RTI Application for Passport - Process and Fee Structure

• Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005, an Indian citizen can request the passport office to disclose any information that falls under their right to knowledge.
• You can file an RTI for passport online by visiting https://rtionline.gov.in/ and following the given instructions.
• You can also file an RTI for passport offline by submitting the RTI application form with all the required details to the Chief Public Information Officer.

Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005, any Indian citizen can request the passport office to disclose any information that falls under the person's right to knowledge.To file an RTI for passport, you need to send a written request to the Chief Public Information Officer of Consular, Passport and Visa Division of Ministry of External Affairs.You can file an RTI for passport to address any grievances; for example, if you haven’t received your passport in time. In this blog, you will learn how to file an RTI for passport, what is the application fee for the same and more.

You need to follow the steps given below to file an RTI for passport online:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of RTI Online( https://rtionline.gov.in/ .
• Step 2: On the homepage, click on 'Submit a Request'.
• Step 3: Under the 'Guidelines for use of RTI online portal', tick the checkbox and click on 'Submit'.
• Step 4: From the drop-down menu, select the department or ministry for which you want to make an application.
• Step 5: After the application is submitted, a unique reference number will be generated. Save it for future use.
• Step 6: You will be required to make a payment of ₹10 as per the RTI rules.
• Step 7: The text for RTI request application should be up to 3000 characters. If it goes beyond the maximum character limit, the application can be uploaded as a supporting document in the respective field. This attachment must be in a PDF format and should not be more than 1 MB.
• Step 8: Click on 'Make Payment'. The online payment modes will be displayed and you can proceed to pay.

Offline Application

You can also file an RTI for passport offline by submitting the RTI application form in a specific format to the Chief Public Information Officer (CPIO). The application form must include your name, current residential address, and other details.

If the application is being submitted physically at the regional passport offices, the RTI for passport fee can be paid in cash or through a demand draft. The application fees can also be paid online via internet banking, credit card, debit card, and other payment facilities available on the RTI Online Portal.If you fall under the BPL (below poverty line) category, you are not required to pay the RTI for passport application fee. You'll just have to provide the necessary documents at the time of the filing of the RTI application.To obtain information under Section 6, subsection (1), you need to pay ₹10 as the RTI for passport application fee.Additional charges will apply if you seek information under Section 7, subsections (1) and (5).
The detailed fee structure for RTI for passport is specified below:

The RTI for passport fee applicable under Section 7, subsection (5) is:

You can file an appeal and submit it to the Appellate Authority if:

• You have not received a decision within the time that is specified under Subsection (1) or Clause (a) of Subsection (3) of Section 7.
• You are aggrieved by a decision of the Public Information Officer (PIO).

The appeal can be filed within 30 days of the above mentioned situations.

The format for filing RTI application is mentioned below:To,The Chief Public Information Officer/Public Information Officer CPV Division/Regional Passport Officer/Passport Officer:

• Full name of the applicant (in capital letters) as it appears in official records like a birth certificate.
• Father's/husband's name (in capital letters) as it appears in official records like a passport.
• Complete address as it appears in your passport and on other identity proof documents.
• Pin code
• Telephone number of your office, resident, mobile
• A copy of the BPL/Antyodaya ration card if you belong to BPL (below poverty line) category, to claim waiver of the application fee
• Details of application fee or additional fee
• Cash receipt/demand draft/cheque
• Name of the issuing bank/authority
• Amount in ₹
• Declaration

The application of RTI for passport is a crucial step if you want to address any grievances related to your passport. You can file an RTI for passport in a few simple steps either online or offline by paying a nominal amount as fee.Make sure that you fill in the correct information in the application form while filing an RTI for passport. Also Read: Lost your Passport while Overseas? Here’s what to do