.gif)
.webp)
.svg)
Key Highlights
- 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.
How to File an Application Under RTI for Passport?
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.
What is the Application Fee for RTI for Passport?
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:
| For each page created or copies in A3 and A4 size papers | A fee of ₹2 is charged |
| For models or samples | The actual cost price is charged |
| For inspection of records | In the first hour, no fee is charged. Post which, fee of ₹5 per hour is charged. |
The RTI for passport fee applicable under Section 7, subsection (5) is:
| To receive the information on a floppy disc | A fee of ₹50 per floppy disc is applicable |
| To receive the information in print | A fee of ₹2 per page of the copy from the publication is charged |
When can you File an Appeal?
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.
Format for Filing RTI Application to Obtain Information
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
Importance of Filing an RTI for Passport
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
FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I file an RTI for passport online?
Yes, you can file an RTI for passport online.
When can I file an RTI for passport?
You can file an RTI for passport if you want to address any grievances; for example, if you haven't received your passport on time.
How can I file an RTI for passport with the Passport and Visa Division of Ministry of External Affairs?
You can make a written request to the Chief Public Information Officer, at passport offices, or through the official RTI Online Portal.
What is the application fee for filing an RTI for passport?
For filing an RTI for passport, an application fee of ₹10 is applicable.
How can I pay the application fee after filing an RTI for passport online?
If you are submitting the application online, you can pay the fee via internet banking, credit card, debit card, or other payment facilities available on the RTI Online Portal.
Is there any additional fee for any specific type of information provided under the RTI Act?
Yes. Additional fee is applicable for getting information under subsections (1) and (5) of Section
Is there a specific format for filing an application for RTI for passport?
Yes, there is a specific format for filing an RTI for passport. You can find the application format on the online portal of RTI.
I belong to the BPL category. Can I avail any waiver related to the RTI for passport application fee?
If you belong to the BPL category, you will be exempt from the application fee.
What documents do I need to file for an RTI for passport?
There are no specific documents required to file an RTI for passport. But if you fall under the BPL category, you must attach a copy of the BPL ration card along with the application letter to get the application fee waived off.
What is the provision for information related to passports under the RTI Act 2005?
Under the RTI Act 2005, any Indian citizen can request the passport office to disclose any information that falls under their right to knowledge.
The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.
