You can now easily correct a misspelled name on your Voter ID online. To do this, visit the National Voter's Service Portal and fill out Form 8. After filling in the correct name and uploading the necessary documents, submit the application.
How to Change Name in Voter ID: In India, a Voter ID card is not only essential for identification during voting, but it is also a recognized government identity document. It is required for many tasks such as opening a bank account, availing government schemes, applying for a passport, or buying a SIM card. In such a case, if your name is printed incorrectly on this card, it can cause problems in many places.
Now, the Election Commission of India has made the process of correcting a wrong name in the Voter ID digital and easier. You can correct it online from the comfort of your home, and this is also possible offline. Let's find out what the online method is, which form needs to be filled, and what documents are required.
What is Form 8 and why is it important?
The Election Commission has designated Form 8 to change information such as name, address, photo, or date of birth in the Voter ID. This form is used to correct your incorrect information present in the Electoral Roll.
You can fill it out directly from the National Voter Service Portal (NVSP) or the Voters ECI website. The link is: https://voters.eci.gov.in/
Step-by-step method to change name online
- Visit the official portal
Open a browser on your mobile or computer and go to https://voters.eci.gov.in/ website. - Select the Correction Option
On the homepage, you will see the option Shifting of Residence / Correction of Entries in Existing Electoral Roll. You will also find the Form 8 icon next to it. Click on it. - Verify with Mobile Number
You will be asked to enter your mobile number. Enter the number that is linked to your Voter ID here. After entering, an OTP will be sent to your mobile, which you need to enter to verify. - Fill in Voter ID Details
After OTP verification, you will have to fill in your EPIC number i.e. Voter ID card number. After this, your existing details will appear on the screen. - Select the type of correction
Now you will be asked what information you want to change. Select the Correction of Entries option. - Fill in the new name and submit the form
Now Form 8 will open in front of you. Here, fill in the correct name, other necessary details, and documents to upload. Carefully check all the information before submitting the form. - Note the Reference ID
After submitting the form, you will get a reference ID. You can use it to track the status of the application.
Necessary documents
For name correction, you will have to upload a scanned copy or clear photo of one of these documents as proof of identity and date of birth:
- Aadhar card
- Passport
- Driving license
- PAN card
- Bank or Post Office Passbook
- Water, Electricity or Gas Bill
- Birth certificate
- 10th or 12th certificate
Offline name change process
If you do not want to adopt the online process, you can also change the name by visiting the nearest Voter Registration Office. Fill Form 8 there and submit it along with a copy of the necessary documents. The Election Officer will complete the change process after verifying your application.
How long does it take to update?
It takes 2 to 4 weeks for the online name correction request to be updated. However, this time depends on the region and the functioning of the local election office. After the correction is complete, you may receive a new Voter ID card by post, or you can also download it digitally.
Things to keep in mind
- The spelling of the name should be according to all your official documents.
- The application may be rejected due to incorrect information or incomplete form filling.
- The documents uploaded should be clear and legible.
The process of correcting the name in the Voter ID has now become easier and more convenient than before. By filling out Form 8 and uploading the correct documents, you can do this work from home in just a few minutes. This facility not only saves time but also helps you in maintaining correct and updated information in the government identity card.
