If your name is incorrectly printed on your Voter ID or there is a spelling mistake in your name in the electoral roll, you can request a Voter ID Name Correction through the Election Commission of India’s online voter services.
For correction of an existing voter registration, the applicable form is Form 8. The Election Commission of India uses Form 8 for correction of entries in the existing electoral roll, shifting of residence, replacement of EPIC and certain other voter-service requests.
A name correction is different from applying for a new Voter ID. If you are already registered as a voter and only your name needs to be corrected, you should use the correction process rather than submitting a fresh new-voter application.
What Is Voter ID Name Correction?
Voter ID Name Correction is the process of correcting an incorrect or misspelled name in your voter registration record.
For example, your correct name may be:
Rahul Kumar
but your electoral-roll record may show:
Rahul Kumr
or a different spelling.
In such cases, you can request correction of the existing electoral-roll entry.
The correction can be useful when your name is:
- Misspelled
- Incorrectly entered
- Different from your supporting document
- Incorrect because of a data-entry error
- Displayed incorrectly in the electoral roll or EPIC
The Election Commission’s Form 8 guidelines specifically provide for correction of entries in an existing electoral roll.
Which Form Is Used for Voter ID Name Correction?
Form 8 is used for correcting entries in an existing electoral roll.
The current ECI Voters’ Services Portal lists Correction of Entries under Form 8 and allows voters to request an updated or replacement EPIC where applicable.
| Requirement | Form |
|---|---|
| New voter registration | Form 6 |
| Voter ID name correction | Form 8 |
| Voter ID address shifting | Form 8 |
| Correction of existing voter details | Form 8 |
| Replacement EPIC | Form 8 |
| Deletion of voter entry | Form 7 |
If you are not registered as a voter at all, the process is different. You can read the guide on Voter ID Apply Online.
Who Can Apply for Voter ID Name Correction?
You can request correction if you are already enrolled as an elector and an entry relating to you in the electoral roll needs correction.
You should have your voter details available, particularly your EPIC number, and supporting documentation for the correction you are requesting.
The Form 8 application asks for the applicant’s name and EPIC number and provides a specific section for correction of entries.
Documents Required for Voter ID Name Correction
The exact supporting document depends on the nature of the correction.
The ECI Form 8 guidelines state that when applying for correction of an existing electoral-roll entry, the applicant should attach a document supporting the claim and mention the name of that document in the application.
Useful supporting documents may include an official document that clearly shows your correct name.
Depending on your circumstances, you may use an applicable document such as:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Birth certificate
- School or educational certificate
- Other government-recognised document showing the correct name
The important point is that the document should support the correction being requested.
Do not upload a document simply because it is available. Use a document that clearly establishes the correct information.
Voter ID Name Correction Online: Step-by-Step Process
The correction can be requested through the Election Commission’s Voters’ Services Portal.
Step 1: Visit the Voters’ Services Portal
Go to the official Election Commission of India’s Voters’ Services Portal.
The portal provides services for voter registration, correction of electoral-roll details, application tracking and other voter-related services.
Step 2: Log In or Sign Up
If you already have an account, log in using the available credentials.
If you are using the portal for the first time, complete the required registration process.
Keep your registered mobile number available because the portal may use mobile-based authentication.
Step 3: Select Correction of Entries
After logging in, select the option related to Correction of Entries.
The current ECI portal identifies Form 8 as the form for correction of existing electoral-roll entries.
Step 4: Select the Name Correction Option
Choose the correction option and provide the details requested by the application.
Enter your existing voter information carefully.
You may need to provide:
- Name
- EPIC number
- Mobile number
- Email address, where applicable
- Aadhaar information, where applicable
Form 8 specifically contains fields for the applicant’s name, EPIC number, Aadhaar details, mobile number and email information.
Step 5: Enter the Correct Name
Enter the correct spelling of your name exactly as it should appear in the electoral record.
Check:
- First name
- Middle name
- Last name
- Spelling
- Sequence of the name
- Language/transliteration, where applicable
A small spelling mistake in the correction request can result in the wrong information being retained.
