ECI allows voters without EPIC to vote with any of 12 alternative photo IDs
The Election Commission of India said on 10 October 2025 that, by a notification of 7 October 2025, electors on the roll who cannot show their EPIC may vote using any one of 12 alternative photo identity documents.
Summary
On 10 October 2025 the Election Commission of India (ECI) said it had issued a notification on 7 October 2025 allowing electors whose names are on the electoral roll but who cannot produce their Electors' Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to vote using any one of 12 alternative photo IDs, including Aadhaar, MGNREGA job card, photo passbooks of banks or post offices, health insurance smart cards, driving licence, PAN card, NPR smart card, Indian passport, photo pension documents, service ID cards, official ID cards of MPs/MLAs/MLCs and the UDID card. ECI issues EPICs under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 read with the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. EPICs have reached nearly 100% of electors in Bihar and in the 8 Assembly constituencies going to bye-elections, and new voters are to get EPICs within 15 days of final roll publication. Being on the roll remains a prerequisite to vote.
Key facts
- Notification
- 7 Oct 2025
- Alternatives
- 12 photo IDs, e.g. Aadhaar, passport, PAN, UDID card
- Legal basis
- RP Act 1951 read with Registration of Electors Rules 1960
- Coverage
- EPIC ~100% in Bihar and 8 bye-election ACs
- New voters
- EPIC within 15 days of final roll
- Condition
- Name must be on electoral roll
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under the ECI notification of 7 October 2025, how many alternative photo identity documents can an elector use if they cannot produce the EPIC?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 12
PIB: ECI's notification of 7 October 2025 permits electors on the roll who cannot produce their EPIC to show any one of 12 alternative photo identity documents.
Consider the following statements: 1. ECI directs the issue of EPICs under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 read with the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. 2. The UDID card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is one of the alternative documents allowed for voting. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: ECI is empowered under the RP Act, 1951 read with the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 to direct the issue of EPICs; the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card is among the 12 alternative photo IDs.