Moved to a new city for work?
Do you rent a room or flat away from home for work or study? You can register at only one address. This must be the place where you normally live. Use Form 8 to apply for an address change.
Open Form 8 on the ECI voter portalOfficial site: voters.eci.gov.in
Why tenants can miss voting
Many people rent a room or flat in another constituency for work. Their voter registration stays at their previous address. Travel costs and time away from work can prevent them from returning to vote.
In the 2019 general election, turnout was 67.4%. More than 30 crore registered voters did not vote. ECI identified internal migration as one of the main reasons for missed votes.
In December 2022, ECI proposed a Remote Electronic Voting Machine (RVM) for people who move within India. The proposal would let them vote for their home constituency from a remote polling station.
The cited announcement describes a prototype and consultation. It does not confirm an available voting service. Check current ECI instructions for your election before you plan to use remote voting.
Should you change your registration?
Change it if your normal address has changed
- You now normally live in this city for work or study.
- You plan to stay and want to vote where you live.
- Apply with Form 8 before the election deadline. Check your name on the voter list after approval.
Keep it at home if your absence is temporary
- Your home remains your normal place of residence.
- You are away for a short time and plan to return.
- Plan your travel to your registered polling station for election day. Ask your ERO if you are unsure which address applies.
Address proof for renters
Use proof for your new address. Form 8 permits some documents in a family member's name, subject to conditions. Read the form before you apply.
- Registered rent agreement
- Aadhaar card
- Current passbook from a nationalized bank, scheduled bank, or post office
- Water, electricity, or gas bill for the address (at least 1 year)
- Indian passport
- Land records, including Kisan Bahi
- Registered sale deed
Apply for an address change in 6 steps
Step 1
Find your voter registration
Search for your name on electoralsearch.eci.gov.in. Record your EPIC number.
Step 2
Log in to the voter portal
Go to voters.eci.gov.in or open the ECINET app. Log in to your account.
Step 3
Select the address change option
Select Form 8. Select Shifting of Residence, the option for an address change.
Step 4
Enter your new address
Complete the address fields. Upload your proof of address.
Step 5
Submit the application
Check the completed form. Submit the application. Save the reference number. A BLO may visit your address.
Step 6
Check the result
Track your application with the reference number. After approval, check your name on the voter list at your new address. Follow the ERO instructions for the replacement voter ID card.