Step 5: Submit the form. You'll receive an acknowledgement with a reference number.

Step 6: Track status using the reference number on the NVSP portal.

Method 3: Link via Voter Helpline App

The Voter Helpline app (available on Android and iOS) is the mobile-first option.

Step 1: Download the Voter Helpline app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Step 2: Register using your mobile number and OTP.

Step 3: Go to the "Aadhaar Submission" or "Feed Aadhaar Number" section.

Step 4: Enter your EPIC number and Aadhaar number.

Step 5: Verify with OTP and submit.

Step 6: You'll receive an in-app confirmation along with an SMS.

What Is Form 6B?

Form 6B is the official form prescribed by ECI specifically for collecting Aadhaar numbers from existing electors. It is used both online (through NVSP and Voter Portal) and offline (at BLO/ERO offices).

Key points about Form 6B:

• It requires only your EPIC number, Aadhaar number, and basic personal details
• It does not require any physical documents to be uploaded when submitted online
• If submitted offline, you can give it to your Booth Level Officer (BLO) or at the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) office
• The form is available for download at voters.eci.gov.in

How to Check Aadhaar–Voter ID Linking Status

After submitting your linking request, you can check its status:

1. Via Voter Portal: Log in to voterportal.eci.gov.in → Go to your profile → Check Aadhaar linking status.
2. Via NVSP: Visit nvsp.in → Track Application Status → Enter your reference number.
3. Via Voter Helpline App: Open the app → Go to "Track Application" → Enter reference ID.
4. Via SMS: Send EPIC <your EPIC number> to 1950 to check your voter registration details.

Note: Linking may take a few days to reflect after OTP verification. If it stays pending for more than 15 days, contact your local ERO.

What Happens If You Don't Link Aadhaar with Voter ID?

As of now, not linking Aadhaar will not result in deletion from the electoral roll. The Supreme Court of India has clarified that:

• Aadhaar–Voter ID linking is voluntary, not mandatory
• No voter's name can be struck off the electoral roll solely for not providing Aadhaar
• Citizens who do not wish to link can cite reasons, and their entry will be retained

However, if ECI identifies duplicate entries during the verification process, those specific duplicates may be flagged for removal after due process.

Deadline for Aadhaar–Voter ID Linking

The ECI has not set a strict final deadline for Aadhaar–Voter ID linking. The collection is an ongoing process conducted during electoral roll revision cycles. ECI periodically runs campaigns — especially before elections — encouraging citizens to complete the linking.

It is advisable to link at the earliest to avoid last-minute rush during election season.

Privacy and Data Safety Concerns

Many citizens worry about sharing Aadhaar with the Election Commission. Here's what you should know:

• Aadhaar data is used only for de-duplication — It is not stored permanently with your voter record in the electoral roll.
• Biometric data is never shared — ECI receives only demographic authentication confirmation from UIDAI, not your fingerprints or iris scans.
• Legal safeguards exist — The Aadhaar Act, 2016 (Section 29) prohibits sharing of core biometric data with anyone.
• No profiling — The linked data cannot be used to track voting patterns or political preferences. Voting remains secret.
• You can refuse — As the linking is voluntary, you can decline without penalty.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Related Guides

• How to Apply for Voter ID Card Online
• How to Correct Voter ID Details Online
• How to Apply for Aadhaar Card Online
• Complete Aadhaar Linking Guide — PAN, Bank, Mobile & More

Frequently Asked Questions

Is linking Aadhaar with Voter ID mandatory?

No, it is voluntary. The Supreme Court has upheld that no voter can be removed from the electoral roll for not providing their Aadhaar number. However, ECI strongly encourages linking to help clean up duplicate entries.

Can I link Aadhaar with Voter ID without a smartphone?

Yes. You can visit your nearest Booth Level Officer (BLO) or Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) office and submit Form 6B physically. You can also call the ECI helpline at 1950 for assistance.

What if my Aadhaar address and Voter ID address are different?

That's perfectly fine. Aadhaar is used only for identity verification (de-duplication), not for determining your constituency. Your voter registration constituency is based on your Voter ID address, not your Aadhaar address.

Will my vote secrecy be compromised after linking?

No. The linking is only for verifying identity and removing duplicate entries. ECI does not and cannot track how you vote. The secret ballot system remains completely intact.

How long does it take for Aadhaar–Voter ID linking to reflect?

Typically, the linking is processed within 3–7 working days after OTP verification. During electoral roll revision periods, it may take longer due to high volumes. You can track status via the Voter Portal, NVSP, or Voter Helpline app.

Can NRIs link their Aadhaar with Voter ID?

Yes, NRIs who are registered as overseas electors can link their Aadhaar with their Voter ID through the same online methods, provided they have an active Aadhaar number and access to the registered mobile number for OTP.