Voter ID Cancellation for OCI Applications (UK Applicants – Mandatory Requirement Explained)
If you are a UK citizen applying for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, you must address your Indian Voter ID status before or during your application.
Many OCI applications are delayed or queried because applicants:
Still hold an active Indian Voter ID
Do not submit the mandatory Voter ID Undertaking
Assume cancellation is optional or automatic
This guide explains exactly what UK applicants must do, including the official undertaking required with every OCI application.
Is Voter ID Cancellation Mandatory for OCI Applications?
Yes. It is mandatory.
Once you become a British citizen, you are no longer eligible to:
Be registered on India’s electoral roll
Hold an Indian Voter ID (EPIC)
Under Indian law, only Indian citizens can vote.
OCI status does not restore voting rights.
As part of the OCI process, you must:
Cancel your Indian Voter ID, and
Submit a signed Voter ID Undertaking confirming compliance
Mandatory Voter ID Undertaking (Required for ALL OCI Applications)
Every OCI application must include a Voter ID Undertaking, even if:
You never voted
You lost your Voter ID
Your voter registration is inactive
You cancelled it years ago
This is not optional.
Official undertaking form (UK applicants)
You must complete and sign the official undertaking issued by the
High Commission of India London:
👉 Voter ID Undertaking PDF
https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/docs/174866933730052025_Voter_ID_undertaking.pdf
You confirm that:
You do not hold an active Indian Voter ID
OR you have applied for its cancellation
OR you undertake to cancel it if still active
⚠️ Failure to submit this undertaking can result in application queries or delays.
How UK Citizens Can Cancel Their Indian Voter ID
Option 1: Online Cancellation (From the UK)
You can apply online via India’s official voter portal:
Complete Form 7 – Deletion of Name
Reason: “Acquired foreign citizenship”
Upload supporting documents:
British passport
Naturalisation certificate (if available)
Old / cancelled Indian passport
This is done through the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP).
Processing times vary by constituency.
Option 2: Cancellation via Local Office in India (Through a Relative)
If online cancellation is not possible, you can cancel your Voter ID offline.
✔ A relative or representative in India can do this on your behalf
They can:
Visit the local Electoral Registration Office (ERO)
Submit Form 7
Provide copies of your documents
State the reason: foreign citizenship acquired
This is fully acceptable and commonly used by UK OCI applicants.
What Proof Is Required for OCI Applications?
Depending on your case, authorities may accept:
Proof of voter deletion application
Confirmation from electoral office
Signed undertaking (mandatory in all cases)
Some applicants are not asked immediately, but:
Queries can be raised later
Renewals can be delayed
Reissues can be flagged
Best practice:
✔ Cancel the voter ID
✔ Submit the undertaking
✔ Keep evidence
What Happens If You Don’t Cancel Your Voter ID?
Possible consequences include:
OCI application queries
Requests for additional declarations
Processing delays
Issues during OCI renewal or reissue
Even if an application is approved initially, future applications can be affected.
Common Myths (UK Applicants)
“OCI holders can keep their Voter ID”
❌ False — OCI is not Indian citizenship.
“It cancels automatically when I renounce Indian citizenship”
❌ False — voter registration does not cancel automatically.
“If I never voted, I don’t need to cancel”
❌ False — registration alone is enough to cause issues.
Our Advice for UK OCI Applicants
If you are:
You should address Voter ID cancellation early and always submit the undertaking.
This avoids unnecessary delays and last-minute queries.
Do UK citizens need to cancel their Indian Voter ID for OCI?
Yes. Once you become a British citizen, you are no longer eligible to hold an Indian Voter ID. Cancellation and a signed undertaking are required for OCI applications.
Is the Voter ID undertaking mandatory for OCI applications?
Yes. The undertaking must be submitted with every OCI application, even if the Voter ID was cancelled earlier or never used.
Can my relative in India cancel my Voter ID on my behalf?
Yes. If online cancellation is not possible, a relative can submit Form 7 at the local electoral office in India.
What happens if I don’t cancel my Voter ID for OCI?
Your OCI application may be delayed, queried, or flagged during renewal or reissue.