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Civic Rights

NRI Voter Registration

Register as an overseas elector on Indian electoral rolls using Form 6A: a step-by-step guide for NRIs.

Form 6A22 states coveredOnline processFree

Postal ballot not yet available

NRIs must travel to India and visit their polling booth to cast a vote. Postal ballot for overseas electors was approved by Parliament in 2017 but has not been implemented as of 2025. Registering now ensures you can vote if this changes.

Who can register

Indian citizens only (not OCI)

Constituency

Last Indian address (from passport)

How to vote

Travel to India + visit polling booth

Postal ballot

Not yet available for overseas electors

Minimum age

18 years on 1 January of the qualifying year

Your state (last Indian address)

Select your state to get the direct link to your CEO's office for constituency lookup and status tracking.

⚠ Some state CEO portals may be slow or inaccessible from outside India. If a link does not open, try an Indian VPN or use the ECI CEO directory for a full list.

How to register — Form 6A online

  1. 1

    Go to the National Voters' Service Portal: voters.eci.gov.in. Click 'Register as Overseas Elector'.

  2. 2

    Log in or create an account using your mobile number or email address.

  3. 3

    Select 'Form 6A — Application for inclusion of name in electoral roll by an overseas elector'.

  4. 4

    Fill in your personal details: full name (as in passport), date of birth, and Indian passport number.

  5. 5

    Enter the address of your constituency — this is your LAST permanent address in India (not your foreign address). Use the address printed in your passport or any previous voter ID.

  6. 6

    Upload scanned copies of: (1) passport bio-data page, and (2) current visa or residence permit for the foreign country where you live.

  7. 7

    Review the form and submit. You will receive a reference number by SMS/email.

  8. 8

    The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of your constituency verifies the application. Once approved, your name is added to the electoral roll. Status can be tracked on the ECI portal or your state CEO website.

Register on ECI Portal

Documents required

Indian Passport — bio-data page (page 1–2 showing name, DOB, photo, passport number). This is the only identity proof required.

Valid Visa or Residence Permit — copy of the current visa stamp or foreign residence card showing you are legally residing abroad. Any current visa type is acceptable.

No Indian address proof is required — the address from your passport or previous voter records is used.

No Aadhaar required — overseas electors are specifically exempt from Aadhaar-based verification.

OCI card holders cannot vote. OCI status is not Indian citizenship — OCI holders have obtained foreign citizenship. Only Indian citizens (holding a valid Indian passport) are eligible to register as overseas electors and vote in Indian elections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Information based on ECI guidelines as of 2025. Verify current procedures at voters.eci.gov.in before applying.