How to File an RTI Application for a Passport?

According to the Right to Information Act, 2005, Indian citizens can request the Chief Public Information Officer (CPV Division, Ministry of External Affairs) in writing or online to release information that falls under the individual's right to knowledge.

In a similar manner, you may file an RTI application if you don't receive your passport on time or for other vital reasons.

If you want to know how to file an RTI application for a passport and associated crucial details, continue reading.

How to File an RTI Application for a Passport: Online & Offline Process

Go through the following instructions to know how to file an RTI for a passport -

Offline Process

You need to submit an application to the Chief Public Information Officer according to a specified format. Fill in the details, such as your name, residential address, contact details and other relevant information.

Online Process

Are you wondering "how to file an RTI for a passport online?"

Here's the procedure -

Step 1: Visit the official portal of RTI.

Step 2: Click on the 'Submit a request option' from the website.

Step 3: In the 'Guidelines for use of RTI online portal', click on the checkbox and choose 'Submit'.

Step 4: Then, select the department or ministry, to make an application.

Step 5: After the submission of the application, save the unique reference number for future use.

Step 6: If you are from the non-BPL category, select 'No' in 'Is the applicant below the poverty line?’

Step 7: Make a payment of ₹ 10 as per the rules.

Step 8: Find the RTI request application which is up to 3000 characters. However, if the text is more than 3000 characters, find it in the supporting document field.

Step 9: Select make payment.

Step 10: Finally, complete your payment.

This is all about how to file an RTI application for a passport.

Documents Required to File an RTI Application for a Passport

Individuals need to submit the following documents required for an RTI application -

Applicants falling under BPL category do not need to pay an application fee. However, they must attach a copy of the BPL or Antyodaya ration card along with the application letter. Also, they need to enter their BPL card number, issuing year, and authority.
For other applicants, there are no specific documents required to file an RTI. You may attach a separate sheet specifying the details of the information you need.

These are the minimal documents required for an RTI application.

What Is the Fee to File an RTI Application in Passport?

If you want to obtain information under subsection (1) of Section 6, you need to pay ₹10.

Additional Application Fees

Additional charges are applicable when seeking information under sub-sections (1) and (5) of Section 7. Take a look at the table to know the applicable rates -

Subsection (1) of Section 7

For creating each page or copied in A4 and A3 size paper	₹2
Samples or models	Actual price
Inspection of records	No fee is charged in the first hour. After that, ₹5/hour is applicable.

Subsection (5) of Section 7

Providing information in floppy discs	₹50/ floppy disc
Providing information in print	₹2/page of the copy from publication

Note - If an additional application fee is applicable, the CPIO will inform you about the same via the RTI portal. You can see it under "Status Report'' or in your email.

What Are the Modes of Payment for RTI Application Fees?

As an applicant, you can opt for any of the following modes of payment -

Offline

In case you are submitting an RTI application in writing, the following modes of payment are:

Cash
Demand Draft
Bank's Cheque
Indian Postal Order

Online

In an online application, you can pay via -

Internet Banking (State Bank Of India and other associated banks)
Debit or Credit Card

How Much Time Does a PIO Take to Respond to an Application?

RTI Act guarantees that applicants will get the desired information within 30 days. If you do not get your desired information (as per the sub-section (1) or clause 3(a) of section 7) within the prescribed date or are not satisfied with the PIO's decision, submit an appeal to the Appellate Authority.

Details about CPIOs or First Appellate Authority (FAA) in the PSP Division

As an applicant, you need to submit your application in writing to the following Public Information Officers. The table showcases some of the names and other important information of the Central Public Officer and Appellate Authority.

Take a look:

Details about CPIOs in the PSP Division

CPIO (Name & Designation)	Telephone Number	Email ID
Shri A.S. Takhi - Director (PSP-Coordination & Vigilance)	23382658	dirpspc@mea.gov.in
Shri T. P. S Rawat - Deputy Secretary (PSP-I)	23070364	uspsp1@mea.gov.in
Shri K.K Meena - Under Secretary(Ops.)	23386786	dpo.ops@mea.gov.in
Shri Sahib Singh - (PSP-Admin and Cadre)	23073259	dpopsp4@mea.gov.in

Details about First Appellate Authority in the PSP Division

First Appellate Authority (Name & Designation)	Telephone Number	Email ID
Shri Prabhat Kumar - AS (PSP) & CPO	23387013 / 23384536	jscpo@mea.gov.in
Shri Ashok Kumar Singh - OSD(PSP)	23386064	dirpsp@mea.gov.in

Details About CPIOs and First Appellate Authority in Passport Offices

Here are some of the important information about CPIOs and First Appellate Authority in Passport Offices -

Details about CPIOs in Passport Offices

Public Information Officer (Name & Designation)	Contact Number	Email ID
Shri Balraj - Senior Superintendent	0183-2506251, 2506252, 0183-2502104/08	rpo.amritsar@mea.gov.in
Shri C.V. Ravindran - Senior Superintendent	079-26309103, 079-26309104, 079-26309118	rpo.ahmedabad@mea.gov.in
Shri Atul Kumar Saxena - Senior Superintendent	0581-2311874, 0581-2301027, 0581-2302031	rpo.bareilly@mea.gov.in
Smt. Evilin Daniel - Deputy Passport Officer	080-25706146, 25706100, 25706101, 25706102, 25706103	rpo.bangalore@mea.gov.in
Shri Devabrata Bhuiya - Assistant Passport Officer	0674-2564470 / 2563855, 0674-2564460	rpo.bbsr@mea.gov.in

Details about First Appellate Authority in Passport Offices

First Appellate Authority	Designation
Shri Munish Kapoor	Regional Passport Officer (Amritsar -143 001).
Smt. Sonia Yadav	Regional Passport Officer (Ahmedabad -380 006)
Mohammed Naseem	Regional Passport Officer (Bareilly -243 122)
Shri. Krishna K.	Regional Passport Officer (Bangalore -560 095)
Shri Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra	Regional Passport Officer (Bhubaneswar -751 012)

RTI application for a passport is an important step to address any grievances you face related to your passport. Additionally, the online application has made it easier to apply for the same. Remember pointers, such as how to file an RTI application for a passport and documents in mind to streamline the application process.

FAQs About RTI Application for a Passport

All

Can you track your RTI application status?

Yes. You can track your RTI application status on the official website of Passport Seva.

Enter your RTI reference number and select "Track" to check the application status.

Do you need to pay for the first appeal in RTI?

No. You don’t need to pay any charges for the first appeal in RTI.