Lost or Damaged Card? The “Replacement” Process Explained
The thing is, losing your Voter ID (EPIC) no longer means you’re barred from the polling booth. Basically, as of December 24, 2025, the Election Commission has streamlined the process for getting a duplicate card.
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Actually, while the physical “EPIC-002” form is still used for offline requests, the most efficient way to get a replacement in 2026 is through Form 8 on the official Voters’ Service Portal.
As a result, you can now apply for a “Replacement of EPIC” without any change in your existing details (let’s be real, avoiding the physical line at the ERO office is a major win).
And here’s the kicker. You don’t have to wait for the mail to have a valid ID.
Specifically, once your application for a duplicate is processed, you can immediately download an e-EPIC.
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Instead of a temporary slip, this is a secure PDF version of your Voter ID that is legally valid for voting and as a KYC document. In fact, the Election Commission’s Voter Helpline App now includes a “Digital Vault” where you can store this card permanently.
Consequently, even if you lose the physical duplicate, your digital identity remains accessible on your smartphone.
[Table: Duplicate Voter ID Requirements & Process 2026]
| Scenario | Primary Requirement | Submission Method |
| Lost Card | Copy of FIR + Form 8 | Online (voters.eci.gov.in) |
| Stolen Card | Copy of FIR + Form 002 | Offline (Local ERO Office) |
| Damaged Card | Original Damaged Card | Online/Offline |
| Download Only | Registered Mobile + EPIC No. | Voter Helpline App |
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In fact, the “Paperless” route is only possible if your mobile number is linked to your EPIC. The thing is, if you never registered a phone number, you’ll first need to complete an e-KYC process using “Face Liveness Verification” (essentially a selfie check) on the portal.
Actually, if that fails, you’ll have to visit your local Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) with a photo ID to manually update your contact info.
And then Y followed. Once the number is linked, the download takes less than a minute.
The thing is, there is a nominal fee for physical reprints. Basically, while the e-EPIC download is free, a physical duplicate card usually carries a fee of ₹25 to ₹30, depending on your state. Instead of a tidy wrap-up, remember that if your card was lost in a natural calamity (like a flood or fire), this fee is waived.
And then Y followed. You simply need to provide a declaration of the event. Consequently, whether you need a quick PDF for a bank account or a PVC card for the next election, the system is now faster than ever (those too)…
Also Read | Birth Certificate Name Correction: Step-by-Step Guide (2025-26)
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