Step 6: Upload Supporting Document
Upload the applicable document supporting your correction request.
The document should clearly show the correct name.
Make sure:
- The document is readable
- The name is clearly visible
- The document is not cropped incorrectly
- The uploaded file is in the accepted format and size
- The information matches your correction request
The Form 8 guidelines require a supporting document for a correction claim.
Step 7: Complete the Declaration
Read the declaration carefully before submitting the application.
You are responsible for the information provided in the application.
The ECI Form 8 guidelines state that the declaration must be truthful and that making a false statement in the declaration is punishable under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Step 8: Submit the Application
Review the complete application before submitting it.
Check your:
- Existing name
- Correct name
- EPIC number
- Supporting document
- Mobile number
- Other details
Submit the Form 8 application after confirming the information.
Step 9: Save the Reference Number
After submission, save the application/reference number displayed by the portal.
You can use the reference information to track the progress of your correction request.
How to Check Voter ID Name Correction Status
After submitting the correction application, you can track its status through the Election Commission’s voter services.
The ECI provides an application-status facility for voter registration and updating electoral-roll details.
You can also use the Voter Helpline App for voter-related services and registration updates.
For a detailed status-checking process, see Voter ID Application Status.
How Long Does Voter ID Name Correction Take?
There is no single processing time that applies to every name-correction application.
The processing period can depend on:
- Verification requirements
- Electoral-roll revision
- Supporting documents
- Local electoral office processing
- Any discrepancy in the application
- Verification by the concerned election officials
Therefore, submitting Form 8 does not necessarily mean that the corrected name will appear immediately.
You should track the application and check your electoral-roll details after processing.
How to Check Your Corrected Name in the Electoral Roll
After your correction request has been processed, check your name in the electoral roll.
The Election Commission states that voters can verify their registration through the electoral search facility and other voter services.
This is important because the electoral roll is the primary record for determining whether you are registered to vote.
If your name has been corrected in the electoral roll, the updated information should be reflected in the relevant voter records.
Does Voter ID Name Correction Change the EPIC Card?
If your correction application is approved, an updated or replacement EPIC may be issued according to the applicable process.
The Form 8 guidelines state that after approval for correction of entries, a new replacement EPIC is issued and the old EPIC is to be returned to the Electoral Registration Officer.
Therefore, do not assume that correcting the online record automatically means you should continue using an old card containing incorrect information.
Can I Correct My Name Without Changing My Address?
Yes.
If your address is already correct and only your name is wrong, you can request correction of the relevant entry through Form 8.
You do not need to request an address change merely because you want to correct your name.
Form 8 separately provides options for shifting residence and correction of entries.
If your address also needs to be changed, see Voter ID Address Change.
Can I Correct More Than Just My Name?
Form 8 is not limited to name correction.
It is used for correction of entries in an existing electoral roll and can cover applicable details that need correction.
The current Form 8 also provides options relating to:
- Shifting of residence
- Correction of entries
- Replacement of EPIC
- Marking as a Person with Disability
The specific correction options available should be selected according to the actual change required.
Voter ID Name Correction After Marriage
A person may need to update their voter records after marriage if their name has legally changed.
In such a case, the applicant should provide the appropriate supporting document establishing the corrected name.
Do not submit a name-change request based only on an informal spelling preference. The supporting document should substantiate the requested correction.
Voter ID Name Correction Due to Spelling Mistake
A simple spelling mistake is one of the most common reasons for requesting correction.
For example:
Correct: Neha Sharma
Incorrect: Neha Sarma
If your official document clearly shows “Neha Sharma”, you can use the applicable document to support the correction request.
Before submitting Form 8, carefully compare the name on the supporting document with the name you enter in the application.
What If Your Name Is Completely Different?
If the name in the electoral roll is substantially different from your correct legal name, the application may require stronger supporting documentation.
In such cases, make sure the document you submit clearly establishes the correct identity and name.
If the change is connected to a formal legal name change, retain the relevant supporting records.
