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.

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.

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.

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

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.