The ECI requires the applicant to support a correction claim with an appropriate document.
What If Voter ID Name Correction Application Is Rejected?
If your correction request is not approved, first check the application status and any available remarks.
Possible issues can include:
- Incorrect information
- Insufficient supporting document
- Unclear document
- Mismatch in details
- Verification problem
- Duplicate or inconsistent voter records
Do not repeatedly submit the same application without understanding the reason for the problem.
If necessary, contact the concerned election officials or use the Election Commission’s grievance mechanism.
The ECI provides an online grievance system for voter-related complaints and allows citizens to track complaint status.
Common Mistakes in Voter ID Name Correction
Applying With Form 6
Form 6 is for new voter registration.
If you are already registered and only need to correct your name, use the applicable Form 8 process.
Uploading an Unrelated Document
A supporting document should establish the correct name.
Uploading a document that does not support the requested correction can create verification problems.
Entering Another Spelling
If your supporting document says one spelling but you enter another spelling in Form 8, the correction request may not produce the desired result.
Not Checking the EPIC Number
Enter the correct EPIC number associated with your voter record.
Ignoring the Electoral Roll
Do not check only the physical card. After the correction is approved, verify your updated information in the electoral roll.
Submitting Multiple Applications
If your first application is still under processing, avoid submitting repeated requests without a reason.
Instead, track the existing application.
Not Saving the Reference Number
Always save your application/reference number after submission.
It can be useful when checking the status or contacting election officials.
Voter ID Name Correction Checklist
Before submitting your Form 8 application, check the following:
- Existing voter registration confirmed
- EPIC number available
- Correct name confirmed
- Spelling checked carefully
- Supporting document selected
- Supporting document clearly readable
- Mobile number checked
- Aadhaar details provided where applicable
- Form 8 correction option selected
- Declaration reviewed
- Application checked before submission
- Reference number saved
Voter ID Name Correction Online vs Offline
The Election Commission provides online voter services, while prescribed forms can also be used through the applicable offline process.
| Online | Offline |
|---|---|
| Submit Form 8 through voter services | Submit the prescribed Form 8 through the applicable election office |
| Upload supporting documents | Provide supporting documents |
| Track application online | Follow the local election-office process |
| Convenient for applicants with internet access | Useful when online submission is difficult |
The ECI’s electoral services include online facilities for correction of entries in the electoral roll, while Form 8 is also available as a physical form.
What Is the Difference Between Name Correction and New Voter Registration?
This distinction is important.
| Name Correction | New Voter Registration |
|---|---|
| Applicant is already registered | Applicant is not registered |
| Form 8 | Form 6 |
| Corrects an existing electoral-roll entry | Requests inclusion in the electoral roll |
| Existing EPIC details are used | New registration is created |
| Supporting document for correction | Documents required for new registration |
If you already have an electoral-roll entry, do not submit a new registration application just because your name has a spelling mistake.
What If Your Voter ID Has the Correct Name but Electoral Roll Has the Wrong Name?
The electoral-roll entry should be corrected through the applicable Form 8 process.
The ECI specifically identifies Form 8 for correction of entries in the existing electoral roll.
After the correction is processed, verify both the electoral-roll information and the updated EPIC details.
Can Voter ID Name Correction Be Done Through the Voter Helpline App?
Yes. The Election Commission’s Voter Helpline App provides services for modifying existing voter registration details, including demographic corrections.
The app can therefore be an alternative to using the web portal for eligible voter-service requests.
Final Takeaway
Voter ID Name Correction can be requested when your name is incorrectly entered or needs correction in the existing electoral-roll record. For an already registered voter, the applicable form is Form 8, not Form 6.
Before submitting the request, check your EPIC number, enter the correct name carefully and provide a document supporting the requested correction. After submission, save the reference number and track the application through the Election Commission’s voter services.
Once the request is approved, verify that the corrected name appears properly in the electoral roll. Remember that your electoral-roll entry is particularly important because you can vote only when your name appears in the voter list.
For more practical guides on voter services and government documents, visit Sarkari Bakery.
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